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Western Australia gifts symbolic tables to Cook Islands Parliament

Tuesday 20 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Australia, National, Parliament, Regional

The two “Table of the House” tables gifted by the Parliament of Western Australia (WA) were officially handed over to Cook Islands Parliament yesterday morning.

JP to deliver reserved decision in reckless and drink-driving case

Tuesday 20 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National

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

Tuesday 20 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament

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

Tuesday 20 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament

A Bill seeking to improve the overall seabed minerals regime was passed in Parliament yesterday.

Heroin suspected in packages found at Rarotonga retailer

Tuesday 20 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, National

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

Tuesday 20 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Parliament

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.

Kata: Golden Eggs

Monday 19 February 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion

Love, laughter and tries on Valentine’s Day

Monday 19 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Sports, Touch Rugby

The mixed touch rugby teams on game three of the 2024 Touch Rugby Competition turned up on Wednesday last week, featuring a mix of fun, love, and laughter.

Defending champs suffer second defeat

Monday 19 February 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Rugby league, Sports

Avatiu Nikao Eels made a flying start to the 2024 Cook Islands Rugby League 13s competition, defeating the defending champions on Saturday.

Ruta Mave: Are MPs living up to their ‘honourable’ title?

Monday 19 February 2024 | Written by Ruta Tangiiau Mave | Published in Editorials, Opinion

Oh, dear it seems we do have adulterers in our midst who hold high standing public office. Adultery is not against the law – you can’t be charged for it. But it is against God’s Seventh commandment law; so how many ‘hail Mary’s’ is the penance for breaking it? Ruta Mave writes.

New trust aims to keep Cook Islanders home and skilled

Monday 19 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National

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

Monday 19 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament

The Special Select Committee reviewing the three Constitutional Amendment Bills before Parliament has received three submissions.

Health ministry recommends Covid boosters for vulnerable populations

Monday 19 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National

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’

Monday 19 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Economy, National, Tourism

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

Monday 19 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in National, Politics

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

Monday 19 February 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in National, Parliament, Politics

The Government seeks an additional $16.5 million through a Supplementary Budget to be tabled in today’s first Parliament sitting of the year.

Kata: $354m fine

Saturday 17 February 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion

Nicholas ‘honoured’ to be appointed Deputy Prime Minister

Saturday 17 February 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in National, Politics

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

Saturday 17 February 2024 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Local, National

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

Saturday 17 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National

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.