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Constitution overhaul aims for smoother government operation

Friday 5 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament, Politics

Cook Islands Prime Minister has defended proposed constitutional amendments to increase ministerial numbers, enable proxy voting, and expedite post-election parliament, emphasising improved government efficiency.

Aitutaki’s heritage preserved in new anthology

Thursday 4 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, National, Outer Islands, Weekend

An anthology of books on the traditional and ancestry of Aitutaki offering a collection of stories and knowledge about the history and heritage of the island was unveiled last month. Melina Etches reports.

Cook Islanders celebrated for service in NZ New Year Honours

Thursday 4 January 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Entertainment, Features, Weekend

A community worker, educationalist, and journalist are among the Cook Islanders who have been recognised in the New Zealand New Year Honours list 2024.

Letter: Taps run wild

Thursday 4 January 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Letters to the Editor, Opinion

Perhaps To Tatou Vai (TTV) management is so busy that they’ve not read the comments in letters to this newspaper about the unrelenting wastage of treated drinking water by some of our farmers.

Letter: Prioritise health and education

Thursday 4 January 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Letters to the Editor, Opinion

Dear Editor, Most infrastructure projects can create significant economic stimulus that can benefit everyone in the economy. But that is not the case in the Cook Islands.

Angler reels in whopper marlin to start the season with a bang!

Thursday 4 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local, Local, National

The 2024 marlin season has launched a splendidly impressive start to the New Year with the landing of an awe-inspiring 215 kilogram (473 pounds) black marlin.

Downpour brings relief to parched Rarotonga

Thursday 4 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Weather

The deluge of rain in the early hours of Wednesday morning brought relief to many households, who were pleased to see their water tanks filled to the brim.

Report missing luggage promptly, says Air NZ

Thursday 4 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Tourism

Air New Zealand passengers arriving in Rarotonga with missing checked bags are advised to inform the airline’s team as soon as possible.

Goldmine break-in investigation ongoing

Thursday 4 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, National

Investigations into the break-in at the Goldmine jewellery shop in Avarua are still ongoing, police confirmed yesterday.

Rarotonga pumps running dry but replenishment on horizon

Thursday 4 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Economy, Local, National

Despite recent panic and some rationing due to low stocks, Rarotonga petrol stations expect smooth sailing by January 10 when the next fuel shipment arrives. Candice Luke reports.

Inaugural Walk a Mile race a success

Thursday 4 January 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Athletics, Sports

Gabriella Tolosa and Cole Tavioni Bamber won the youth award at the inaugural Walk a Mile Race on Tuesday after only intending to complete the first lap.

Passing on the passion: NRLW stars inspire next generation in Rarotonga

Thursday 4 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in League, Sports

Close to 100 children that dream of becoming professional league players got a chance to learn from two of the bests in the game.

Lady Panthers ready to defend Nines trophy

Thursday 4 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Rugby league, Sports

Lady Panthers are ready to defend their Cook Islands Rugby League Nines in Paradise trophy this weekend with a strong line-up including Pacific Games gold medallists Kiana Sword-Tua and June Willie.

Kata: Happy New Year

Wednesday 3 January 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion

League Nines frenzy grips Raro

Wednesday 3 January 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League, Sports

Local clubs are gearing up for the Cook Islands Rugby League Nines in Paradise tournament which gets underway this Friday at the National Stadium in Nikao.

Ruta Mave: Beyond midnight: Embracing a new year with meaning, not mandates

Wednesday 3 January 2024 | Written by Ruta Tangiiau Mave | Published in Editorials, Opinion

We need to protect our culture from becoming boring, beige bromeliads and insist on remaining bright colourful Cook Islanders, writes Ruta Mave.

Transformational work in Rarotonga earns New Zealand Navy Commander second honour

Wednesday 3 January 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend

When Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) Lieutenant Commander Makoare (Mark) Kohupara Te Kani posted to the Cook Islands in January 2020 as a Maritime Surveillance Adviser, he expected to travel. Weeks into posting, lockdowns isolated Rarotonga from the world.

JP Whitta gives brawl accused stern warning for breaching bail conditions

Wednesday 3 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National

A man alleged to have been involved in a brawl at the Rehab nightclub in November 2023 has been given a stern warning for breaching bail conditions. Poutapu Maretu appeared before Justice of the Peace John Whitta on Thursday last week for two counts of contempt of court, having allegedly entered a liquor-licensed premises.

‘Together we’re stronger’: Rarotonga businesses reflect on 2023

Wednesday 3 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Economy, National

The sting of the Covid-19 pandemic is still being felt by businesses around Rarotonga, but hopes are high for 2024 as the market surges through the holiday season.

Cook Islands Tourism rakes in 75% of GDP

Wednesday 3 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National

Tourism’s contribution to the Cook Islands’ gross domestic product (GDP) for the last quarter of 2023 (October-December) was estimated at 75.4 per cent, according to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management.