More Top Stories
‘Nothing to worry about’: Prime Minister Brown on China agreement
16 February 2025
‘Serious questions’: Opposition challenges China partnership
15 February 2025
No-confidence motion against PM and his Cabinet faces delays
15 February 2025
Ruta Mave: People’s Republic of China red flag
10 February 2025
No debt in China deal
8 February 2025
Thomas Wynne: Haka with the taniwha or dance with the dragon?
8 February 2025
‘Paedophile’ gets 13 years in prison
22 January 2025
Thomas Wynne: Where were our leaders while children suffered?
25 January 2025
$541.7m tourism earnings
25 January 2025
Cook Islands passport proposal
6 January 2025
Top cop position advertised
7 December 2024
Police need numbers and bigger budget
9 December 2024
Niki Rattle: A call for stronger human rights protections
10 December 2024
Solid and Hazardous Waste Bill referred to Parliament committee
10 December 2024
DPM defends CIIC finance and travel policies
6 December 2024
Cook Islands has its first mosque
14 November 2024
CI Muslim opens up about her faith and journey
16 November 2024
RAC to address mosque legality
19 November 2024
I don’t expect much change: PM Brown on US Elections
6 November 2024
Fifth weekly Sydney flight to Rarotonga announced
23 October 2024
CIIC directors seek $350,000 in damages over defamatory claims
21 October 2024
Man found guilty of rape, burglary
24 September 2024
Tenants face water bill burden
8 October 2024
Concerns over Minister’s role in inmate work releases: PAC
5 October 2024
Tourism contribution set to surpass half-billion dollar mark
25 September 2024
Parliament Clerk sparks outrage over deep sea mining statement
23 September 2024
Deep sea dilemma: Cook Islanders weigh the cost of mineral riches
21 September 2024
Anxiety on the rise: Cook Islands faces mental health challenge
7 September 2024
Cook Islands deep sea mining poll sparks controversy
7 September 2024
MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
3 August 2024
Features
Church Talk: Battling our own storms of life
As I read this passage from Mark 4:35, these are the words of Jesus to his disciples: “Let us cross over to the other side”. It was a very busy week of preaching and teaching evidenced by miracles, healing, as well as casting out demons and raising the dead, writes Rev. Vakaroto Ngaro of Takamoa Theological College.
Marjorie Crocombe, Tavake of Enuamanu
Community spirit and literary enthusiasm filled the USP lecture room as a crowd gathered yesterday to celebrate the launch of a new book, Marjorie Crocombe – e va’ine toa, e rangatira, which honours the extraordinary life and contributions of Marjorie Tua’inekore Tere Crocombe (nee Hosking).
Vietnam war gun finds home at Cook Islands Returned Services Association
In recognition of the men and women from the Cook Islands who have served in the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), the Cook Islands Returned Services Association (RSA) have taken possession of the L5 Howitzer Light Gun now sitting at its entrance.
New book chronicles the legacy of ‘Pacific icon’ Marjorie Crocombe
A new book, Marjorie Crocombe – e va’ine toa, e rangatira, honours the extraordinary life and contributions of Marjorie Tua’inekore Tere Crocombe. It will be launched on Tuesday, 25 February 2025, at 11am at the University of the South Pacific (USP) Cook Islands campus. All are warmly welcomed.
Cook Islands’ China deal tests limits of NZ partnership
Cook Islands’ recent agreement with China has raised concerns about potential breaches of its Joint Declaration with New Zealand, with experts debating whether any breach is legal or merely political, depending on the extent of surprise and the details of the agreement, while also considering the broader context of shifting global power dynamics in the Pacific.
Apii Te Uki Ou prefects ready to lead
The newly inducted Apii Te Uki Ou student leaders were reminded to uphold the school’s values at all times and represent it with pride.
Church Talk: ‘The One God of Israel, Christianity and the whole world’
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life … I aroa mai te Atua I to te ao nei, e kua tae rava ki te oronga anga mai I Tana Tamaiti Anau Tai, kia kore e mate tei akarongo iaia, kia rauka ra te ora mutukore.” – John 3:16.
Cook Islands film ‘Stranded Pearl’ to reach global audience
A Cook Islands-made film will be featured at international film festivals in Japan and New Zealand, and has secured distribution deals for in-flight entertainment and streaming services.
Census reveals decline in Cook Islands Māori speakers in New Zealand
Despite a growing Cook Islands population in New Zealand, the number of Cook Islands Māori speakers is declining, raising concerns about the language’s future, and prompting calls for greater support for language revitalisation efforts.
Faith vs rights: Cook Islands debates declaring itself a Christian nation
Parliament is considering a constitutional amendment to declare the nation a Christian state, sparking debate about religious freedom, human rights and the separation of church and state, with various religious leaders and legal experts presenting their views to a special committee.
Church talk: Repentance is the cornerstone of Jesus’ message
Repentance holds a foundational place in the teaching of Jesus, marking the beginning of His public ministry. It was central to Jesus’ preaching because it addressed the fundamental human problem – sin, and prepared the people to receive the Kingdom of God, writes Bishop Reynaldo Bunyi Getalado msp of the Catholic Church.
Tereora College students treated to concert preview
Tereora College students cheered and rocked to a special preview by New Zealand artists, who entertained the school with a taste of what to expect at tonight’s LG Entertainment Rarodice Concert.
Pageant drama fails to dim Miss Cook Islands’ welcome
Miss Cook Islands Ngatepaeru Marie Maoate, who was placed fourth runner-up at the 38th Miss Pacific Islands Pageant held in Honiara, Solomon Islands, received a warm welcome from the Cook Islands community in New Zealand.
Rarotonga set to rock with inaugural Rarodice music festival
The inaugural “family friendly” Rarodice concert will feature a diverse lineup of talented artists from overseas, bringing their unique sounds and styles to the Cook Islands.
Miss Cook Islands wins fourth runner up at Pacific Islands 2025 pageant
Miss Cook Islands Ngatepaeru Marie Maoate was awarded fourth runner-up at the 38th Miss Pacific Islands Pageant held in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
Cook Islands, NZ reaffirm strong ties on Waitangi Day celebration
New Zealand and the Cook Islands commemorated Waitangi Day and the Cook Islands' 60th anniversary of self-governance on Thursday, highlighting their unique bond and dedication to navigating the future together through continued partnership and respect, despite issues surrounding the now abandoned proposed passport and the upcoming China agreement.
Prefects leading the way
Ten students from the Year 6 class of St Joseph’s Primary School were inducted as prefects yesterday during a beautiful opening of the school year and prefect investiture church service at St Joseph’s Cathedral, led by Bishop Reynaldo Getalado.
Church talk- Esther’s courage: Standing up for what is right
Have you ever wondered why the Lord has sent you to the earth at this time and placed in you in your particular circumstances? Kayla Kaimarama-Willie of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints writes.
Cook Islands to debut in NZ’s major BBQ fest
The Cook Islands Barbeque Alliance (CIBA) is thrilled to announce its participation in the highly anticipated Meatstock Hamilton 2025 festival, New Zealand’s biggest barbecue event, for the first time.
Cook Islands queen champions climate action
“Let us use our voices to tell the world, the Pacific is not just a dot on the map, it is a lifeline for millions and it must be protected.” This was Miss Cook Islands Ngatepaeru Marie Maoate’s message at the Miss Pacific Islands 2025 pre-pageant interview in Solomon Islands yesterday.
Coastwatcher honoured after 80 years
On a beautiful afternoon in the Ruatonga valley, a poignant ceremony unfolded as the ‘Last Post’ echoed through the gathering at the unveiling of a military plaque for a Cook Islands Coastwatcher.
Rarotonga tattoo artist warns of fake bookings, leaving tourists needled
A growing number of tourists are falling victim to fraudulent tattoo bookings in Rarotonga, with scammers impersonating local artists and collecting deposits through social media.
