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.
‘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.
Demos have ‘no desire’ to rejoin Government-dominated Public Accounts Committee, says Browne
Opposition leader Tina Browne says the Democratic Party MPs have no desire to re-join the ‘Cook Islands Party/Coalition Public Accounts Committee’ after resigning last month over difference of opinion.
Over 120 pigs and goats dewormed in Rarotonga
Livestock deworming is the most requested assistance made to the Ministry of Agriculture from livestock farmers and so far, over 120 pigs and goats have been dewormed in Rarotonga.
Rarotonga burglaries on the rise as businesses targeted
Burglaries are spiking in Rarotonga with two more break-ins reported yesterday by Vili’s Burger Joint in Matavera and Next Shipment in Arorangi.
‘Focus on policing’: MFEM to take over Cook Islands Police finances
Prime Minister Mark Brown says police will now focus on policing matters while the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) manages their finances to improve budget management and staff retention.
57 awarded Cook Islands Bronze Medallion in successful water safety programme
Cook Islands Tourism celebrated a successful water safety training programme with a staggering 57 participants awarded the Cook Islands Bronze Medallion (CIBM) 2024.
Weekend burglaries target businesses and government agencies
A string of burglaries has caused a major concern for Cook Islands Police, adding pressure to their staffing capacity, a spokesperson said.
Five crashes in one weekend
Weekend driving on Rarotonga continues to be a hit or miss game of carelessness or drunkenness, says Cook Islands Police.
Apii Takitumu girls break barriers, embrace Tangi Kaara Challenge
For years, the art of drumming had been the domain of the boys, however, a shift has occurred, as more and more girls have stepped up, eager to master the art of tangi ka’ara (drumming).
PAC recommends passing Budget, Opposition cites procedural issues
The Government MPs-led Public Accounts Committee’s only recommendation is that the 2024-2025 Appropriation Bill (Budget) be passed in Parliament, says its new chair.
‘World’s largest family reunion’ ends with joyous closing ceremony
After 10 days of culture, tradition, and kinship, the “world’s largest family reunion” and celebration of indigenous Pacific culture came to an end, with a poignant but low-key closing ceremony in Hawai’i, last night.
All systems go for Te Tau Papa o Avarua Phase 1 Project
Despite delays due to procurement and supply chain issues, construction on Te Tau Papa o Avarua Phase 1 Project will begin by the end of June and will focus on improvements to the Punanga Nui Market, Panama Reserve and Avarua Township.
Mangaia Bicentennial ends on a high note
The weeklong of festivities came to an emotional closing on Saturday with thousands converging at the Bicentennial Arena for the official farewell ceremony of the Mangaia Bicentennial Celebration.
