More Top Stories
$12.9m approved for solar battery project, NZ confirms
12 March 2025
Crown Law Office on track for record number of lawyers
12 March 2025
‘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
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
Anxiety on the rise: Cook Islands faces mental health challenge
7 September 2024
MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
3 August 2024
National
MFEM reforms aim to prevent repeat of costly Sheraton project
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) has taken valuable lessons from the controversial Sheraton deal, reinforcing its financial policies and procedures to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.
Facebook group admin responds to police caution on posting personal IDs
The administrator of the private Facebook group, Rarotonga Community and Beyond, has clarified the group’s stance on posting personal identification items online, following a police caution about the potential risks of such posts.
Nukutere inducts 14 new prefects
Families, friends and loved ones of 14 Nukutere College students gathered together yesterday to celebrate their induction as newly-selected prefects for this academic year.
Te Ipukarea Society: ‘Embarrassing’ push from Cook Islands venture for deep sea mining regulation
Last week a group of eight deep seabed mining companies with exploration contracts in the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ) sent a letter to the President of the International Seabed Authority.
‘Generational curse’ of violence – Calls for action to protect children
A recent 14-year prison sentence for a convicted paedophile has prompted calls for increased community vigilance, parental responsibility and stricter measures to protect children from sexual abuse.
Community invited to celebrate Cook Islands’ 60 years with special airport events
The Cook Islands Airport Authority is thrilled to invite the public to a series of special events next week as we celebrate the nation’s journey of 60 years of self-governance.
Proposed passport to be discussed during NZ Foreign Affairs Secretary’s visit
The proposed Cook Islands passport will be one of the issues that Government officials will be discussing with New Zealand’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Bede Corry, in Rarotonga next week.
$541.7m tourism earnings
Visitor arrivals reached 170,315 last year, the second-highest number on record, just behind the 2019 peak of 171,550, contributing over half a billion dollars to the economy.
‘Experienced candidates’ apply for Cook Islands top cop role
A selection panel chaired by the Public Service Commissioner Carl Hunter is expected to be finalised to look into the recruitment of the new Police Commissioner.
NGO exceeds target, removes 15k crown-of-thorns starfish
Cook Islands non-governmental organisation Te Kōrero O Te ‘Ōrau has surged past its target of removing 10,000 taramea (crown-of-thorns starfish), a notorious coral predator, from the deep blue of Rarotonga.
Court news
Details of a man charged with indecent assault has been suppressed by the Cook Islands High Court.
Kiwi traveller robbed in Rarotonga has insurance claim denied
A New Zealand tourist’s beachside holiday in Rarotonga took a turn for the worse after his belongings were stolen and his travel insurance claim was denied.
Secondment on the table as Police struggle to fill roles
Seconding officers from other jurisdictions could be an option for the Cook Islands Police, who are facing recruitment challenges.
NES launches seabed minerals factsheet
The National Environment Service (NES) says it plays a crucial role in assessing and reviewing environmental matters associated with seabed mineral activities.
First 2025 cruise ship - tourists explore Rarotonga’s beauty
The first cruise ship for the year, Viking Sky arrived safely on Rarotonga’s shores yesterday, bringing over 800 tourists excluding the crew members to explore the island. Tour operators and businesses were seen lining up around the Avatiu wharf welcoming the tourists.
Trump’s climate pact withdraw no surprise, says Cook Islands Climate Change director
United States president Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement is no surprise, says Cook Islands Climate Change director Wayne King.
New Christian Movement plans to challenge Government
The recently established incorporated Cook Islands Christian Movement Inc (CICM) intends to challenge the government on the Crimes (Sexual Offences) Amendment Bill 2023, viewing it as a departure from the moral foundations that have guided society.
Cook Islands Catholic women to host World Day of Prayer pilgrims
The Catholic Women of the Cook Islands are geared up to host the visit of the World Day of Prayer (WDP) pilgrims on Sunday, January 26.
Young father on probation supervision
A 26-year-old father has avoided prison after he was sentenced to 18 months’ probation supervision for a domestic violence charge.
Tourist apologises after getting lost on mountain trek
A tourist who found himself stranded in a bush after a solo mountain trek has publicly acknowledged his mistakes and apologised to local authorities.
NCEA results reflects lack of creativity and ambition: Opposition
Opposition leader, Tina Browne has criticised government’s response through the Ministry of Education, regarding the NCEA dropping results saying it reflects a ‘worrying’ lack of creativity and ambition.
2024 sees hottest ocean temperature on record in Cook Islands waters
The Sea Surface Temperature (SST) around the Cook Islands reached a scorching milestone in 2024, with a record-breaking high of 29.5°C in March, marking the hottest ocean temperature ever recorded since 1970.
