National

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 […]

Xmas in Afghanistan

While his Cook Islands family feasted together in Rarotonga and in New Zealand over the Christmas weekend, one local man spent his Christmas with children from the Bamyan Province of Afghanistan. Corporal Mata Nooroa Jnr is currently deployed in Afghanistan with the New Zealand Army until April 2012. The 25-year-old Rutaki boy is the son […]

EU marks $20.8 million for Pacific

The European Union has signed off on assistance of $20.8 million (12.3 million) to increase Pacific ACP countries ability to benefit from global trade and regional economic integration. Such activities are financed under the tenth European Development Fund (EDF) and are part of the Strengthening Pacific Economic Integration Through Trade (SPEITT) programme. The agreement was […]

Nominees sought for democratic workshop

A regional workshop on democratic institutions is set to take place in Brisbane, Australia, from February 27 to 29. The workshop is being convened by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat. It aims to identify issues and challenges critical to democratic institutions, share experiences, impart lessons and discuss the […]

Less for more turns away visitor

Unscrupulous businesses, predatory practices and a fall in standards is hurting the Cook Islands tourism industry, according to one American visitor. Ron Heckman said he and his wife have made their third visit to the Cook Islands their last because each visit has cost them more but delivered less. Overall we have fallen in love […]

Investigation completed

Cook Islands Police have yet to decide if they will lay any charges in relation to a Christmas day stabbing. Cook Islands police detective inspector Areumu Ingaua said police had completed their investigations into the incident. A person was stabbed at a Nikao beach party early on Christmas day after an alcohol-fuelled dispute. Ingaua said […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Travel over for ministers

Cabinet ministers are at home for the holidays, having finished their international travel for the year. Prime Minister Henry Punas trip to Abu Dhabi for an environmental conference earlier this month was the last of all overseas ministerial jaunts. Now all cabinet ministers are preparing to spend Christmas and New Year celebrations with their family […]