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Cook Islands balances tourism growth with sustainability

Saturday 2 March 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Business, Economy, National, Tourism

Cook Islands emerged from the Covid-19 slump with a tourism boom in 2023.

Beyond the numbers: How tourism benefits everyday life in the Cook Islands

Saturday 2 March 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Business, Economy, Features, Go Local, National, Tourism, Weekend

January saw a record breaking 10,368 visitors arrive on our shores. They’re staying longer, and spending more on average. But what do these facts and figures look like in the daily lives of Cook Islanders? Cook Islands News journalist Candice Luke spoke to locals about how the tourist dollar is affecting them, their families, and their businesses right now.

Education takes flight as Manihiki and Penrhyn learners graduate for first time

Saturday 2 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National

The Cook Islands Tertiary Training Institute (CITTI) is expanding its reach to offer accredited qualifications to learners in the Pa Enua, with this week’s graduation ceremony celebrating the achievements of students from Manihiki and Penrhyn.

Aere ra e Papa Harry: A tribute to the life and legacy of beloved Suwarrow Park Ranger

Saturday 2 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend

“Suwarrow belongs to you and me and to every Cook Islander. This is our home. We have the responsibility to protect and to take care of our home.” – Tuakeu “Harry” Papai.

Te Ipukarea Society: Pacific partners talk tourism

Saturday 2 March 2024 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National

Te Ipukarea Society recently participated in the Pacific Tourism Partners Immersion Programme organised by Griffith Institute for Tourism based in Brisbane, Australia.

Thomas Wynne: A man of mana - A tribute to Fa’anānā Efeso Collins

Saturday 2 March 2024 | Written by Thomas Tarurongo Wynne | Published in Editorials, Opinion

What is mana? At a funeral this week in Auckland where thousands attended, including many from our Cook Islands community, a man with mana, who loved God, his family and our community was honoured and laid to rest., writes Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.

Virtues of Paradise: The Gethsemane Secret: Trusting God during difficult times

Saturday 2 March 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Opinion, Virtues in Paradise

The Lenten period is here now. A perfect time to reflect on our lives. The world’s sacred texts contain great wisdom on the virtues, which are the very purpose of our lives. By Linda Kavelin-Popov, co-founder of The Virtues Project.

Turning illness into inspiration, Upokoina’s story of resilience

Saturday 2 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend

Upokoina Bishop-Cuthers, a Cook Islands woman who battled cancer, created her own homeware brand CuBis Creations to inspire others and support her family.

Missing police details lead to dismissal of assault charges

Saturday 2 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National

The lack of details in the court case against a man who faced four counts of assaulting a female resulted in the dismissal of two charges against him.

Drink driving crashes result in hefty fines

Saturday 2 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National

Justice of the Peace Tangi Taoro presided over drink driving related matters that were presented at the Criminal Court in Avarua this week.

Artist gifts Cook Islands themed collection to university

Saturday 2 March 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Art, Features

University of South Pacific’s Rarotonga campus has received a donation of 11 screen printed original works by New Zealand-based artist Jean Loomis.

Man sues Police for $275,000

Saturday 2 March 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Crime, National

A Tupapa resident has filed a civil claim of $275,000 against the Cook Islands Police for alleged wrongful arrest and detention.

Kata: Pacific Arts

Saturday 2 March 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion

Kata: Immigration

Friday 1 March 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion

Undefeated Eels wary of Bulldogs

Friday 1 March 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Rugby league, Sports

The undefeated Avatiu Nikao Eels are wary of the Titikaveka Bulldogs when the two premier men’s sides clash this afternoon at Teimurimotia Park.

Immigration officers shouldn’t advice on employment contracts, says Elikana

Friday 1 March 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in National, Parliament

It is not the place of immigration officers to advise an employment relationship, Immigration Minister Tingika Elikana told Parliament yesterday.

Parliament approves budget increase, leaders clash over economic outlook

Friday 1 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament

The Appropriation Amendment Bill 2024 (Supplementary Budget), seeking a top-up of $16.5 million to the 2023/24 budget, was passed in Parliament yesterday.

140 graduates celebrate achievements at CITTI ceremony

Friday 1 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National

The Cook Islands Tertiary Training Institute (CITTI) graduation for 140 students was held yesterday morning at Te Are Karioi (National Auditorium), acknowledging and presenting each student with Cook Islands and New Zealand certificates.

Education ‘master plan’ to improve NCEA pass rates

Friday 1 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education, National

The Ministry of Education has started developing a new education master plan with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and with this they aim for an 80 per cent pass rate for NCEA levels.

Marine and lagoon assessment to begin in Aitutaki

Friday 1 March 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Environment, National

The National Environmental Services (NES) has finally secured technical expertise to undertake a detailed marine biological baseline assessment of the marine benthic biomes and resources (biotic and abiotic) within the Aitutaki project sites.