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
Multisectoral approach to assess risks towards enhanced health security
In response to the increasing frequency and severity of health emergencies and natural hazards like tropical cyclones becoming more frequent and severe, the Cook Islands is taking proactive measures to safeguard its population by organising a workshop aimed at bolstering the nation’s health security.
CITC opens $4.2 million Patai Store in Titikaveka
The new CITC Patai Store in the village of Titikaveka was blessed yesterday in a modest opening ceremony.
Driver acquitted of failing to stop, convicted of refusing breathalyser
A driver who did not stop ‘immediately’ after police lights and sirens were activated was acquitted for failing to stop but convicted for refusing a breathalyser test.
Autism Cook Islands visits outer islands
Autism Cook Islands is committed to visiting as many of the outer islands.
Rarotonga welcomes cruise passengers for sightseeing and shopping
Majority of the passengers onboard Crystal Serenity came ashore during the cruise ship’s visit to Rarotonga on Saturday.
Taking a dive into safety: Turtle tour operators sign MOU to enhance safety and sustainability
Most turtle tour operators have signed a voluntary agreement with Cook Islands Tourism to enhance safety and environmental practices, but one operator disagrees, citing concerns about unchecked industry growth and safety gaps.
Uncovering hidden struggle: Pa Enua Dyslexia Programme identifies widespread needs
The Cook Islands Dyslexia Society’s Pa Enua Dyslexia Programme, including Rarotonga, found that 100 per cent of the students tested were below average and required further support or a full assessment.
‘Greenwashing’: Environment group slams ‘mineral harvesting’ in Seabed Mining Act
The introduction of the term ‘mineral harvesting’ in the legislation governing seabed minerals in the Cook Islands is an attempt to ‘greenwash this destructive industry’, says a local environment group.
Cook Islands weatherman Ngari retires after 40 years
Cook Islands weatherman Arona Ngari, who served as the director of the Meteorological Service for 40 years, was celebrated at a special farewell function on Thursday night.
Cook Islands and India deepen ties
The High Commissioner of the Republic of India to the Cook Islands, Neeta Bhushan is visiting the Cook Islands this week. She arrived in Rarotonga on Thursday, February 22 for a five-day visit.
TMO’s patient referral costs skyrocket amid NCD crisis
Patient referral budgets have skyrocketed in the Cook Islands as the nation grapples with almost half its people suffering noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Al Williams reports.
Mangaia School leaders take charge after weather delays
Rain forced Mangaia School to huddle its students indoors for their leadership induction programme on Friday, but the ceremony went ahead after two weather-related postponements.
‘You need to be strong enough to stand up for what is right’
Titikaveka College and Apii Rutaki Primary School held their annual prefect investiture ceremonies, where student leaders were encouraged to be strong, brave, and selfless in their roles.
Staff vote chooses Imanuela Akatemia’s 2024 prefects
Through a staff voting process, Imanuela Akatemia elected their 2024 student leaders.
Te Ipukarea Society: International pressure building against the rush to mine the deep sea
Last week, representatives from 133 member states of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) met in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from February 12-17, to discuss measures to protect migratory species on a global scale. The Cook Islands is one of these member states.
Govt grapples with aging buildings
While a $400,000 operation to rid the Old Post Office of asbestos in Avarua gets underway, questions remain around the ageing stock of government-controlled facilities on Rarotonga.
Brawler convicted, sentenced for his part in Nikao scrap
A man involved in a mass brawl on Rarotonga has been convicted and sentenced for his part in the fight.
New builds springing back after pandemic slowdown
The number of new builds in the Cook Islands are approaching pre-pandemic levels after dropping nearly 70 per cent in two years to hit a 10-year low in 2021.
Tourism launches Mana Tiaki programme with Titikaveka College
Te Mato Manava Turoto Cook Islands Tourism Corporation’s Jeremy Goodwin and Emma Kainuku-Walsh recently visited Titikaveka College to introduce the concept of Mana Tiaki (sacred guardianship).
Four-way battle for Penrhyn seat
Four candidates, including the wife of the former MP and deputy prime minister, will contest the 2024 Penrhyn by-election to be held next month.
Autism Cook Islands kicks off year with $4000 donation
Autism Cook Islands has gotten off to a great start for this year thanks to a generous $4000 donation from the Rarotonga Growers Association’s special dinner event.
Jonassen steps down as Justice Secretary, citing personal reasons
The Secretary for the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), Tamatoa Jonassen, has tendered his resignation to the Public Service Commissioner, Carl Hunter, citing personal reasons.
