Headlines
Māori MP draws parallels between Cook Islands protest and Māori concerns
Thursday 20 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, New Zealand, Regional
Aotearoa New Zealand’s Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer says Cook Islanders’ protest against their government over key decisions resonate with the feelings of New Zealand Māori in Aotearoa “with a lot of decisions being made about us, without us”.
Court briefs
Thursday 20 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, National
Two men were sentenced on Tuesday in the Criminal Court in Avarua following separate assaults on women. One of the men was also found guilty on three counts of assaulting a child.
Lack of updates frustrates victims in vehicle incident
Thursday 20 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
Visitors left with severe injuries after being struck by a vehicle in Rarotonga in May 2024 is still waiting for answers, with police failing to provide updates despite multiple follow-ups.
Cook Islands Tourism prepares for Takurua culinary celebration
Thursday 20 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National, Tourism
Cook Islands Tourism chief executive Karla Eggelton says the upcoming Takurua culinary festival gives an opportunity to share the nation’s food story in a way that “connects us to our past while also showcasing how our cuisine is evolving”.
Dollars and sense: Autism Cook Islands students learn financial literacy
Thursday 20 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National
Autism Cook Islands (ACI) has started their Term 1 programme teaching their transition group of seven students how to use money wisely.
‘Very little detail’: PM Brown explains vague China agreement
Thursday 20 February 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
The comprehensive agreement the Cook Islands has signed with China “deliberately” contains few details because the Government has not yet committed to any specific projects, says Prime Minister Mark Brown.
U18’s trials for beach volleyball to travel to Solomon Islands
Wednesday 19 February 2025 | Written by Nicolea Mateariki | Published in Sports, Volleyball
The Cook Islands Volleyball federation have started trials for interested U18’s male athletes to represent the Cook Islands at the Volleyball Tournament to be held in the Solomon Islands in April.
Kata: Tereora building
Wednesday 19 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion
Concerns on new Teacher Development Centre raised
Wednesday 19 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, National
The recent opening of the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) Teacher Development Centre, housed in an upstairs space of Tereora College’s main building, has sparked concerns from some members of the community questioning the decision to repurpose it. Talaia Mika reports.
Culinary celebration of Takurua - Umu Cooking
Wednesday 19 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
To celebrate Cook Islands’ 60th Anniversary of Self-Governance celebrations, Te Mato Manava Turoto/Cook Islands Tourism will present the culinary celebration of Takurua – Taste of the Season, this week.
PM: Cook Islands passport no longer being pursued
Wednesday 19 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, New Zealand, Regional
Prime Minister Mark Brown has reaffirmed that the controversial Cook Islands passport proposal is no longer being pursued and has assured the public that the country’s relationship with New Zealand remains strong.
Students take on real-world challenges in Solve for Tomorrow competition
Wednesday 19 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, National, Technology
The first phase of the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Innovation Challenge took place yesterday at Calvary Hall in Arorangi, bringing together young minds from across the Cook Islands to tackle real-world issues through design thinking.
Appropriation Amendment Bill tabled, referred to PAC
Wednesday 19 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
The Appropriation Amendment Bill for 2025 that was tabled in Parliament by Prime Minister Mark Brown on Monday has been referred to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that is expected to scrutinise and report on the Bill when Parliament reconvenes on February 24.
Letter: “I know. But, for what purpose?”
Wednesday 19 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Letters to the Editor, Opinion
With all the turmoil going on at the moment, perhaps it's a good time to reflect on what’s important to us as Cook Islanders. Read and ponder.
Smokie
Wednesday 19 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Opinion, Smoke Signals
Who were those MP’s standing on the steps of Parliament during the peaceful protest march yesterday???
Peaceful protest to Parliament House, Cook Islanders voicing their concerns and advocating for change
Wednesday 19 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Hundreds of Cook Islanders marched in protest to Parliament, demanding that government prioritise their New Zealand citizenship, address concerns about the China agreement and listen to the people’s wishes. Reporter Melina Etches looks back at the rally that was held in front of Parliament on Monday.
Badminton team wins silver medal at U15 Comp
Wednesday 19 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Badminton, Sports
Cook Islands Badminton U15 team returned home last week, after an intense match against New Caledonia ending with a silver medal win.
PM emphasises ‘mutual’ relationship with NZ
Tuesday 18 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, New Zealand, Parliament, Politics, Regional
Prime Minister Mark Brown says he is looking forward to his next discussions with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon “in due course” to promote and strengthen the countries’ collaboration while recognising and respecting the sovereign status of both countries.
Kata: Passport rally
Tuesday 18 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion
‘I see you, I hear you: PM Brown promises greater consultation
Tuesday 18 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown has reiterated his message of welcoming robust discussion as well as making it clear that the government values transparency, consultation and open dialogue.
