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
National
Aircraft back in air after repair
The Hawaiian airline’s Airbus A321, which was grounded for almost two weeks, is finally back in the air and has returned to service after undergoing repairs.
Schools umu competition hailed a success, set to become annual fixture
The traditional slow steam cooking event not only retains nutrients and enhances taste, it brings together family, friends and the community, nurturing a sense of belonging and celebration while preparing and sharing a meal of soul food.
Opposition demands ‘full disclosure’ of Cooks-China deals
The Opposition demands full disclosure of the agreements Cook Islands government has signed with China, raising concerns about transparency, potential economic dependency and strategic influence.
PM accuses NZ media, experts of thinking ‘we are too dumb’
Cook Islands Prime Minister has hit out at the New Zealand media and experts for their ‘ludicrous’ and ‘ignorant’ perspectives on the Cook Islands’ recent deals with China, implying they view the island nation as ‘too dumb’ to understand the implications of its own decisions.
‘Not enough’: Opposition MPs call for more police funding
Opposition MPs have strongly criticised allocations in the $68 million Supplementary Budget, calling for greater prioritisation of the police force and less spending on government travel.
Protesters rally for new leadership amid no-confidence delay
A small group of women protesters, who supported last week’s rally against the government and its decision-making on key national issues, were out again with their placards, calling for new leadership.
Umu cooking: Embracing our cultural identity
Tauranga Vananga secretary Emile Kairua says that in today’s fast-paced world dominated by convenience foods and modern kitchen gadgets there’s something incredibly grounding and culturally enriching about teaching young people the art of cooking using traditional methods like the umu - the underground oven.
Home cooks showcase kuru’s potential at Takurua competition
The home cooks in the Te Mato Manava Turoto/Cook Islands Tourism’s “Takurua – Taste of the Season”, Tiopu Kuru (breadfruit stew) competition at the Punanga Nui Market on Saturday did not disappoint.
Corrective Services claims policies ensure transparency, accountability
The Ministry of Corrective Services secretary Teokotai Joseph has responded to the Public Accounts Committees Annual Review 2022-2023 recommendations, stating that they have policies in place to ensure transparency and accountability- preventing the misuse of power.
Cook Islands Police complete final safety training
Cook Islands Police Service completed its final round of training under the Officer Safety Pacific initiative, supported by New Zealand Police last week.
Sporting executive’s case adjourned
Sporting executive Romani Katoa who is charged in connection with the highly publicised property intrusion incident on Boxing Day 2024 has had his case adjourned to May 15.
Hosking reappointed as Secretary of Transport
John Hosking has been reappointed as the secretary for the Ministry of Transport (MOT) for a third term.
Police welcome financial support ‘if directed at staffing needs and operations’
Cook Islands Police Service welcomes any new or additional financial support, if directed at staffing needs and operations, says Police media and strategic advisor Trevor Pitt.
Humble kuru dish wins hearts at Taste of the Season Cook Off competition
Hundreds turned out to taste the delicious tiopu kuru (breadfruit stew) hearty meals prepared with love by our very own home cooks in the Takurua – Taste of the Season Cook Off competition on Saturday at the Punanga Nui Market.
Cook Islands eyes China investment in blue economy
Cook Islands and China have agreed to cooperate on blue economy investments, including new port wharves and deep sea minerals development, under a newly signed memorandum of understanding (MoU).
Schools spice up Takurua event with cultural challenges
Students, teachers and guests yesterday enjoyed the tender, flavourful vegetables, fish and meat, slow-cooked with the heat of hot river stones and infused with the fragrant sweetness of banana leaves, steam and smoke.
Repeat offender back behind bars
Recidivist offender, 23-year-old Lucas Kamana, has been sentenced to 16 months in jail for charges of burglary, joint burglary and contempt of court.
Hunter seeks shorter term as PSC head
Public Service Commissioner, Carl Sean Hunter, recently reappointed to his position, has confirmed that he requested a two-year term.
Te Ipukarea Society: Citizen science to guide turtle conservation
Turtles are an integral part of marine ecosystems, and the Cook Islands is home to a few species, including the endangered Green Turtle and the critically endangered Hawksbill turtles.
School roll swells, Apii Nikao inducts new prefects
Apii Nikao celebrated the induction of 20 student prefects, who will serve as role models and leaders, while the school’s enrolment has increased from 339 to 389 since January.
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.
