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Official Information Act request

Thursday 28 September 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National

Dear Editor, Can I just say a few things regarding the Official Information Act request to parliament by your paper (Cook Islands News, 27 September 2023).

Learning more about conservation

Thursday 28 September 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National

Secretary for Agriculture Temarama Anguna-Kamana says the Pacific Agricultural Plant Genetic Resources Network (PAPGREN) meeting continues to highlight the importance of each Pacific Island taking responsibility for preserving and conserving its own resources.

Cooks warned to be wary of being ‘star-struck’ under global spotlight

Thursday 28 September 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National

Geopolitical expert Geoffrey Miller has warned Cook Islands will need to be wary of the potential to be ‘star-struck’ by the attention being bestowed upon it by the world’s superpowers.

Muri Beach Club Hotel Spa: A rejuvenating experience

Thursday 28 September 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Go Local

Getting a spa treatment can be a wonderful way to relax and rejuvenate your body and mind. However, finding the best spa therapist can be challenging.

Dreadlocks shaved for Cook Islands’ only vet clinic

Thursday 28 September 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Local, National

An Australian veterinarian who volunteered in the Cook Islands 13 years ago has shaved off his dreadlocks to raise more than $3000 for the island nation’s only vet clinic.

Health workers’ pay rise on hold as TMO ensures correct payouts

Thursday 28 September 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National

Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health workers promised a pay rise in July this year will have to wait a little longer for the increment.

Politicians’ travel expenses sought with request under Official Information Act

Thursday 28 September 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National, Parliament

Cook Islands News has made an Official Information Act request to the government seeking the travel costs of MPs.

Bank to launch Christmas gift drive for less fortunate children

Thursday 28 September 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National

An initiative to put a smile on less fortunate Cook Islands children this Christmas is set to launch next week.

Kata: Meeting Mr President

Wednesday 27 September 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion

Cooks toasts World Tourism Day 2023

Wednesday 27 September 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National

Cook Islands Tourism Celebrates World Tourism Day 2023 with the launch of Cook Islands People’s Choice Awards and Opening of Regenerative Tourism Experience.

Proud Oe Vaka junior girls receive world medals

Wednesday 27 September 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Paddling, Sports

The Cook Islands Under 16 junior girls oe vaka world champions are proud and excited to finally be presented with their bronze medals, after their epic race at the 2023 International Va’a Federation (IVF) World Paddling Distance Championships (10 - 19th August) in Apia, Samoa.

High hopes for Pacific Games

Wednesday 27 September 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Athletics, Other Sports, Pacific Games, Sports

Cook Islands team to the Pacific Games 2023 in Honiara, Solomon Islands this year is looking to increase their medal tally.

Letter: Pacific Islands Forum

Wednesday 27 September 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Letters to the Editor, Opinion

If it’s costing only $NZ 150,000 for Pacific Island Forum leaders meeting in Rarotonga in November,  then, that’s cheap. Any leaders meeting anywhere tends to hit the million mark these days because they are such bourgeois affairs. Rajend Naidu

Letter: Sheraton redevelopment

Wednesday 27 September 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Letters to the Editor, Opinion

It should be of huge public concern that the “new” private development of the Vaimaanga hotel site will soon include the closure of the main coastal road, forcing a long traffic diversion around the back of the hotel site for all motorists, purely in order to enable future guests and residents of the new hotel, direct access to a non-existent beach, with no sand, and no swimming or snorkelling , and bounded by huge rock revetments, which have been in place for years.

Letter: The cost of air travel

Wednesday 27 September 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Letters to the Editor, Opinion

The excuses that Air New Zealand dream up for their high ticket prices from Auckland to Rarotonga, are just that, weak excuses, the only reason that they give that is genuine for their high prices is that they do this for "commercial reasons" to try and offset the loss of $591 million from 2021. I can understand this but don't try and recoup this loss just from their flights to Rarotonga alone.

Police investigate alleged Nikao assault incident

Wednesday 27 September 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, National

A family has reached out to the Rarotonga community seeking more information about an alleged incident at the Nikao Social Centre.

Government wants $1000 for requested information on politicians’ travel costs

Wednesday 27 September 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National

Government wants to be paid more than $1000 for a breakdown of what it costs taxpayers to fund the travel of politicians, but it’s decision to charge for the information doesn’t wash with the Ombudsman.

Statement expected next week on medicinal cannabis : Prime Minister’s Office

Wednesday 27 September 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Health, Local, National

The final draft report and a plan for a medicinal cannabis regime has been completed, says Office of the Prime Minister chief of staff Ben Ponia.

School students get the fire safety message

Wednesday 27 September 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Education, National

Apii Te Uki Ou are among the first Cook Islands students to be involved in a campaign for readiness and preparedness for fires.

United States confirms long-serving diplomat to lead a delegation to Pacific Islands Forum

Wednesday 27 September 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National, Pacific Islands, Regional

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield will lead the United States Delegation at the Pacific Islands Forum in Rarotonga on November 10.