The 11 most popular stories on cookislandsnews.com this year ranged from the rugby stars marrying on Rarotonga to criminal acts that outraged our community.

Top of the list was a story about a stolen registration plate. The stories were ranked by Google Analytics.

1.Stolen rego plate seen on Facebook

The theft of a local vehicle registration plate, which appeared on Facebook in the hands of two New Zealand men, Jeremy Campion and Chris Hanley. The pair posted separate photos of themselves online posing with a spanner in one hand and Cook Islands registration plate ‘DABOSS’

2.Elderly woman attacked in home

An elderly woman was sexually assaulted in her home in Takitumu. To date the man responsible for this remains at large.

3.Will Killed

Koka Lagoon Cruise’s unga (coconut crab) affectionately known as ‘Will’, was found dead by his keeper, Papa Jack. The crab was limp in its cage with a leg pulled off and its outer shell almost ripped from the body.

4.Vaima destroyed by fire

The popular restaurant in Vaimaanga was reduced to a pile of twisted metal and scorched timber after a fire in May. The restaurant recently re-opened serving up great food in a great location.

5.40 million dollar bid to resurrect Sheraton

Two New Zealand companies have submitted a $40 million plan to restore an infamous resort once linked to the mafia and subject to a local curse.

6.All that is good about “island time”

Ruth Horton’s letter to the editor with her interpretation of “island time” as a returning Cook Islander put into perspective a lot of the good things we have going for us living on island time

7.Kidnapping in Rarotonga

A 39-year-old local man was arrested in connection with the kidnapping of a young girl in Rarotonga in May this year.

8.Rugby star marries in Paradise

Former All Black Sione Lauaki and his star-studded wedding party had heads turning on Rarotonga as we enjoyed an influx of sports stars and celebs to the island – including star choreographer Parris Goebel

9.Ani and Croc share artistic knowledge

Ani and Croc offered a small taste of their artistic knowledge through Cook Islands Tertiary and Training Institute’s Community Education Programme for anyone interested in learning more.

10.Cyclone Risk elevated

Regional weather agencies reported that we should expect ‘above average’ cyclone activity in the Pacific region. Around eight to 12 cyclones were expected in Southern Cook Islands this cyclone season.

11.Shipwrecked teen returns after 60 years

Stanley Mathurin of St Lucia in the Caribbean returned to Palmerston almost 60 years after being shipwrecked on Palmerston as a 16 year-old. Stanley was received into the home of the same family who hosted him 60-years ago. He even managed a visit to see Palmerston’s current oldest resident, Papa Joe, who he fondly remembers used to carry around an old kettle of homebrew with him.

A look at the most popular posts on the Cook Islands News Facebook site turned up similar results. Headlines that made the top 10 this year were:

1. Elderly woman attacked in home
2. Will killed
3. 40 million dollar bid to resurrect Sheraton
4. Cyclone risk elevated
5. Rarotongan carving fetches $1.5million
6. Ani and Croc share artistic knowledge
7. Rugby star marries in Paradise
8. Uncertain future for Nukutere
9. Luscious lips! Hongi pake! Hongi humaria
10. Job loss follows Atiu mayor’s conviction