National

Symbolic sculpture donated to Pa Ariki

Takitumu legend Te Ika Nui a Tangiia has inspired retired French artist Michel Kirsch to create a sculpture as a gift for Takitumu paramount chief Pa Marie Ariki. Last week Kirsch and his wife Sylvie presented the sculpture to the family of Pa Marie Ariki at the new Are Ariki in Ngatangiia. Kirsch was not […]

Confiscated tobacco and alcohol for sale

A years worth of confiscated tobacco, cigarettes and alcohol is up for sale by tender at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management. Senior customs officer Stephen Matapo explains that the bulk of confiscated goods were taken from passengers at Rarotonga International Airport who had exceeded their quantity allowance on alcohol, tobacco and cigarettes. Matapo […]

Keep eye out for Kakino

People across Rarotonga should watch for wanted man Kakino Kakino, who was last sighted in Tupapa and may be linked to a theft in the village. Cook Islands police detective inspector Areumu Ingaua said Kakino, 31, could be hiding out anywhere on Rarotonga and urged anyone who spotted him to immediately contact police. Kakino, a […]

Weather predictions differ

Online wind forecasters are predicting gusts of more than 100km/h will lash Rarotonga today as the stormy weather bombarding the island expected to worsen. The forecasters also predict up to 100mm of rain will fall on the capital island this afternoon during a particularly bad patch of weather. Local forecasters are doubting the accuracy of […]

Call to prepare for Maeva Nui 2012

People of the outer islands should begin planning for the Te Maeva Nui Trade Days markets to ensure they have enough stock to meet demands during the festival, Business Trade Investment Board chief executive Terry Rangi says. The government this week announced the dates set for the Te Maeva Nui festivals for next year, which […]

Groups join forces to stop domestic violence

Laws relating to domestic violence offences and sentencing need to be strengthened to empower victims of the crime and help eliminate it in our community, a national workshop on domestic violence has found. The workshop, held on Friday, December 16, brought together community groups and government agencies that are dealing with domestic violence for a […]

Bishop picks up beach rubbish

Bishop Tutai Pere wasnt impressed when he came across piles of empty beer bottles while out for a walk in Kavera over the Christmas weekend, but instead of turning a blind eye Bishop Pere found a sack and picked up all the bottles left by party-goers. The bottles were left under trees and in piles […]

Pharmacist swaps jobs in Orewa

Come December 28, there will be a less familiar face behind the counter at CITC Pharmacy. New Zealand pharmacy owner Kenneth Hickey will be serving the Rarotonga public for a month in place of pharmacist Shannon Saunders, and given his experience and industry knowledge Saunders considers him an ideal stand-in. Saunders is obligated to do […]

Christmas in Mauke's park

Unexpected heavy rain late afternoon of December 23 did not douse enthusiasm as Maukes inaugural Christmas in the Park became Christmas on the veranda at Opetipa Hall, Oiretumu. As night fell and skies cleared many chose to sit under the stars and peer through and over the railings to watch the variety show. The show […]

Pacific papal visit

llegal fishing nets $100,000

The Ministry of Marine Resources has agreed to a settlement of $100,000 for illegal fishing conducted by a Chinese fishing vessel near Cook Islands waters. According to marine resources secretary Ben Ponia, there were mitigating circumstances surrounding the case taken into consideration by the ministry. The incursions occurred in August in the area of maritime […]

Kids activities for holidays

1. Have a picnic at the beach. 2. Play volleyball in the sand. 3. Make popcorn and watch a movie. 4. Write letters to family and friends overseas. 5. Go bushwalking. 6. Have breakfast for dinner. 7. Hold cooking classes in your own kitchen and invite your friends. 8. Go for a bicycle ride. 9. […]

Raromart shares spirit

In keeping with its yearly tradition, Raromart has given back to the community by donating goods to needy people this Christmas. The Rarotonga retail outlet has donated to government and non-government departments as well as individuals. Recipients include the Rarotonga Hospital, Arorangi Prison, Tupapas Creative Centre, and the Esther Honey Foundation Animal Clinic in Nikao. […]

Give pets a break too over the holidays

Holiday-makers are reminded to consider their pets and animals this Christmas and New Year. Those leaving Rarotonga and pa enua to travel for the holidays need to ensure a friend or family member will tend to lonely pets and animals at least twice a day, providing food and water. Those at the Esther Honey Foundation […]

Special church services for Christmas

Rarotonga churches are expected to be full of worshippers this weekend as Christians gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus the reason for Christmas. All Cook Islands Christian Church branches on Rarotonga will on Saturday evening, Christmas Eve, conduct services at 11pm. At the Avarua CICC church things will kick off with carol singing by […]

No break for rubbish collectors

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Planning has confirmed that rubbish collection on Rarotonga will continue as normal during the Christmas and New Year period. Its contractor T & M Heather Ltd will staff rubbish collection even on public holidays. So those who normally put their rubbish out for collection on Mondays and Tuesdays can do […]

Christmas party time at CITC

Passing heavy rain did little to dampen the Christmas spirit at CITC on Thursday where families gathered to take advantage of the late night shopping specials. While parents and adults filled their shopping carts with Christmas goodies for the family kids ruled the car park where a number of novelty games were run for them. […]

Dengue prevention spraying

In response to recent reports of dengue outbreaks in French Polynesia, the Ministry of Health this week sprayed mosquito sites in Rarotongas public areas. Director of community health services Dr Rangi Fariu says that given the weekly flight from Tahiti, Rarotonga needs to step up its efforts to combat dengue fever. Weve been lucky, but […]

Police working round the clock

Cook Islands police are taking no time off for holidays this festive season. In fact, they are putting in more effort than ever in their work over the period. Police will be targeting crimes on and off the roads from now until the New Year, with virtually every police officer on duty in a roster […]

Christmas bonus reaches almost 6000

Almost 6000 people will benefit from the Cook Islands governments Christmas Bonus scheme this year, which will deliver $50 to every eligible welfare recipient in the country. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has already begun paying the Christmas bonus directly into the accounts of people who receive the old age pension, child benefit, caregivers benefit […]