Headlines

Schools close as high seas hit the Pa Enua

Tuesday 6 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Weather

High seas surged over the shore, washing in around Tetautua School on the eastern rim of Penrhyn Island, restricting safe access for children to their classrooms.

TC Nat set to hit the Southern Cooks now cancelled

Tuesday 6 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Weather

The weather warning that was in force for the northern waters of the Southern Cooks is now cancelled. The public is advised to remain vigilant as the Southern Cook Islands was set to feel the brunt of Tropical Cyclone Nat (N-E-T) as it was expected to have affected Aitutaki and Mauke last night.

Tapping into more tourism plans for the Pa Enua

Tuesday 6 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands, Tourism

Through destination development, Cook Islands Tourism Corporation is looking at opportunities, stating that “an opportunity exists to expand the tourism offering and amplify community-led tourism in the Pa Enua”.

PM confirms additional $400k to ‘maintain the pace of roadworks’

Tuesday 6 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National

Rarotonga’s long-awaited road improvement projects will receive an additional $400,000 with Prime Minister Mark Brown confirming government is appropriating it in the supplementary budget to “main the pace of roadworks to the end of the financial year”.

Letter: More questions for Immigration

Tuesday 6 February 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Letters to the Editor, Opinion

Kia Orana Editor, During the Covid lockdowns we lost 15 foreign workers to New Zealand poachers as soon as we opened our borders to New Zealand.

Mangaia 200 years of Gospel celebrations embraces island

Tuesday 6 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National, Outer Islands

The colossal amount of around $1 million has been raised for the island of Mangaia’s Te Arikianga o te Evangelia, the Arrival of the Gospel Bicentennial commemoration festivities that will be held this coming June.

Cooks badminton team count down for Oceania Champs

Tuesday 6 February 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Badminton, Sports

Three teams of 16 players are getting ready for the 2024 VICTOR Oceania Championships in Geelong, Victoria, Australia.

Impressive turnout for team triathlon event

Tuesday 6 February 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Sports, Triathlon

Cook Islands Triathlon Association was overjoyed with the turnout for the 2024 BSP & KPMG Team Triathlon held on Saturday, which saw a large number of competitors, in hot and humid conditions.

Kata: Road sealing

Monday 5 February 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion

Tolosa prepares for Glasgow

Monday 5 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Athletics, Sports

Athletics Cook Islands is ready for another busy year and looks forward to more achievements.

I want to continue what he started: Widow remembers a Rarotonga tourism trailblazer

Monday 5 February 2024 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend

When Kave Tamaariki booked for his two sons and their families to visit him in Rarotonga in the new year, it was meant to be his first time showing his four grandchildren his island home. Instead, their first trip to the sub-tropical paradise came a few months early – for their grandfather’s funeral.

Ruta Mave: What goes around comes around

Monday 5 February 2024 | Written by Ruta Tangiiau Mave | Published in Editorials, Opinion

Last week I was looking for some positivity to write about, after realising corruption featured as the common theme in my articles last year, writes Ruta Mave.

More alleged brawlers expected in court this week

Monday 5 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National

More alleged brawlers are expected to appear in court on Thursday after facing charges of fighting in a public place and assault with intent.

Island girls fly to big smoke and carve out their careers in tourism

Monday 5 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National

Tourism is the key driver for economic development in the Cook Islands and Tereora College graduates Kubethreana Taripo and Rakiki Brown are both “excited” to be the first scholarship students to be awarded the Cook Islands Tourism Leadership Programme scholarship.

Defended hearing for reckless and drink-driving accused two years on

Monday 5 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National

A reckless and drink driving case which has dragged on for two years, has been set down for a defended hearing.

Ngati Tangiiau akataoanga Rangatira

Monday 5 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National

The Ngati Tangiiau chiefly tribe of Takitumu have gathered at Te Tu’ukura Marae in Turangi, Ngatangiia for the peaceful “akataoanga” traditional investiture of Maui Rangatira – Justine Matatoa Flanagan and Te Pa’u Tangi o Tangiiau Rangatira – Teremoana Peter Tamariki Monga.

Cyclone warnings issued as low pressure system hits the Cooks

Sunday 4 February 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in National, Weather

Official cyclone warnings have been issued as the Cook Islands braces for a bumpy ride with the weather.

Kata: Mates

Saturday 3 February 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion

Sporting body questions Lewis’ dual roles

Saturday 3 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Other Sports, Sports

A national sporting federation has voiced concerns about the concurrent roles of Owen Lewis, the Secretary for Education, who continues to serve as secretary general of the Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC).

Colourful tattoos, decorated canoes: Captain Bligh’s account of Aitutaki

Saturday 3 February 2024 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend

Captain Bligh made two visits to Aitutaki and left unique accounts of their vaka and tattooing, writes Rod Dixon.