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.
Tourism industry, Fijian residents welcome NZ scrapping transit visas
Cook Islands tourism industry and Fijians residing here have welcomed New Zealand’s decision to lift transit visa requirements for Fiji nationals travelling through NZ.
Cook Islands delegation highlights commitment to fair labour practices at ILO conference
Associate Minister for the Ministry of Internal Affairs Te-Hani Brown is leading the Cook Islands delegation at the 112th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, which began on June 3.
High Court to hear closing arguments in bike crash trial
Closing submissions for the fatal motorcycle crash matter of June 10, 2023 in Titikaveka will be heard from Crown Law prosecutors and defence lawyer Norman George at the High Court in Avarua today.
Tourists injured in motorbike crash
A pair of tourists sustained injuries in a motorbike crash at the Nikao Seawall on Tuesday night, police reported yesterday.
Flying high on public funds: Audit report recommends economy class for CIIC travel
All travel by Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) employees and board members should be economy class, an audit report has recommended after finding past overseas trips involved business class and premier economy travels.
Cook Islands community in Hawaii thrilled to reconnect with delegation
The Cook Islands community in Hawai’i is enjoying the cherished opportunity to reconnect with families and friends, while also making new connections with the visiting Cook Islands delegation. Melina Etches reports from Honolulu.
New $620,000 forklift expected to transform cargo handling
At the bustling Ports Authority in Avatiu, where the movement of cargo is the lifeblood of the operation, a seasoned mechanic and forklift driver is filled with excitement.
Locked bikes targeted in recent thefts, Police say
Police are suspecting that motorbikes that have been stolen in Rarotonga are part of an organised unlawful activity.
Health ministry to regulate sea burials after public concerns
A regulation on sea burials is in the works with discussions set to be held to determine the specifics of what the regulation will entail.
Court briefs
In a careless driving causing injury case heard before Justice of the Peace John Whitta last week, defence lawyer Mark Short requested an adjournment.
Vaka Marumaru Atua crew greeted by host country and Cook Islanders in Hawaii
The Cook Islands voyaging canoe Marumaru Atua arrived at Sand Island, Hawaii, on Saturday.
Vaping ban takes effect July 1
The sale of e-cigarettes, including vapes, is expected to be banned by July 1, 2024, the proposed commencement date of the new Tobacco Products Control Amendment Act 2024.
Local students participate in Chinese comp
A Chinese Bridge Competition held at the University of the South Pacific (USP) Cook Islands Campus this week saw students participating in Chinese language and proficiency and discussing their understanding of the Chinese culture.
Te Ipukarea Society: Students raise awareness for the Kōiti habitat
This week’s Environmental Column is written by Gabriella Napa, a budding journalist and writer of Youth Media Cook Islands.
Tourism operators commit to safety with annual water safety programme
Fifty marine tourism operators from Rarotonga are currently taking part in an annual water safety programme, delivered by Te Mato Manava Turoto Cook Islands Tourism (CIT), in partnership with Water Safety & Surf Lifesaving Cook Islands.
Public input sought on draft plan for turtles and marine life
Cook Islands National Environment Service’s draft Environment Management Plan for the southern sea passages of Rarotonga, which focuses on addressing matters such as turtle conservation, is expected to be released by the end of June.
Court briefs
The case of a juvenile alleged of unlawfully taking a government vehicle has been adjourned to July 4.
TB cases detected
Cook Islands confirmed one new tuberculosis (TB) case after four cases were reported in 2023, with all but one from last year completing treatment.
Smile and sweat for a cause
Apii Nikao Parents Teachers Association has launched the “Walk a Mile with A Smile” initiative to bring the school and the wider community together in a positive and healthy experience.
Local chefs get culinary boost
The first CITC Culinary Workshop Series drew around 40 food professionals from the hospitality industry on the island.
