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
Cousins bring cool treats
Tiki Ice Cream Café, the new ice cream shop located near the airport in Nikao, is offering a refreshing addition to the area’s food scene.
Government partners with communities to improve safety shelters
Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) in collaboration with Emergency Management Cook Islands (EMCI), a division in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), has announced the commencement of the Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme (RSSP).
PM: Free water for households
Government will not charge households for ‘reasonable’ water usage, assures Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Parliament cuts debate time to pass $328 million Budget
Parliament yesterday expedited the process to pass the $328 million 2024/25 Budget after only five half-days of debate on the appropriations.
Evans earns Masters and Honorary Doctorate
Renowned Cook Islands marine conservationist Jacqueline Evans had a double celebration recently – graduating from her year-long studies at Harvard University and receiving an Honorary Doctorate from the Université du Littoral Côte d'Opale (ULCO) in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France.
Te Ipukarea Society: TIS captivates students at Careers Expo with interactive activities
The 2024 Careers Expo took place last Thursday at the National Auditorium, featuring over 30 exhibitors. Government agencies, education institutions, private sector companies and non-government organisations, including Te Ipukarea Society (TIS), showcased what careers may look like in their respective fields.
Man with ‘urge to steal’ receives suspended sentence for pig theft
A 35-year-old man has been convicted and given a 12-month suspended sentence for stealing a male and female pig this year.
Minister Angene makes ‘humble request’ for Police portfolio to address youth crime
Minister for Corrective Services George “Maggie” Angene has asked Prime Minister Mark Brown to consider giving him the Minister for Police portfolio.
Tereora, Titikaveka vie for Tangi Ka’ara title
A group of enthusiastic Api’i Tuarua secondary school students will perform in tonight’s highly anticipated CITC Pump the Beats Emo’anga Tangi Ka’ara Drumming Competition at the National Auditorium.
Pay rise for teachers, Concerns remain about quality and qualifications
Parliamentarians discussed the Education Ministry’s budget increase, with some welcoming the teacher salary rise but highlighting the need for improved quality and qualified teachers, especially in the outer islands.
Airport upgrades key to unleashing economic potential of Pa Enua: PM
Prime Minister Mark Brown emphasises that the Manihiki Airport upgrade is not a political promise or a vote buying attempt but a project designed to improve the lives of people in the Pa Enua (outer islands).
Parliament News
Minister for Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) and Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) Albert Nicholas says they are surveying the Rutaki foreshore area.
Fishermen rescue yacht from Penrhyn lagoon
A French yacht visiting Penrhyn this week escaped serious damage after grounding on a sea coral mount inside the island lagoon.
Vaka Marumaru Atua makes homecoming journey with two women aboard
As the Cook Islands voyaging canoe Vaka Marumaru Atua cuts through the blue waters of the Pacific making her journey back home to Rarotonga, alongside the male crew members are two women.
‘Miscommunication’ sparks confusion, Cook Islands delegation ‘not stranded’
The Cook Islands delegation attending the FestPAC in Honolulu clarified that they are not stranded and are returning home in two groups due to pre-planned limited flight seat availability.
Inmates enjoying ‘high standard’ of living
Minister for Corrective Services George “Maggie” Angene says the inmate numbers at the Corrective Services in Arorangi have decreased since he took on the minister’s role in 2018.
Former PAC chair calls for scrutiny of both overspending and underspending
Minister for Parliamentary Services, Foreign Affairs and Marine Resources Tingika Elikana says he hopes that the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will ensure that money appropriated by government will be spent accordingly.
Ombudsman awaits police updates on six complaints
Minister for Ombudsman Vaine “Mac” Mokoroa says the Office of the Ombudsman has received eight complaints from the 2017-2024.
TTV to introduce water tariffs in Jan 2025 due to budget shortfall
Due to budget shortfalls, Rarotonga’s water authority will introduce water tariffs starting in January next year with a phased implementation.
Tourism targets French travellers with Paris event
Nick Costantini, the Cook Islands Tourism (CIT) representative in Southern Europe, spearheaded an event in Paris earlier this month aimed at raising awareness and educating the travel trade about the Cook Islands.
Taikoko honours fellow nurses with King’s Birthday Award
Being nominated to receive the King’s Honours Award in the coming year is a recognition of nurses in the Cook Islands, says director of Te Kainga O Pa Taunga, Mereana Taikoko
PM Brown expresses optimism for Cook Islands’ 2032 FestPAC bid
Cook Islands government is keeping its fingers crossed as it awaits the decision of the Pacific Arts Council regarding the host of the 2032 Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture.
