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.
JP to deliver reserved decision in reckless and drink-driving case
A decision is soon expected on whether a man accused of reckless and drink driving on Rarotonga more than two years ago, is guilty or not.
Government allocates additional funding for roads, healthcare, and renewable energy
Infrastructure Cook Islands receives a $400,000 boost to complete road works around Rarotonga, while pharmaceutical needs see an increase of $280,000 in the latest Supplementary Budget.
Parliament approves amendments to Seabed Minerals Act
A Bill seeking to improve the overall seabed minerals regime was passed in Parliament yesterday.
Heroin suspected in packages found at Rarotonga retailer
Narcotics discovered in the warehouse of a Rarotonga retailer are believed to be heroin. Cook Islands Police media officer Trevor Pitt said preliminary testing done by police, indicated the substance was heroin.
Inflation is a reality: PM encourages homegrown food to combat rising prices
The Cook Islands Prime Minister acknowledges inflation’s impact on imported goods and suggests growing local food to combat it, while emphasising economic growth and Pa Enua development as long-term solutions.
New trust aims to keep Cook Islanders home and skilled
In a heartwarming story of compassion and dedication, a pilot and his young family opened their home and hearts to a young child, raising her as their own.
Select committee receives three submissions on Amendment Bills
The Special Select Committee reviewing the three Constitutional Amendment Bills before Parliament has received three submissions.
Health ministry recommends Covid boosters for vulnerable populations
Following new cases of Covid-19 in the Cook Islands, Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health is advising additional doses of the Pfizer vaccine for further protection of vulnerable and high-risk populations.
Tourism seeks additional $3.5m to protect Cook Islands’ ‘golden goose’
Cook Islands Tourism is requesting $3.5 million in additional funding to invest in optimising the new flight routes, develop outer island tourism, and create a path for diversification in the tourism sector.
Cook Islands Party picks Wichman for Penrhyn by-election
Development economist Vaine Iriano Wichman is the Cook Islands Party candidate for the Penrhyn (Tongareva) by-election to be held next month.
Government seeks $16.5m in Supplementary Budget
The Government seeks an additional $16.5 million through a Supplementary Budget to be tabled in today’s first Parliament sitting of the year.
Nicholas ‘honoured’ to be appointed Deputy Prime Minister
Prime Minister Mark Brown yesterday appointed Albert Nicholas as the country’s Deputy Prime Minister (DPM), breaking a longstanding leadership convention. Rashneel Kumar reports.
New building rules proposed in response to climate change
New rules for building in the Cook Islands are expected to be tabled in Parliament this year in an effort to keep up with a “changing climate and technological progress”.
Accused burglar released on bail
An accused burglar who has been in custody since December 2023 appeared before Justice of the Peace John Whitta on Thursday and was granted bail.
Te Ipukarea Society: Tackling waste management challenges
Summer intern Itirangi Pennycook recently caught up with the Director of Waste Management for Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI), Claytoncy Taurarii, to get an update on our current waste situation.
Personal trainer fights for a happier, healthier community
Heart diseases, stroke, and heart attack made up 53 per cent of NCD (non-communicable disease) deaths in the Cook Islands from October to December last year. A new grassroots initiative ‘Gym and Juice Club’ may help to battle the Cook Islands’ increasing NCD diagnoses and waistlines.
Tropical depression brings rain, wind, and minor damage to Southern Cooks
Tropical depression brought heavy rain and strong winds to the Southern Cook Islands, causing minor damages and prompting school closures.
Albert Nicholas appointed Deputy Prime Minister
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has confirmed the appointment of Albert Nicholas as the country’s Deputy Prime Minister (DPM).
Rarotonga businesses ready to weather the storm
People, protocols and preparation were a key focus for businesses yesterday as gale force winds lashed the north eastern side of Rarotonga.
Rarotonga on alert, schools closed
A tropical depression affecting the Cook Islands group was forecast to intensify into a category one cyclone by this morning, triggering advisories from local authorities. This morning the Ministry of Education confirmed that all schools in Rarotonga are closed but it is business as usual for others.
