National

Norman George criticises Allsworth's salary

Teenui-Mapumai member of parliament Norman George has pointed the finger at former auditor-general Paul Allsworth for continuing to collect a salary equivalent to that which he collected as auditor-general. Allsworth has been appointed head of a new government division – the Governance and Oversight Services Unit. During question-and-answer time in parliament on Tuesday, George queried […]

Big shoes to fill in 2012 pageant

The Miss Cook Islands Pageant dates for 2012 have been confirmed. The final night of the pageant will take place in the National Auditorium on June 7, ending a week of high-stakes competition. The Miss Cook Islands Pageant Association (MCIPA) finalised its pageant dates at its annual general meeting earlier this month, during which Clee […]

George George is mad mad

If it was food, George George wouldn’t be too upset. But because thieves targeted electronic items, iPods, Playstations and other such toys and gadgets when they went through his house, George says he’s left feeling angry, disappointed and, perhaps worst of all, insulted. After years of working with children and teenagers to help promote them […]

Avarua School showers new prefects in ei

Avarua School’s new leaders have been officially welcomed into their positions with a big event held for the large group of students taking on the roles. Thirty-two students have taken on leadership roles at the school for 2012, including 24 prefects or tutara apii and eight librarians or tutara runanga puka. Principal Teremoana Herman said […]

Underwriting makes Air NZ a partner

The following ‘key messages’ were provided by Cook Islands Tourism Corporation in response to discussion and debate about the Air New Zealand subsidy, which is expected to cost the country $12.5 million this year. – Tourism accounts for some 75 percent of the gross domestic product of the Cook Islands. – The greatest challenge facing […]

Callout to Atiuans

The Atiu community on Rarotonga is selling barbecue plates today to raise money for its hostel project. In parliament on Tuesday, Teenui-Mapumai member of parliament Norman George pleaded with all Atiuans – both in Atiu and on Rarotonga – to support the cause. “We are facing difficulties at our Atiu hostel,” he began. He noted […]

Aunty Mau wants $5000 for Nikao roads

Nikao member of parliament Ngamau ‘Aunty Mau’ Munokoa continues to champion her cause – securing further support for her village’s infrastructure. In Parliament on Monday, the woman of the house gave an impassioned Cook Islands Maori speech about the state of the roads and drainage systems in Nikao. “I’ve got a question in regards to […]

Water spout off Aitutaki

A couple in Aitutaki was left scrambling to find their cameras after spotting a water spout that had formed off the coast about 1.50pm yesterday. Bill and Teetu Tschan managed to snap these pictures of the waterspout, saying it was the first they had ever seen on the island.

Get fit by email

Fitness enthusiast Puai Wichman continues his crusade to shape up Cook Islanders and turn them to a healthier lifestyle. Here Wichman shares his new challenge for those wanting to take the step in the healthy direction. “Starting this week, I will be running a challenge of a different kind – one that doesn’t involve anything […]

United we stand, divided we fall

Mangaia School celebrated its new prefects for 2012 on Wednesday. School chaplain Reverend Toko Ongoua from the Oneroa Cook Islands Christian Church blessed the ceremony, at which Kiriana Ngatamariki was chosen as head prefect and Junior George as deputy head prefect. The school’s ‘virtue of the week’ was creativity, which principal Sue Ngatokorua says fit […]

Araura honours new perfects

A large crowd of parents, leaders of Aitutaki and invited guests were present to witness the investiture of new prefects and student councillors at Araura College last Friday. Twenty-one student councillors were presented with their new badges. Each form class selected their own boy and girl student council leaders. There were 10 prefects from year […]

Prefects inducted at St Joseph's

Fence to 'keep stormin Norman' out

In jest cabinet minister Teina Bishop raised concerns in Parliament about something that has been ‘bugging’ him for ‘many months’. He noted that in past years, the opposition office has been open ‘at any time’ and that market-goers have been ‘most welcome’ to park at the opposition office on Saturday mornings. “Now I see there’s […]

Whip offers to help pa enua

Cook Islands Party whip George Maggie Angene sought funding for the roads and beautification of Tupapa-Maraerenga in Parliament yesterday. “I’d like to ask you to increase my constituency’s fund because I have more voters in my constituency compared to any of you. I also would like you to increase Aunty Mau’s constituency’s fund but make […]

Supplementary budget passed, parliament adjourns

The third day in parliament for 2012 was rushed – it was also the final day of the first sitting. Prime Minister Henry Puna’s government pushed through the supplementary budget with little resistance from the opposition. Finance Minister Mark Brown, speaking in parliament shortly before the bill’s second reading, reiterated that the current government is […]

Budget support 'beautiful'

Opposition MP Taunga Toka of Rakahanga has pledged his support for the government’s supplementary budget. “We all know, especially those who own businesses, what it is like to start a business,” Taunga started. “For example, when you initiate your business you need to set a timeframe. By about the third or fourth year you should […]

George independent?

Teenui-Mapumai MP Norman George is not as independent as he makes out, according to Democratic Party President Sean Willis. “Despite what George is saying, he was elected by the constituency as a member of the Cook Islands Party,” Willis said yesterday. George made a statement last week declaring that he had rejoined the Democrat Party […]

Deputy enjoys Speaker's job

Mauke MP Tai Tura has been filling in for Sir Geoffrey Henry this week, presiding over Parliament in his capacity as deputy speaker of the house. Sir Geoffrey Henry is in New Zealand receiving medical attention and has been absent from Parliament House all week. His family has confirmed that he is ill, and departed […]

Air Rarotonga fleet expands

Air Rarotonga’s fleet has expanded to take in two additional aircraft. The domestic airline has taken delivery of two additional Embraer Bandeirante to Rarotonga over the past week. The first flew in from Sydney last week after stopping en-route in Noumea, Fiji and Niue for fuel. The aircraft was prepared for delivery in Australia by […]

New pier used for the first time

The new section of Avatiu harbour pier is being used for the first time for international cargo shipping operations. The Southern Express came into port yesterday morning and docked further along the wharf than it typically would. It’s good news for port-watchers, but also good news for the development of Avatiu harbour. Constructors this month […]