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.
Cook Islands voyagers share skills, strengthen ties in Hawai’i
Cook Islands Voyaging Society crew members are visiting Hawai’i to enhance, teach and explore their navigational skills and seafaring techniques, as well as to strengthen ties with the Polynesian voyaging community.
Crown Law Office on track for record number of lawyers
The Crown Law Office is on course to have its highest number of lawyers ever, a significant improvement from just five lawyers in August last year.
Former NZ police prosecutor joins Cook Islands Crown Law
A 44-year-old former New Zealand police prosecutor of Samoan ethnicity is the newest addition to the Cook Islands Crown Law Office
Court news
The case of Poe Poila, who is co-accused in the matter involving sporting executive Romani Katoa, has been adjourned to April 14.
$12.9m approved for solar battery project, NZ confirms
New Zealand says it approved $12.9 million for the Northern Group Battery Replacement Project a year ago, after Prime Minister Mark Brown told Parliament they were still working with the NZ government to start the project.
Four students head to Japan for cultural exchange
Four Cook Islands students are heading to Japan for a cultural exchange programme, where they will immerse themselves in Japanese culture while sharing their knowledge of Cook Islands culture.
Vaka Paikea crew joins Hōkūleʻa’s 50th anniversary celebration
Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation crew joined thousands of people over the weekend to mark the 50th anniversary celebration of Hōkūleʻa’s voyaging history at Kualoa Regional Park, Oahu, in Hawaiʻi, where the double-hulled canoe was first launched.
Five Cook Islanders awarded counselling scholarships to boost community support
Five individuals from Rarotonga and Atiu received scholarships from Punanga Turuturu Itivaine to study counselling and improve community mental health support.
Police investigate burglary, assault and numerous traffic incidents
After having to deal with several car crashes keeping an understaffed police force busy, police later tended a burglary incident in Vaimaanga and an assault incident on Sunday.
Manihiki welcomes government initiative to nationalise shipping
As the Pa Enua continues to endure the ongoing increase in its cost of living due to shipping challenges and transportation, it was music to their ears to hear that plans are in place for the government to enter shipping service.
Cook Islander describes ‘severe’ impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred in Australia
Cook Islander Archie Atiau says the impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which affected South East Queensland and the New South Wales North Coast, Australia, has been severe.
Former security boss cleared of drug charges after unlawful police search
A man was cleared of drug charges after a judge ruled the police search of his property was unlawful, leading to potential legal action for damages.
Visitor behaviour key focus in ensuring travellers engage respectfully with Cook Islands, Tourism tells PAC
Cook Islands Tourism says that while managing visitor behaviour is an ongoing effort, success depends on delivering clear messaging across multiple channels, reinforcing expectations through consistent signage, and providing accessible guidance.
Ministry explores new strategies to enhance mathematics education
The Ministry of Education is exploring new strategies to enhance mathematics education in the Cook Islands, following comments from New Zealand-based academic Professor Jodie Hunter, who emphasised the need for local context in teaching resources.
Celebrating International Women’s Day
The Ministry of Internal Affairs (INTAFF) hosted International Women’s Day at the Punanga Nui Market on Saturday with the theme “Accelerate Action for Gender Equality- for ALL Women and Girls.”
MPs’ travel expenses exceed $350,000 in six months
Cook Islands MPs spent over $350,000 on overseas travel in the first half of the 2024/25 financial year, with a significantly increased budget allowing for further expenditures and calls to upgrade MP travel classes.
Court news
Chief Justice Patrick Keane presided over several criminal matters through an audio-visual link at the Cook Islands High Court yesterday.
‘Ra’ui stays for life’: Traditional leader reminds public of marine protection area
Komono o Manava Mataipo Nooroa Samuel is calling on the Rarotonga community to respect the ra’ui that was put in place by his late mother in 1995 near The Rarotongan Beach Resort and Lagoonarium.
DPM Nicholas clarifies allegations on contract distribution
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI), Albert Nicholas, has dismissed allegations made by the leader of the United Party, Teariki Heather regarding the distribution of government contracts, particularly in the construction sector.
CITC Patai promises enhanced shopping experience
Titikaveka welcomed its newest addition to the local shopping scene this week with the opening of the CITC Patai Store, a facility boasting a $4.2 million investment.
