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‘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.

Goldmine burgled: ‘Overseas-style’ smash and grab rocks Rarotonga

Wednesday 3 January 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Crime, National

A break in at a Rarotonga jewellery store, reported to have taken place in the early hours of the New Year, is being investigated by police.

The year in sports 2023

Sunday 31 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Bowling, Boxing, Cricket, Cycling, Fishing, Football, Golf, Handball, League, Netball, Pacific Games, Paddling, Rugby league, Rugby Union, Running, Sailing, Sports, Swimming, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball

2023 has been a testament to the dedication and talent of Cook Islands athletes across various sports. Cook Islands News’ Losirene Lacanivalu delves into some of the most remarkable sporting achievements that made headlines in 2023.

2023 year in review

Sunday 31 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend

A look back at the year’s biggest news stories.

Kata: National Environment Service

Saturday 30 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion

Athletics to hold first Village Mile event

Saturday 30 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Athletics, Sports

Cook Islanders and visitors can look forward to a fun-filled event a day after New Year’s, as Athletics Cook Islands hosts its first Village Mile event on January 2.

Dreaver’s decades of impact : Pacific journalist honoured in New Year awards

Saturday 30 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National

TVNZ’s Pacific correspondent and former Cook Islands News journalist Barbara Dreaver talks to Pacific Media Network’s Khalia Strong on three decades reporting on Pacific issues, and making her parents proud.

Festive spirit fills Ma’uke as families reunite for annual Teretere tradition

Saturday 30 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands

The Christmas and New Year’s season is a time when many Cook Islands families residing overseas return to Rarotonga and their home islands in the Pa Enua. They come to reconnect with their families and celebrate the festive season together. Cook Islands News senior journalist Melina Etches experienced this firsthand, travelling to Ma’uke for the Christmas break.

Cook Islands to the world : Nations will ‘disappear’ without action on climate change

Saturday 30 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Environment, Features, National, Weekend

Climate change activists from around the world are itching to team up with a Cook Islands film crew to raise awareness about the global crisis after a music video about its impact on the Pacific debuted at a United Nations conference. Joanne Holden reports.

Te Ipukarea Society : My turn as an intern: Discovering passion for the environment at Te Ipukarea Society

Saturday 30 December 2023 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National

This week’s Te Ipukarea Society article is written by Dreena Teapa, the recipient of the Dame Margaret Karika Memorial Fellowship in 2023 for topping the Year 12 biology at Tereora College. She would however like it noted that she did not come up with the title!

Resorts gear up for New Year’s celebration

Saturday 30 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National

Falling on a Sunday this year, New Year’s Eve presents a unique challenge for resorts. However, restaurants and bars remain hopeful for a lively influx of guests eager to ring in the new year with family and friends over festive meals.

PM Brown hails ‘exceptional’ 2023

Saturday 30 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Pacific Islands Forum

Reflecting on 2023, Prime Minister Mark Brown said it was an exceptional year for the Cook Islands and its ministers.

Market stall owners share stories of resilience and renewal

Saturday 30 December 2023 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Local, National

Small business big dreams: Market stall owners reflects on a year of challenges and celebrations.

Covid-19 strikes back: Rise in reported positive cases, confirms TMO

Saturday 30 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National

Reported Covid-19 cases in the Cook Islands, particularly on Aitutaki and Mangaia, have been on the rise, says Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health.

Love pours in for late NRL player

Friday 29 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Rugby league, Sports

The family of NRL player Troy Dargan, who tragically died in a motorcycle accident on Christmas Eve in Aitutaki, has shared a heartfelt message expressing their gratitude for the overwhelming support they have received.

Govt has not considered policy guidelines on casino license issue: Fiji PM

Friday 29 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Fiji, Regional

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the Coalition Government had not considered or approved any policy guidelines on the issuance of casino licenses.

Increasing toxic agal blooms could be linked to extreme weather events

Friday 29 December 2023 | Written by RNZ | Published in New Zealand, Regional

The increasing frequency of toxic algal blooms could be related to extreme weather, says the NZ Ministry for Primary Industries. Shellfish toxin alerts have been issued for parts of Waiheke Island, Kawhia, the West Coast of Northland, East Cape, and Marlborough Sounds.

Church Talk: Reflecting on God’s blessings and shared strength in the Cook Islands

Friday 29 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features

Let us all continue to share our joys with one another, our concerns with one another, challenges with one another, needs with one another, outreach sharing and compassion with one another, writes Bishop Tutai Pere of the Apostolic Church.