Headlines

‘Nothing to worry about’: Prime Minister Brown on China agreement

Sunday 16 February 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in BREAKING NEWS, Local, National, Politics

Prime Minister Mark Brown has reaffirmed his commitment to publishing the Joint Action Plan for Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) 2025-2030 agreement with China.

Kata: Presents from China

Saturday 15 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion

‘Serious questions’: Opposition challenges China partnership

Saturday 15 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National

Cook Islands Government defends its new partnership agreement with China, emphasising its alignment with national interests and the continued importance of existing relationships, while facing calls for greater transparency.

No-confidence motion against PM and his Cabinet faces delays

Saturday 15 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Parliament

A motion of no confidence against the Cook Islands Cabinet, filed on February 11, faces delays due to parliamentary procedure, specifically the 14-day notice requirement and the precedence of an Appropriation Amendment Bill.

Thomas Wynne: What does China want from Cook Islands?

Saturday 15 February 2025 | Written by Thomas Tarurongo Wynne | Published in Editorials, Opinion

There is a question that rests heavily on my heart – one that goes beyond politics and economics, writes Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.

Te Ipukarea Society: From scraps to soil- Getting the dirt on composting

Saturday 15 February 2025 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Editorials, Opinion

Earlier on in the week, Te Ipukarea Society worked closely with the enthusiastic year 7 and 8 students from Titikaveka College, exploring the organic benefits of composting and worm farming.

Census reveals decline in Cook Islands Māori speakers in New Zealand

Saturday 15 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Culture, Education, Features, National, Weekend

Despite a growing Cook Islands population in New Zealand, the number of Cook Islands Māori speakers is declining, raising concerns about the language’s future, and prompting calls for greater support for language revitalisation efforts.

Tereora celebrates student excellence at endorsement assembly

Saturday 15 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, National

Tereora College yesterday held its annual Endorsement Assembly, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of its students.

Virtues in Paradise: Too blessed to be stressed

Saturday 15 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Opinion, Virtues in Paradise

In our beautiful South Pacific paradise, life can sometimes seem deceptively tranquil. Like swans gliding across a serene lake, we might appear calm on the surface while our legs paddle furiously beneath the water, writes Linda Kavelin-Popov.

Apii Avarua inducts 25 prefects

Saturday 15 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, National

A total of 25 students, including 14 girls and 11 boys, were inducted as the 2025 prefects for Apii Avarua yesterday.

Faith vs rights: Cook Islands debates declaring itself a Christian nation

Saturday 15 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, National, Parliament

Parliament is considering a constitutional amendment to declare the nation a Christian state, sparking debate about religious freedom, human rights and the separation of church and state, with various religious leaders and legal experts presenting their views to a special committee.

Tupapa earns Champions League spot

Saturday 15 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Football, Sports

Tupapa Maraerenga FC of the Cook Islands will play in this year’s OFC Men’s Champions League, following an entertaining victory over Samoa’s Vaipuna SC on match day three of qualifying at CIFA Complex in Matavera yesterday.

Kata: Constitution

Friday 14 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion

Cook Islands and China ink agreements, details pending

Friday 14 February 2025 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in National

Cook Islands signed a number of bilateral cooperation documents with China following a meeting between Prime Minister Mark Brown and Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Friday in Harbin, China.

Tupapa needs win to advance

Friday 14 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Football, Sports

Tupapa Maraerenga FC faces a do-or-die situation in the final match of the OFC Men’s Champions League 2025 Qualifying today at the CIFA Complex in Matavera.

Church talk: Repentance is the cornerstone of Jesus’ message

Friday 14 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features

Repentance holds a foundational place in the teaching of Jesus, marking the beginning of His public ministry. It was central to Jesus’ preaching because it addressed the fundamental human problem – sin, and prepared the people to receive the Kingdom of God, writes Bishop Reynaldo Bunyi Getalado msp of the Catholic Church.

Letter: Constitutional amendment

Friday 14 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Letters to the Editor, Opinion

Forget about a constitutional amendment to recognise the Cook Islands as a Christian nation, I’m a dyed in the wool Catholic and Pope Francis said that Christian nationalism is opposed to Catholic teachings.

Letter: Real problems, real solutions

Friday 14 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Letters to the Editor, Opinion

Dear Editor, How considerate of (Prime Minister) Mark Brown to put his banana republic passport on ‘hold for now’! Reason being, he didn’t like what the New Zealand government would do to Cook Islanders.