More Top Stories
$12.9m approved for solar battery project, NZ confirms
12 March 2025
Crown Law Office on track for record number of lawyers
12 March 2025
‘Nothing to worry about’: Prime Minister Brown on China agreement
16 February 2025
‘Serious questions’: Opposition challenges China partnership
15 February 2025
No-confidence motion against PM and his Cabinet faces delays
15 February 2025
Ruta Mave: People’s Republic of China red flag
10 February 2025
No debt in China deal
8 February 2025
Thomas Wynne: Haka with the taniwha or dance with the dragon?
8 February 2025
‘Paedophile’ gets 13 years in prison
22 January 2025
Thomas Wynne: Where were our leaders while children suffered?
25 January 2025
$541.7m tourism earnings
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
Anxiety on the rise: Cook Islands faces mental health challenge
7 September 2024
MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
3 August 2024
National
Mitiaro calls for proper waste facility
Mitiaro is facing a growing challenge with its current waste management system. Despite the island’s pristine beauty and small community, the island’s lack of a proper waste disposal infrastructure is becoming a pressing concern.
Art competition for Tereora College 130 years celebration
Former students of Tereora College have entrusted its former school to hold an art competition for students who are interested in creating a design marking the college's 130 years of providing education.
Rarotonga crime stats challenged
Cook Islands Police data shows no increasing crime trend, but the Opposition leader and a road safety advocate argue understaffing and passive policing conceal actual crime and safety issues in Rarotonga.
Australian High Commission accepting applications for community grants
The Australian High Commission has announced the opening of the Australia – Cook Islands Community Grants Program.
Sands of Rarotonga opens with new perks
The former Wellesley Hotel accommodation in Tutakimoa has been rebranded as Sands of Rarotonga, offering a more welcoming experience with new perks like free airport transfers and relaxed pool access for Lazy Trout diners, aiming to attract both tourists and locals.
MMR gains funding to strengthen tuna fisheries and food security
The Cook Islands Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR) use its share of the US$156.8 million (NZ$272.8m) regional grant to assist in logistical and resourcing challenges.
The importance of Property Maintenance: Routine vs. Emergency Maintenance.
Maintaining your property, whether residential or commercial is essential for several reasons. Regular upkeep not only preserves the property’s value but also ensures tenant satisfaction and safety. There are benefits of both routine maintenance and emergency maintenance.
Cook Islands contribute to immigration regional governance discussions
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) participated in the 58th Pacific Immigration Development Community (PIDC) board meeting and strategic planning workshop held in Samoa from March 3 to 6.
Tereora College revives decade-old flag-raising ceremony, unite students
Tereora College’s student leaders have started the year on a high note by reviving a significant old practice, the flag-raising ceremony, which was last held about a decade ago.
No delays to solar battery project from NZ funding: MFEM
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) says the funding for the Northern Group Battery Replacement Project was approved in March 2024 and that no delays can be attributed to New Zealand, despite recent discussions in Parliament suggesting otherwise.
Business concerns lead to discharge without conviction in machete case
Two 20-year-old men were discharged without conviction for carrying a machete, due to potential impacts on their businesses.
Man disqualified from driving for 18 months
A man who has been convicted for an excess breath alcohol charge for the third time has been disqualified from driving for 18 months.
EBA and careless driving cases adjourned
A 42-year-old suspect, who had crashed a car opposite The Islander Hotel colliding into parked vehicles last Saturday morning, has had his case adjourned to April 3.
Concerns rise over fuel quality after contaminated petrol incident
In a frustrating turn of events, a woman found herself stranded and facing unexpected high repair costs after purchasing petrol from a convenience store that unintentionally sold contaminated petrol.
Minister Mokoroa stresses need to ‘accommodate’ diverse faiths
Cook Islands needs to consider how to support and accommodate people of other faiths living here, says the Minister for Justice, as a parliamentary committee reviews submissions on a proposal to declare the country a Christian state.
Immigration strengthens workforce resilience and service delivery
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) completed a recruitment round in February 2025 to fill vacancies within the Immigration border team.
Lack of recognition for indigenous women and girls
The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) meets annually to address the widespread inequalities, violence and discrimination women continue to face around the world.
Opposition decries delay cost for battery replacement project
Opposition leader Tina Browne has criticised the delay in the Northern Group Battery Replacement Project, saying it is costing taxpayers as island governments continue to spend large amounts on diesel to keep power running.
Court news
A businesswoman charged for failing to pay contributions to the Cook Islands National Superannuation Fund (CINSF) has pleaded guilty.
Defence lawyer calls for cannabis decriminalisation
A defence lawyer is calling on the government to consider decriminalising cannabis.
Ministry of Education warns public of fake scholarship scam on Facebook
The Ministry of Education is warning the public about fraudulent social media posts claiming the Ministry is offering free scholarships to people aged 18-65.
$72k land reform trips hit by poor attendance, late notice
Taxpayer-funded land reform consultation trips to New Zealand and Australia, costing over $72,000, suffered from poor attendance due to late notice distribution, according to a report submitted to Parliament.
