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.
Young artist paints a bright future
A 15-year-old artist is thriving and supporting herself with her God-given talent, which she has been using to earn money since she was nine.
Drug bust: Two kilos of cannabis seized in Aitutaki
Police are investigating a drug supply to Aitutaki after Cook Islands Customs seized over two kilograms of cannabis at Arutanga Harbour last week.
High Court halts Te Puka land dispute pending cost payment
The proceedings for the Nikao land – Te Puka against the Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) have been halted after High Court Justice Dame Judith Potter ordered a ‘stay order’ against applicant Ellena Tavioni and others, who are to pay $12,523.45 with a 10 per cent interest for previously dismissed matters.
Drug trial adjourned due to absent defence lawyer
The application filed by Crown Law to admit hearsay for accused Christopher Denny, Charles Tuakana Katu and Tui Mantangaro Tupa, who are facing drug-related charges, has been adjourned due to the absence of defence lawyer Mark Short.
Local electronics company claims regional reseller of the year title
A local company, CIPS Electronics/Jaycar, has become the first Pacific Island reseller company to win the Australia/New Zealand and Pacific Islands Reseller of the Year award 2023-2024.
CINYC and Family Welfare host Youth Day event
Young entrepreneurs are invited to be part of the International Youth Day event today at Te Are Karioi Nui (National Auditorium) Domes by setting up their own stalls.
Breach notice served over toa tree felling
A breach notice has been served to the construction company that cut down 10 ironwood (toa) trees at the Fruits of Rarotonga waterfront in Tikioki, despite the company’s claims of safety concerns and public benefit.
Cat sanctuary expands to educate public
Rarotonga’s cat population is believed to be decreasing drastically compared to two years ago, thanks to the Paws and Claws Sanctuary and its desexing programme.
Vairoa stream clean-up aims to protect community from floods
An effort to clean and realign the Vairoa stream in Ruatonga valley as well as reclaim neighbouring land eroded by torrential floods is well underway.
Water petition endorsed: ‘We’re one step closer to keeping our water free’
The ‘Keep Our Water Free’ petition opposing the incoming water tariffs has been endorsed and will be tabled on September 16, the Clerk of Parliament has confirmed.
Cook Islands, NZ hold critical talks
Prime Minister Mark Brown met with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon earlier this week in Auckland where the two discussed a range of bilateral, regional, and multilateral issues ahead of the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting to convene in Tonga at the end of August.
Vaka Paikea returns to Aitutaki
Vaka Paikea and its crew arrived in Aitutaki yesterday afternoon after departing Avarua Wharf on Tuesday afternoon for an overnight sail.
Young offender escapes jail time in high profile burglaries
A 20-year-old man, who was involved in two high profile joint burglary cases in Avarua, has been warned by the High Court judge, Dame Judith Potter that any future offending ‘will deserve no leniency’.
Man caught with cannabis during community service at Corrections Services premises
Ngatupuna Ngatokoono Teinakitama, 27, was ordered to pay a $500 fine and serve an additional four months of community service after being convicted of possessing cannabis – marijuana leaves.
Significant drop in mosquito breeding sites, finds Tutaka
Te Marae Ora (TMO) Ministry of Health’s Tutaka campaign has made significant progress in reducing the mosquito and pest breeding sites with the coordinator reporting that the nation remains safe from mosquito and pest-related diseases.
Public Health investigates online vape black market
Cook Islands Public Health is investigating possible ‘online black market’ activity following the discovery of three social media accounts selling banned vapes locally
Pa Enua heads to the polls
Over 2500 voters are set to cast their ballots in the Island Government Election tomorrow across the nine outer islands of Aitutaki, Atiu, Mangaia, Manihiki, Mauke, Mitiaro, Penrhyn, Pukapuka and Nassau and Rakahanga.
Cook Islands to celebrate 60 years with extended festivities
The Government has started planning for the country’s big celebration of the 60th Constitution Day next year, including the budget. The celebration is expected to be slightly longer than this year’s event.
Court orders forfeiture of motor- bike purchased with stolen funds
The Cook Islands High Court has ordered that the motorcycle that was purchased with stolen government funds by recently convicted former civil servants to be handed over to the Crown.
Amended charges expected in drug case
An amended charge list against Christopher Denny, Charles Tuakana Katu and Tui Mantangaro Tupa is expected to be presented to Justice Dame Judith Potter on Thursday.