Weekend
Livestock farmers aim to improve production and animal health
Saturday 12 April 2025 | Written by Teitimoana Tairi | Published in Agriculture, Features, Food, National, Weekend
The Ministry of Agriculture through a training conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) aims to assist livestock farmers in improving their production by artificial insemination (AI). This week farmers from Mauke, Aitutaki, Palmerston and Rarotonga including the Ministry of Agriculture staff took part in a three-day training which included theory and practical work. […]
Turtle migration disruptionthreatens Rarotonga’s ‘residents’
Saturday 12 April 2025 | Written by Gerald McCormack | Published in Features, In Depth, Weekend
Turtle tourism has become a popular year-round activity in Rarotonga, with both government and civil society groups working to ensure it is safer for turtles and people. In a three-part series, Gerald McCormack of the Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust writes about the distinct lifecycle of the Green sea turtle, which has a distinct lifecycle compared to Hawksbill turtles, the two types of ‘resident’ turtles that local turtle tourism is built around. In the final part of the series, McCormack explains why there should be a ban on interfering with adult turtles during their breeding season, which runs from October through February.
Blue Day drives donations for Autism Cook Islands programmes
Saturday 5 April 2025 | Written by Teitimoana Tairi | Published in Features, Health, Local, National, Weekend
Schools, businesses and government agencies showed their support for the autism community by wearing blue and making donations at the Blue Day event yesterday.
Louisiana teacher brings French and music to Titikaveka College
Saturday 5 April 2025 | Written by Teitimoana Tairi | Published in Art, Education, Features, National, Weekend
A Louisiana teacher has brought his passion for language and music to Titikaveka College in Rarotonga, introducing French and guitar lessons while embracing Cook Islands life and culture.
CITC Building Centre and Excil Shipping ‘adopt’ Mangaia for 60th celebrations
Saturday 5 April 2025 | Written by Teitimoana Tairi | Published in Business, Features, National, Weekend
The Cook Islands Trading Corporation (CITC) Building Centre and Excil Shipping, who are adopting and supporting the island of Mangaia during the country’s 60th anniversary celebrations this year, held a small ceremony yesterday to commemorate the event.
Cook Islands leaves lasting impression on outgoing Australian High Commissioner
Saturday 5 April 2025 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Australia, Features, Regional, Weekend
When Phoebe Smith arrived in the country with her young family to take on the Australian High Commissioner role in March 2023, she felt she had landed in paradise. Two years later, before returning to Canberra this week, Smith spoke to Cook Islands News, revealing what made her stay here so special.
Part II: The migratory mysteries of Cook Islands’ Green turtles
Saturday 5 April 2025 | Written by Gerald McCormack | Published in Environment, Features, In Depth, National, Weekend
Turtle tourism has become a popular year-round activity in Rarotonga, with both government and civil society groups working to ensure it is safer for turtles and people. In a three-part series, Gerald McCormack of the Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust writes about the distinct lifecycle of the Green sea turtle, which has a distinct lifecycle compared to Hawksbill turtles, the two types of ‘resident’ turtles that local turtle tourism is built around. This is part two of the series where McCormack examines the natural lifecycle of turtles.
The migratory mysteries of Cook Islands’ Green turtles
Saturday 29 March 2025 | Written by Gerald McCormack | Published in Environment, Features, National, Weekend
Turtle tourism has become a popular year-round activity in Rarotonga, with both government and civil society groups working to ensure it is safer for turtles and people. In a two-part series, Gerald McCormack of the Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust writes about the distinct lifecycle of the Green sea turtle, which has a distinct lifecycle compared to Hawksbill turtles, the two types of ‘resident’ turtles that local turtle tourism is built around.
A beacon of progress: First transgender mayor hopes to inspire local community
Saturday 22 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Weekend
Six months into her term, Mauke’s new mayor Joanne Rongoape Stephens is celebrated as the Cook Islands’ first transgender mayor, inspiring the LGBTQ+ community and aiming to foster growth and unity in her island.
Rarotonga marks World Down Syndrome Day
Saturday 22 March 2025 | Written by Teitimoana Tairi | Published in Features, Health, Local, National, Weekend
A World Down Syndrome Day fundraiser held at Rarotonga’s Punanga Nui Market raised over $1000 for the Cook Islands Down Syndrome Association.
Chasing the horizon: Cook Islanders rise through the ranks to command luxury yachts
Saturday 22 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
In the Cook Islands, where the sea is both a livelihood and a way of life, two Cook Islanders have transformed their childhood dream into reality, becoming captains of luxurious super yachts.
Cook Islands women summit sets action plans for key issues
Friday 7 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
The three-day Cook Islands National Council of Women’s Uikaraurau summit, which concluded on Wednesday, addressed issues like climate justice, Te Reo Maori revitalisation, NCD prevention and combating violence against women, and outlined future action plans.
Vietnam war gun finds home at Cook Islands Returned Services Association
Saturday 22 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, New Zealand, Regional, Weekend
In recognition of the men and women from the Cook Islands who have served in the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), the Cook Islands Returned Services Association (RSA) have taken possession of the L5 Howitzer Light Gun now sitting at its entrance.
New book chronicles the legacy of ‘Pacific icon’ Marjorie Crocombe
Saturday 22 February 2025 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
A new book, Marjorie Crocombe – e va’ine toa, e rangatira, honours the extraordinary life and contributions of Marjorie Tua’inekore Tere Crocombe. It will be launched on Tuesday, 25 February 2025, at 11am at the University of the South Pacific (USP) Cook Islands campus. All are warmly welcomed.
Census reveals decline in Cook Islands Māori speakers in New Zealand
Saturday 15 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Culture, Education, Features, National, Weekend
Despite a growing Cook Islands population in New Zealand, the number of Cook Islands Māori speakers is declining, raising concerns about the language’s future, and prompting calls for greater support for language revitalisation efforts.
Cook Islands, NZ reaffirm strong ties on Waitangi Day celebration
Saturday 8 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, New Zealand, Regional, Weekend
New Zealand and the Cook Islands commemorated Waitangi Day and the Cook Islands' 60th anniversary of self-governance on Thursday, highlighting their unique bond and dedication to navigating the future together through continued partnership and respect, despite issues surrounding the now abandoned proposed passport and the upcoming China agreement.
Prefects leading the way
Saturday 8 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Features, National, Weekend
Ten students from the Year 6 class of St Joseph’s Primary School were inducted as prefects yesterday during a beautiful opening of the school year and prefect investiture church service at St Joseph’s Cathedral, led by Bishop Reynaldo Getalado.
Coastwatcher honoured after 80 years
Tuesday 4 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
On a beautiful afternoon in the Ruatonga valley, a poignant ceremony unfolded as the ‘Last Post’ echoed through the gathering at the unveiling of a military plaque for a Cook Islands Coastwatcher.
Cook Islanders share stories of friendship with Australia
Monday 3 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Australia, Features, Local, National, Regional, Weekend
The strong and growing relationship between Australia and the Cook Islands has been amplified by the stories of Cook Islanders who have lived and thrived in Australia.
Engaging communities to shape the future of tourism
Saturday 1 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, In Depth, National, Tourism, Weekend
Engaging and practical public consultations have been held throughout this week to help Cook Islands Tourism develop the policies that will guide the nation positively into the future, focusing on how tourism can contribute positively to the wellbeing of the Cook Islands.
