More Top Stories
$541.7m tourism earnings
25 January 2025
‘Paedophile’ gets 13 years in prison
22 January 2025
Thomas Wynne: Where were our leaders while children suffered?
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
Rising seas, rising costs: Climate impacts on Cook Islands economy
2 September 2024
Inflation eases but concerns remain
31 August 2024
Prime Minister defends $659,000 MPs travel bill
23 August 2024
Taxpayers foot $659,000 bill for MPs travel and allowance
22 August 2024
Corruption report exposes ‘bribe and sexual favours’
17 January 2023
PM Brown eager to hand over Forum chair role to Tonga
13 August 2024
Challenging ‘rape culture’
8 July 2024
National
Cook Islands Tourism celebrates local changemakers
The 23rd round of Cook Islands Tourism’s Te Vaka O Ru programme, held in Aitutaki in December, recognised the exceptional contributions of local changemakers during the period of July to October 2024.
Te Tau Papa O Avarua on track for 60th Constitution celebrations
Te Tau Papa O Avarua project is progressing towards achieving several key milestones in stage one of the physical works.
Fishermen question fairness of Port Authority’s $50 monthly water fees
For the first time, fishermen operating out of the Avatiu harbour will be required to pay for water usage, a move driven by the newly established water tariffs set by the local water authority, To Tatou Vai.
Cook Islands strengthens maritime capacity at regional workshop
A multi-agency Cook Islands delegation participated in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) SMART-C Leadership Programme: Regional Workshop on the Implementation of IMO Instruments.
Ei katu helps cancer survivor shield loved ones
A New Zealand cancer survivor used the traditional Cook Islands headwear, ei katu, to conceal her illness from her elderly mother for 18 months, highlighting the emotional toll of cancer and the importance of support systems.
Police strengthen force amidst staffing challenges
Despite continuing to deal with challenging staff numbers, the Cook Islands Police are upskilling more officers.
Environment groups demand proper public survey on seabed mining
Local environmental groups are urging the Government to conduct a comprehensive survey to determine public support for seabed mining before further action is taken.
Committee reviewing water petition: Vainerere
The Bills, Petitions and Papers Committee is still working on its final report on the Keep Our Water Free Petition.
Minister Elikana cautions against limiting religious organisations
Minister of Foreign Affairs Tingika Elikana fired back at the Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) for Matavera, Vaitoti Tupa, on his suggestion to revisit the Religious Organisation Restrictions Act 1975 to further limit religious organisations in the country.
Cook Islands Government withdraws controversial Cryptocurrency Bill for ‘redrafting’
Cook Islands Government has withdrawn the Tainted Cryptocurrency Recovery Bill 2023 following widespread criticism and a recommendation from the special select committee to remove the controversial bill.
Aitutaki water crisis: Government and contractor clash over solutions
A local contractor and the government disagree on the best solution to Aitutaki’s water shortage, with the government favouring pump upgrades and the contractor advocating for additional water galleries.
Parliament to set 2025 sitting days amidst 2024 shortfall
The final Parliamentary sitting of the year will begin today with the presentation of several reports and public bills.
Mosque pin removed from Google Maps after ‘amicable’ dialogue with landowners
A Google Maps pin identifying a private home as a mosque in Rarotonga has been removed after an ‘amicable resolution’ between the landowners and the occupiers of the property.
New mammogram machine arrives next week, confirms Prime Minister
A new state-of-the-art mammogram machine is set to arrive in Rarotonga by next Friday, Prime Minister Mark Brown announced this at a Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation event on Saturday night.
Land and Lease: Unlocking subtle value drivers in the Cook Islands
Understanding the key factors that influence land values is essential for making informed decisions. By Jeff Tikitau Elite Management.
‘Rogue’ operator puts lives at risk
A group of tourists were put at risk by a turtle tour operator who took them out to Avaavaroa Passage in adverse weather conditions, prompted calls from stakeholders for stricter regulations on ‘rogue operators’.
Wearing soars to the top
It was an emotional roller coaster for 17-year-old Katee Wearing, who was named Tereora College Dux 2024 at the annual prize-giving ceremony on Thursday evening, held in the school hall packed with families and loved ones.
Court brief
The case of a man accused of raping a girl under the age of 12 has been adjourned to January 31, 2025, as he did not appear in the Criminals Court for his call over on Thursday due to extreme mobility issues.
SBMA commissioner resigns
The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) has announced the resignation of Alex Herman as Seabed Minerals Commissioner, ending a significant chapter in the authority’s history.
Survey reveals shocking domestic violence figures in Cook Islands
The 2014 Cook Islands Family Health and Safety Survey, re-opened by Cook Islands National Council of Women (CINCW), reveals alarmingly high rates of domestic violence against women across the islands, with physical and sexual violence being prevalent, particularly in the Southern Group Islands.
Paddlers honour friend with donation
The Dennes Boys Vaka Eiva crew from Australia has generously donated stationery supplies, sports equipment and t-shirts to Apii Takitumu in Matavera.
Tereora College honours top students
The sounds of drums and joyful cheers drowned out the pouring rain as over 700 students of Tereora College celebrated the end of the academic year with their annual prize-giving event on Thursday night.
