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.
Aliki investiture ceremony rescheduled to allow for full attendance
The investiture ceremony for Te Ulu o Te Watu/Pukapuka’s new Pepeu Aliki Makirai Henry has been rescheduled to next week to allow time for the contingent from Nassau to attend the celebration.
Fourteen organisations receive $194k in social impact grants
Delighted recipients of Te Tango Akarangatira Ora’anga/Ministry of Internal Affairs (INTAFF) Social Impact Fund (SIF) project initiatives celebrated signing their official grant agreements yesterday.
NES to strengthen environmental data reporting in proposed bill
National Environment Service (NES) is proposing a new Environment Bill to improve data reporting, strengthen its role as a permitting authority and update regulations for a changing environment.
Audit report reveals CIIC overspent budget by $2.7m
Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) overspent their budgeted appropriation from Parliament by more than $2.7 million over the past five years.
NZ tourist dies on snorkelling tour, Police investigate
A 49-year-old woman from New Zealand has been confirmed dead after being transported in an ambulance from the Avaavaroa Passage in Vaimaanga yesterday.
Cook Islands showcases wealth management expertise at US investment summit
The Cook Islands financial services industry recently featured at the prestigious America Outbound Investment Summit, held on May 7 in Los Angeles and May 9 in San Francisco.
Quality audits crucial for public trust, says former NZ PM Clark
The 25th Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI) Congress highlighted the importance of independent audit reports for public trust and good governance in the Pacific.
Schools told to teach Te Reo Maori from ECE to Year 6
Schools in the Cook Islands have been directed to begin using Te Reo Maori from Early Childhood Education (ECE) to Year 6.
Cook Islands tourism booms, early arrivals smash record
Visitor arrivals are trending towards a record this year, with the highest total in the first four months of 2024. However, Cook Islands Tourism says they will still fall short of the 2019 record.
PM Brown acknowledges shortcomings in government accountability
As a small island developing state, Cook Islands’ aspirations fall short of its capacity to make government agencies fully accountable for their expenditures, says Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Cook Islands open to airlines, eyes North American expansion
Cook Islands welcomes any airline interested in flying to the country, especially those that can expand the country’s reach to North America and Europe, says Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Local vendor saves Mother’s Day with ‘Later Pay’ system
Over a week ago, a number of local bank customers were left with zero balances in their accounts leading up to Mother’s Day on May 11. A local vendor stepped in to help put a smile on their faces.
Bill to safeguard Manatua Cable passed with fines up to $250,000
A monetary fine will be imposed on anyone who breaches the Manatua Cable Protection Bill 2024.
Parliament clerk Vainerere explains bill process
Clerk of Parliament Tangata Vainerere says there is a process for each bill that goes through Parliament before it becomes law.
Firefighter conquers Sky Tower Challenge for second time!
Volunteer firefighter Tahiti Isaaka has triumphantly “nailed” her second attempt at Firefighters Sky Tower Challenge 2024 in Aotearoa New Zealand on Friday (Cook Islands time) to raise funds for blood cancer.
Decision on top cop delayed as force faces staffing crisis
The decision on renewing the Cook Islands Police Commissioner’s contract has been further delayed amidst concerns about a major staff shortage in the force.
Graham appointed new Secretary of Cook Islands Ministry of Justice
Peter William Graham has been appointed as the new Secretary of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), effective June 4, 2024, for a term of three years, replacing Tamatoa Jonassen.
Cook Islands passes Health Bill to improve health outcomes
The Cook Islands Public Health Bill 2024 that aims to protect and promote the health of all people of the Cook Islands by reducing the incidence of disease and ill-health was passed on Thursday.
Cook Islands hosts PASAI Congress, set to assume leadership role
Cook Islands will assume the chair of the Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions at the 25th PASAI Congress to be hosted in Rarotonga next week.
Cops in crisis: Cook Islands Police understaffed by 30-40 officers
Cook Islands Police face staffing shortages due to budget cuts and uncompetitive remuneration, prompting a restructuring effort to improve recruitment and retention.
