More Top Stories
‘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
Power of words can stop family violence, says male advocate
Cook Islands experts and activists travelling the globe in search of solutions for the nation’s domestic violence crisis should look closer to home for the answers, says village council leader Gero Toki.
Cook Islands-flagged ships- there are no illegal operators, says DPM Nicholas
Deputy Prime Minister Albert Nicholas confirmed that more than 700 shipping vessels are registered under Maritime Cook Islands and from these Cook Islands-flagged ships, he claims there are no illegal operators.
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.
Government agencies team up to streamline building permit process
In a move aimed at streamlining the building permit approval process, new homeowners will no longer need to submit four copies of their building plans.
Opposition MPs walk out of PAC over chair appointment
The three Opposition Members of Parliament have quit the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) over the appointment of the new chair, leaving four Government MPs reviewing the Appropriation Bill 2024-25.
Atiu’s passionate guardian: Jim revives culture and connects youth to heritage
A humble, unassuming and skillful young man, Joshua Jim is a passionate guardian of his home island Atiu’s cultural heritage.
Man accused of raping minors face more charges
A man in remand accused of raping minors aged under 14 has had additional charges of indecent assault and inducing indecent act added.
Local bank steps up as gold sponsor for 2024 Careers Expo
In a move to support the future workforce of the Cook Islands, the Bank of the Cook Islands (BCI) announced last Friday its support as a gold sponsor for this year’s Careers Expo to be held next month.
Community celebrates as Pepeu Makirai Aliki takes the helm in Pukapuka
Pepeu Makirai Aliki, Makirai Henry, was invested as the new Aliki of Pukapuka/Te Ulu o Te Watu yesterday morning, with the support of the entire community including neighbouring Nassau.
Direct flights from Honolulu show ‘steady improvements’
Cook Islands celebrated the first anniversary of their direct flights from Honolulu, hoping to attract more North American tourists despite a slow start.
Cook Islanders advised to check extended wait times for passports
The New Zealand High Commission in the Cook Islands has advised applicants to check the extended processing time (up to 8 weeks) before applying for a New Zealand passport due to system upgrades.
