More Top Stories
$541.7m tourism earnings
25 January 2025
‘Paedophile’ gets 13 years in prison
22 January 2025
Thomas Wynne: Where were our leaders while children suffered?
25 January 2025
Cook Islands passport proposal
6 January 2025
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
Challenging ‘rape culture’
8 July 2024
National
PM: Hit-and-run investigation being conducted ‘thoroughly’
The investigation into the tragic hit-and-run that claimed the life of an elderly woman is being conducted “professionally and thoroughly”, Prime Minister Mark Brown told Cook Islands News last night.
Dream come true: Aspiring teachers join new training programme
A 15-member cohort of aspiring teachers was welcomed yesterday by the Ministry of Education officials, coinciding with the official opening of the Cook Islands Teacher Development Training Centre.
Clash of opinions on Cook Islands Māori language
The Mapu Taurekareka O Nikao, Pa Enua, Rangiatea Matavera, and Vaka Puaikura teams presented vigorous ‘akatika’ (For) and pātoi (Against) sentiments in the 'Epetoma ō te reo Māori Kūki 'Āirani debate competition on Wednesday.
Farmers’ market in $7.6m Avarua project
Punanga Nui minister George ‘Maggie’ Angene has acknowledged Deputy Prime Minister Albert Nicholas for confirming the construction of the farmers’ market complex.
Tatau, tatā and tuatua Māori - read, write and speak
Tauranga Vananga Minister George “Maggie” Angene has called on Members of Parliament to do their part in preserving reo Māori Kūki 'Āirani by speaking the language during Parliament sittings.
Record year for Aussie visitors to the Cook Islands
It’s anticipated that this financial year will see more Australian visitors to the Cook Islands than ever before, with 32,000 holidaying here.
Recognition for Pacific Coastwatchers ‘bittersweet’
More than 80 years after their service, Pacific Island Coastwatchers who kept watch for enemy aircraft and ships during World War II – fought between 1939 and 1945 – were formally acknowledged earlier this week in a poignant ceremony.
Medicinal cannabis now permitted in Cook Islands with prescription
Cook Islanders and visitors can now bring in medicinal cannabis into the country from New Zealand and Australia provided they meet certain requirements, says Te Marae Ora (TMO), Ministry for Health.
Is our language at risk of disappearing?
A United Nations agency says te reo Māori Kūki' Āirani is decreasing at an accelerating pace and is at risk of disappearing as more Cook Islanders shift their preference from their native tongue to English.
Low yacht revenue despite ‘booming’ Aitutaki traffic
Cook Islands Port Authority is facing low yacht revenue in Rarotonga despite the season but expects improvement with Aitutaki harbour development and upgraded equipment.
Education investigates Opposition Leader’s claim of poor Tereora College results
The Ministry of Education is investigating a statement made by the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament last month in relation to Tereora College results from Literacy and Numeracy exams.
Underlying conditions may have contributed to tourist drowning
Police have confirmed that a visitor who died on Sunday likely drowned, possibly due to underlying medical conditions.
11-year-old urges community to embrace reo Māori at Cook Islands Language Week
Language starts at home was the powerful message delivered distinctly in reo Māori by 11-year-old Inano Urirau on day one of the 'Epetoma ō te reo Māori Kūki 'Āirani - Cook Islands Language Week yesterday.
Second HIV case in five years, Te Marae Ora to probe origin
Cook Islands recorded a new HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) case this year, bringing the total to two in the past five years, and health officials are investigating the origin of the infection.
Cook Islands Language Week kicks off with focus on youth and schools
Today marks the beginning of the annual ‘Epetoma ō te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani – Cook Islands Language Week, which celebrates the languages of the Cook Islands.
Ama awarded NZ Museum Medal for her contributions to preserving culture
Cook Islander Mary Ama has been awarded a prestigious Museum Medal (Companion of Auckland War Memorial Museum) recognising her contributions to Pacific arts and preserving cultural heritage.
New minimum wage comes into effect, employers told to adhere
Employers are required to adhere to the new minimum wage rate that comes into effect today.
Court briefs
John Solomona had pleaded guilty to a charge of excess blood alcohol but has denied the charge of careless driving.
Vape ban pushed to August to allow businesses to clear stock
The ban on e-cigarettes comprising of vapes has now been extended to August 1, 2024, to give businesses more time to sell off their existing stock.
Elderly visitor dies in suspected drowning
Police are investigating a suspected drowning incident that claimed the life of an elderly visitor in Muri yesterday.
Strong candidate pool for MFAI Secretary position
The Office of the Public Service Commissioner (OPSC) has received a ‘significant number’ of applications, including overseas applicants, for the role of the Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI).
Court News
A man who is accused of raping a minor has been remanded in custody.