Headlines
Ruta Mave: Cook Islands, it’s time to wake up
Monday 24 February 2025 | Written by Ruta Tangiiau Mave | Published in Opinion
It has been an ice water wake up to 2025 with the proposed passport, and the China deal shaking up our relationship with New Zealand, we are going to build ports with China, all while their warships are firing live rounds off of Australia’s coast. And it’s only February.
Umu cooking: Embracing our cultural identity
Monday 24 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
Tauranga Vananga secretary Emile Kairua says that in today’s fast-paced world dominated by convenience foods and modern kitchen gadgets there’s something incredibly grounding and culturally enriching about teaching young people the art of cooking using traditional methods like the umu - the underground oven.
Home cooks showcase kuru’s potential at Takurua competition
Monday 24 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National, Tourism
The home cooks in the Te Mato Manava Turoto/Cook Islands Tourism’s “Takurua – Taste of the Season”, Tiopu Kuru (breadfruit stew) competition at the Punanga Nui Market on Saturday did not disappoint.
Corrective Services claims policies ensure transparency, accountability
Monday 24 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
The Ministry of Corrective Services secretary Teokotai Joseph has responded to the Public Accounts Committees Annual Review 2022-2023 recommendations, stating that they have policies in place to ensure transparency and accountability- preventing the misuse of power.
Cook Islands Police complete final safety training
Monday 24 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands Police Service completed its final round of training under the Officer Safety Pacific initiative, supported by New Zealand Police last week.
Sporting executive’s case adjourned
Monday 24 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
Sporting executive Romani Katoa who is charged in connection with the highly publicised property intrusion incident on Boxing Day 2024 has had his case adjourned to May 15.
Hosking reappointed as Secretary of Transport
Monday 24 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in National
John Hosking has been reappointed as the secretary for the Ministry of Transport (MOT) for a third term.
Police welcome financial support ‘if directed at staffing needs and operations’
Monday 24 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Parliament
Cook Islands Police Service welcomes any new or additional financial support, if directed at staffing needs and operations, says Police media and strategic advisor Trevor Pitt.
Humble kuru dish wins hearts at Taste of the Season Cook Off competition
Monday 24 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
Hundreds turned out to taste the delicious tiopu kuru (breadfruit stew) hearty meals prepared with love by our very own home cooks in the Takurua – Taste of the Season Cook Off competition on Saturday at the Punanga Nui Market.
Kata: Appropriation Bill
Monday 24 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion
Cook Islands eyes China investment in blue economy
Saturday 22 February 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands and China have agreed to cooperate on blue economy investments, including new port wharves and deep sea minerals development, under a newly signed memorandum of understanding (MoU).
Schools spice up Takurua event with cultural challenges
Saturday 22 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Students, teachers and guests yesterday enjoyed the tender, flavourful vegetables, fish and meat, slow-cooked with the heat of hot river stones and infused with the fragrant sweetness of banana leaves, steam and smoke.
Repeat offender back behind bars
Saturday 22 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
Recidivist offender, 23-year-old Lucas Kamana, has been sentenced to 16 months in jail for charges of burglary, joint burglary and contempt of court.
Hunter seeks shorter term as PSC head
Saturday 22 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
Public Service Commissioner, Carl Sean Hunter, recently reappointed to his position, has confirmed that he requested a two-year term.
Te Tuhi Kelly: ‘New Zealand must step up’
Saturday 22 February 2025 | Written by Te Tuhi Kelly | Published in Editorials, Opinion
New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters calling for a reset of the relationship with the Cook Islands, I think we need to look at this from a different perspective, writes Te Tuhi Kelly, leader of the Progressive Party.
Te Ipukarea Society: Citizen science to guide turtle conservation
Saturday 22 February 2025 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Editorials, Environment, National, Opinion
Turtles are an integral part of marine ecosystems, and the Cook Islands is home to a few species, including the endangered Green Turtle and the critically endangered Hawksbill turtles.
Vietnam war gun finds home at Cook Islands Returned Services Association
Saturday 22 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, New Zealand, Regional, Weekend
In recognition of the men and women from the Cook Islands who have served in the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), the Cook Islands Returned Services Association (RSA) have taken possession of the L5 Howitzer Light Gun now sitting at its entrance.
School roll swells, Apii Nikao inducts new prefects
Saturday 22 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Apii Nikao celebrated the induction of 20 student prefects, who will serve as role models and leaders, while the school’s enrolment has increased from 339 to 389 since January.
New book chronicles the legacy of ‘Pacific icon’ Marjorie Crocombe
Saturday 22 February 2025 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
A new book, Marjorie Crocombe – e va’ine toa, e rangatira, honours the extraordinary life and contributions of Marjorie Tua’inekore Tere Crocombe. It will be launched on Tuesday, 25 February 2025, at 11am at the University of the South Pacific (USP) Cook Islands campus. All are warmly welcomed.
Cook Islands’ China deal tests limits of NZ partnership
Saturday 22 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, In Depth, National, Politics
Cook Islands’ recent agreement with China has raised concerns about potential breaches of its Joint Declaration with New Zealand, with experts debating whether any breach is legal or merely political, depending on the extent of surprise and the details of the agreement, while also considering the broader context of shifting global power dynamics in the Pacific.
