More Top Stories
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
ICI explains road works delay in front of old Sheraton site
10 August 2024
Housing crisis hits tourism industry
27 July 2024
MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
3 August 2024
Challenging ‘rape culture’
8 July 2024
National
Social Impact Fund awards $199,825 to 14 community projects
The Cook Islands Social Impact Fund approved 14 proposals totalling $199,825.20 from 21 applications, supporting community initiatives across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, with a focus on sports, wellness and youth development.
Christmas in the Park brings festive cheer to Rarotonga
Hundreds of locals, visiting families, and tourists gathered at the National Auditorium and Domes on Thursday evening for the annual Christmas in the Park event, hosted by Rotaract Rarotonga.
Racy Raro sports car has new life in New Zealand
A high-powered Mazda RX7 sports car which once languished in a shed near the beach in Rarotonga has found a new life in New Zealand as a drag racer, driven by a former Tereora College pupil.
PAC report criticises former Culture secretary’s financial oversight
The former secretary for the Ministry of Cultural Development “did not ensure” that there were strong controls in place and that careful judgment was applied when authorising six financial transactions of more than $12,000 of taxpayers’ money, states the recent Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report.
Minister Mokoroa defends Brisbane trip, emphasises youth commitment
Minister Vaine “Mac” Mokoroa has defended his recent trip to Brisbane, Australia, to attend a church youth conference, emphasising the government’s commitment to Cook Islands youth.
Deep Ocean symposium free to locals
Te Puna Vai Marama, the Cook Islands Centre for Research, and Te Ipukarea Society are co-hosting a research symposium focussed on the deep sea at the end of this month.
Environmentalists slam ‘premature’ seabed minerals harvesting regulations
Cook Islands has enacted seabed minerals harvesting regulations despite concerns about the lack of ‘meaningful consultation’ and the premature nature of the legislation, given that the exploration phase is still ongoing.
Concerns over Minister’s role in inmate work releases: PAC
The Public Accounts Committee is concerned with the Minister for Corrective Services’ authority to ‘influence or directly manage’ the release of inmates from prison, while the Minister denies these claims and maintains that all work release protocols are being followed.
Taste of the Cook Islands at biennial Games
Hundreds gathered at the National Stadium for the official opening of the 2024 Cook Islands Games last night.
Brown shares Vanuatu experience
Associate Minister for Health Te-Hani Brown recently attended a meeting in Vanuatu which she said was beneficial for Members of Parliaments from the Pa Enua as it provided exposure to medical equipment suitable for the outer islands.
‘We have achieved a lot with the little we've'
The Cook Islands’ FIRST Global Robotics team, the Cocobots, achieved a historic gold medal in the 2024 Alliance category, despite facing limited resources and competing against teams with years of experience.
Students dig deep into cultural roots
Students of Nukutere College who participated in the traditional umu making and string band competitions this week were grateful for the opportunities to connect more deeply with the lifestyles of their ancestors.
Education ‘got some problems’ but new initiatives offer hope
The active participation and commitment of all stakeholders, from government, principals, teachers, parents and the community, is needed for the growth and advancement of education in the Cook Islands, says the Minister for Education.
Small-time drug dealer gets two years in prison
A drug related case that’s been ongoing for three years has come to an end after Justice Colin Doherty sentenced the convicted ‘small time drug dealer’ to two years in jail.
Nukutere College students string together tradition and competition
Close to 200 Nukutere College students ended this school term on a high note, reviving some traditional practices and celebrating their culture.
Lewis calls for recognition of teachers’ role
The Ministry of Education is calling on the public to come together to celebrate World Teachers’ Day, acknowledging the pivotal role of teachers in shaping the nation’s future.
Rising bike thefts prompt rental company’s call for return of community policing
One of the most affected victims of the trending bike and scooter thefts across the island, who has lost six bikes through thefts, is calling for voluntary community policing to be re-introduced.
Rapist jailed for 10 years
A 33-year-old man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for raping and indecently assaulting a girl who was between the ages of 12 and 16.
Muri Environment Care Expo highlights ecological restoration progress
The inaugural Muri Environment Care Expo, concluding tonight, showcases the group’s efforts to preserve and protect their lagoon through ecological restoration activities.
Ministry of Internal Affairs celebrates women leaders in Pa Enua
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has congratulated the female candidates elected as mayor and councillors at the 2024 Island Government Election held in August, saying it is a blueprint for others in the region to learn from and aspire to.
Mitiaro completes Southern Group Island Council swearing-in
The last of the Southern Group islands to swear in their Island Council did so in true island style, according to a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister.
Pu Tapere for Maraerenga in dispute after second election
The recent election for the Pu Tapere (village leader) for Maraerenga has been marred by controversy and competing claims, with two individuals claiming the position after separate elections with differing outcomes.
