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Community responds to Government’s calls for partnership

Tuesday 4 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National

Following the announcement of the launch of the Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme (RSSP), communities around Rarotonga are actively engaging with the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) to learn more about the programme.

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.

Back-to-back cruise ship visits boost Rarotonga tourism

Tuesday 4 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Tourism

Within 48 hours, two cruise ships – the Zuiderdam, which visited on Saturday, and the Costa Deliziosa, which arrived yesterday – called at Rarotonga.

Cook Islands reaffirms climate leadership amidst US withdrawal from Paris Agreement

Tuesday 4 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Environment, National

Cook Islands has called for continued global cooperation to address climate crisis and for the global community to fill any funding gaps left by the United States after its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement.

Rarotonga tattoo artist warns of fake bookings, leaving tourists needled

Tuesday 4 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Art, Features, Local, National

A growing number of tourists are falling victim to fraudulent tattoo bookings in Rarotonga, with scammers impersonating local artists and collecting deposits through social media.

PM to China on state visit

Tuesday 4 February 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National

Prime Minister Mark Brown will be accorded a state visit to China this month, highlighting growing cooperation between the two countries.

Kata: Help

Monday 3 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion

Bears rumble into 2025 season

Monday 3 February 2025 | Written by Nicolea Mateariki | Published in Rugby league, Sports

The Battle of Raemaru Rugby League Showdown was held on Saturday afternoon, allowing all past players and new recruits for the Arorangi Bears open men’s team to participate in a fun match of rugby league.

New Zealand government cancelled its own proposed visit, says Kiribati

Monday 3 February 2025 | Written by RNZ | Published in Kiribati, New Zealand, Regional

The Kiribati government, has for the first time, commented on its diplomatic rift with Aotearoa, stating that the "New Zealand government cancelled its own proposed visit".

Ruta Mave: Our children need protection

Monday 3 February 2025 | Written by Ruta Tangiiau Mave | Published in Editorials, Opinion

Enough is enough. As an adult if you have never confided to anyone what you suffered as a child – it is time, writes Ruta Mave.

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.

Religious debate heats up

Monday 3 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National

The spokesperson for the Rarotongan Muslim community has weighed in on the ongoing religious debate following the establishment of the new Christian movement and its plans to challenge the Cook Islands Government.

Letter: Christianity and Islam

Monday 3 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Letters to the Editor, Opinion

Dear Editor, Since the article published in the Cook Islands News on the 14th November 2024 regarding the first Mosque in Rarotonga, and following all subsequent newspaper articles, Letters to the Editor, opinion pieces, online comments, RAC comments, the removal of the Mosque pin on Google maps, Parliament’s formation of a “special select committee” etc, I have remained silent.

Court briefs

Monday 3 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National

Chief Justice Patrick Keane presided over a number of cases via an audio-visual link at the High Court in Avarua on Friday.

Bail denied for motorcyclist in Arorangi fatal hit-and-run

Monday 3 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, Crime, National

A 24-year-old father of two, charged with negligent driving causing death following a fatal hit-and-run in Arorangi last week, was denied bail by the Criminal Court in Avarua over the weekend.

‘This has to stop’: Community rallies in support of abuse survivors at Walk4 Aro’a

Monday 3 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National

In a small community where silence often cloaks suffering, the peaceful “Walk4 Aro’a” march on Saturday for victims of family harm and gender-based violence (GBV) stood as a powerful demonstration of community solidarity and support.

Kata: National Debt

Saturday 1 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion

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.

Government accused of misleading public on seabed mining

Saturday 1 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National

Cook Islands Government is misleading the public into believing the country is undecided on whether to allow deep seabed mining, claims an advocate for ocean conservation and protection.