More Top Stories
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’s 12 sitting days sufficient for business: Clerk
24 September 2024
Parliament Clerk sparks outrage over deep sea mining statement
23 September 2024
Parliament’s 12 sitting days sufficient for business: Clerk
24 September 2024
Tapaitau and Charlie-Puna released to ‘family jobs’
21 September 2024
Police apprehend four juveniles in connection with motorcycle thefts
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
Diaspora dismayed over lack of Te Maeva Nui livestream
8 August 2024
Everyone is a winner, says Culture
7 August 2024
Local women outshine global peers in business leadership
8 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
Cooks diaspora consultations in New Zealand
This week’s Cook Islands diaspora consultations in New Zealand have amounted to a shotgun approach to current affairs covering a variety of topics of national importance.
Cooks in plastics treaty negotiations
Heads of delegation for about 32 member states met in Glion, Switzerland, to share views and ideas in preparation for the fifth and final session of Intergovernmental Negotiations Committee (INC-5) to establish a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution, which will take place in Busan, Republic of Korea this November 2024.
Cook Islands named the world’s fastest-shrinking nation by CIA
Cook Islands has been named as the fastest-shrinking nation among 40 countries globally with a 2.24 per cent annual population decline, according to the data collected by the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
Island teams prepare for Cook Islands Games
Island teams have started fundraising for the Cook Islands Games that will be held from October 4–19, 2024.
Cook Islands discusses statehood with New Caledonia
Prime Minister Mark Brown met with President of New Caledonia, Louis Mapou, this week to strengthen support and discuss future collaborations.
Fishing community reels in success
Rarotonga has retained the annual Gary Parlour Wahoo Fishing Competition, now in its 27th year, as well as the Goldy Goldie/Ms Ben Mahimahi Fishing Tournament over the weekend.
Police probe serious rape allegation
Cook Islands Police are investigating a rape allegation and inappropriate sexual contact during the weekend labelling it as “serious incidents”.
CI Immigration set to launch online visa and permit system
Cook Islands Immigration is set to launch an online visa and permit application system, much to the relief of local businesses and visa applicants.
Cook Islands participate in regional conference on anti-corruption
Cook Islands Public Service Commissioner, Carl Hunter, joined over 400 delegates from across the region at the Australian Public Sector Anti-Corruption Conference (APSACC) held in Darwin, Australia, late last month.
Weather delays Vaka Marumaru Atua’s journey, Pukapuka suffers severe coastal damage
Vaka Marumaru Atua’s anticipated departure for Atiu yesterday afternoon was delayed until this morning due to unpredictable challenging weather conditions affecting the island.
Patient referrals on the rise
There has been a steady increase in patient referrals, primarily due to rising healthcare needs and the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases, according to a Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health report.
Renowned artist celebrates Cook Islands legacy with new exhibition
The “Godfather” of the Pacific contemporary art, Fatu Feu’u, has returned to the Cook Islands to work alongside a local artist and express his gratitude for the place that helped him launch his artistic career.
New president takes helm at Rarotonga Rotary
Every year Rarotonga Rotary hosts key fundraising activities dedicated to several projects in the community and nationwide.
TMO issues travel advisory amid global mpox outbreak
Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health has issued a travel advisory for residents travelling to African countries affected by mpox outbreak, while assuring the public that the risk to the Cook Islands remains low.
Two-year case concludes in guilty verdict
After more than two years, the excess breath alcohol case against Steven Kavana concluded with Justice of the Peace John Whitta finding him guilty and imposing a 12-month mandatory disqualification from driving.
Cook Islands and Marshall Islands discuss key regional issues
Prime Minister Mark Brown met with the President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Hilda Heine in the margins of the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, yesterday.
Female tattoo artist finds success close to home
Cook Islands female artists are thriving in the tattoo industry after overcoming several challenges over the years in what might be perceived as a male-dominated field, particularly in Polynesian culture.
Environment concerns halt hydro energy project at Sheraton redevelopment
National Environment Service (NES) has stopped work on a redevelopment project at the old ‘Sheraton Hotel’ site until an environmental impact assessment (EIA) is completed.
Kiwi’s 63rd Rarotonga return
An 82-year-old New Zealander is visiting Rarotonga for the 63rd time after falling deeply in love with the island during an accidental visit in the 1970s.
AGM to elect new executives for Tourism Industry Council
New executive members for the 2024-25 financial year will be elected at the Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council annual general meeting on Wednesday.
INTAFF holds consultations to update disability, aging plans
There are concerns for older persons who do not have family members to care for them and the lack of support for caregivers who are looking after family members in their homes.
Cook Islands enhances climate transparency with training
Climate Change Cook Islands staff participated in a weeklong Capacity-building Initiative for Transparency – Global Support Programme (CBIT-GSP) training workshop at the New Hope Church last week.
