Headlines
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.
Cook Islanders rally to protect NZ citizenship, protest government decisions
Tuesday 18 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Parliament
As hundreds gathered in protest against the government yesterday at Parliament in Nikao, one of the main concerns for many protesters was the fear of losing their New Zealand citizenship, or “risking” it, due to the government’s decisions.
Govt publishes China agreement, Opposition still demands answers
Tuesday 18 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
Cook Islands Government yesterday released the China agreement text following criticism over a lack of consultation, with New Zealand now reviewing its implications.
Cook Islands film ‘Stranded Pearl’ to reach global audience
Tuesday 18 February 2025 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Entertainment, Features
A Cook Islands-made film will be featured at international film festivals in Japan and New Zealand, and has secured distribution deals for in-flight entertainment and streaming services.
Smokies
Tuesday 18 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Opinion, Smoke Signals
It’s been true for the decades that this writer has been observing our honourable Members of Parliament and it remains true.
Letter: 60 years of partnership in peril?
Tuesday 18 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Letters to the Editor, Opinion
Dear Editor, Sixty years ago, with the endorsement of the people, Albert Henry signed an agreement with New Zealand that gave us the privilege of being NZ citizens and the responsibility to govern ourselves. We have never been left ‘high and dry’.
Tupapa Maraerenga sets sights on OFC Champions League success
Tuesday 18 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Football, Sports
Tupapa Maraerenga FC is looking forward to representing the Cook Islands with pride in the 2025 OFC Men’s Champions League from March 30 to April 12 in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
Over 1200 water meters installed on Rarotonga
Monday 17 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
To Tatou Vai (TTV), the island’s water authority is progressing well with its water meter installation project for both residential homes commercial property. As of last week, just over 1200 meters have been installed – “a 50/50 split”.
Cook Islands secures $4 million ‘one off’ grant from China for future projects
Monday 17 February 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in National
Cook Islands will receive a “one off grant” of approximately $4 million from China, following the signing of the Joint Action Plan for the 2025-2030 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last week.
MPs’ travel costs double in $68 million Supplementary Budget
Monday 17 February 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
The Supplementary Budget seeks an extra $68 million, including doubling of MP travel allowances, sparking criticism of wasteful spending and misplaced priorities. Rashneel Kumar reports.
Climate change top priority as UN strengthens Cook Islands partnership
Monday 17 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Weather
Cook Islands welcomed a partnership with the United Nations, whose representatives visited Rarotonga last week, to address critical issues, particularly climate change.
Eels, Panthers remain unbeaten
Monday 17 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in League, Sports
The second round of the Cook Islands Rugby League (CIRL) Rarotonga 13s League competition continued on Saturday at Nukupure Park amidst the intermittent bursts of rain which kept the players cool but led to missed kicks and dropped balls.
Ruta Mave: PM’s ‘cat and mouse’ games fuel public anger
Monday 17 February 2025 | Written by Ruta Tangiiau Mave | Published in Editorials, Opinion
People complained of New Zealand being over patriarchal regarding the latest passport and China visit. Yet no one sees the same behaviour from our Prime Minister, writes Ruta Mave.
Iro, Fua appointed to key Cook Islands Investment Corporation boards
Monday 17 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
Former health secretary Elizabeth Iro has been appointed to Te Aponga Uira (TAU) Board, effective 1 January 2025, announced the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC).
China deal won’t raise concerns, says PM
Monday 17 February 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, New Zealand, Regional
Prime Minister Mark Brown is ‘confident’ there will be no areas of concern with the agreement the Cook Islands has signed with China once the documents are available to the public ‘very shortly’. Rashneel Kumar reports.
