Headlines

ANZ Cooks urges its customers to stay a step ahead of cyber criminals this holiday season

Wednesday 20 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National

ANZ has urged customers to be alert to scams across the holiday season as cyber criminals often look for ways to take advantage of festive celebrations.

Call for comprehensive arts curriculum in the Cook Islands

Wednesday 20 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Art, Education, Features, National

The principal of a Rarotonga primary school wants to see a comprehensive arts curriculum developed for the Cook Islands after a successful first year for the country’s only contemporary dance class.

Long serving public service under strain as rising costs place pressure on sector

Wednesday 20 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Local, National

A long serving Cook Islands public service has been forced to hike its prices as it struggles without government subsidies.

‘Please heed the signs’: resident makes plea to tourists

Wednesday 20 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Editor's Pick, Local, National, Tourism

A resident of Vaimaanga in Titikaveka is calling on tourists to heed the warning signs that have been put in place for their own safety.

Cook Islands celebrates stellar cruise year despite weather woes

Tuesday 19 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Features, National, Tourism, Weekend

Cruise Cook Islands has wrapped up an exceptional season, welcoming numerous cruise ships to both Rarotonga and Aitutaki.

Kata: Justify

Tuesday 19 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion

Cook Islands Squash team scores ‘valuable experience’ at Worlds

Tuesday 19 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Sports, Squash

Cook Islands players gained valuable experience at the 2023 World Squash Federation Men’s World Team Championship, which concluded over the weekend in Tauranga, New Zealand.

Ibrom takes charge as Cook Islands men’s football coach

Tuesday 19 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Football, Sports

Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA) has appointed Jess Ibrom, the current academy director, as the new head coach for the Cook Islands men’s team.

NZ Foreign Affairs Minister Peters to resume ‘Pacific reset’ plan again

Tuesday 19 December 2023 | Written by RNZ | Published in New Zealand, Pacific Islands, Regional

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says the government wants to resume and renew the Pacific reset strategy "with greater intensity".

Atiu resort shares success: $101k dividend boosts island community

Tuesday 19 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands

A resort in the Pa Enua has paid out over $100,000 in dividends to the island residents, demonstrating a commitment to giving back to the local community.

Agriculture gears up for export

Tuesday 19 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National

Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with New Zealand’s Ministry of Primary Industries, has developed a roadmap for exporting fresh produce from the Cook Islands to New Zealand.

Thesis explores island rhythms: Research documents Cook Islands dance traditions and transformations

Tuesday 19 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Education, Local, National

Dance and music have long been cherished as a vital part of Cook Islands cultural expression. Now, a new thesis, “Cook Islands Dance Oral History – Embodied Expressive Culture of the Cook Islands: Encounters, Change and Artistic Mobility”, offers a comprehensive exploration of their creation and performance.

Drug accused DJ allowed to work on Rarotonga

Tuesday 19 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National

A New Zealand DJ (disc jockey) facing multiple drug charges has had his bail conditions changed so he can work on Rarotonga.

Extra goodies! $50 Christmas bonus sweetens the season for Cook Islands beneficiaries

Tuesday 19 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National

All beneficiaries of the Cook Islands Welfare Benefit, including the child benefit, old age pension, destitute, infirm and caregivers, will be receiving a $50 Christmas bonus payment on Thursday.

Guilty or not? High profile trial verdict in the new year

Tuesday 19 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National

The final submissions were heard in the high-profile corruption case involving the country’s Deputy Prime Minister and ex-ministry heads, with the judge to deliver verdict in the new year.

Kata: Cannabis

Monday 18 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion

Tupapa, Matavera claim knockout titles

Monday 18 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Football, Sports

As the spectators and players arrived at CIFA Complex, the air crackled with raw, infectious excitement. Football enthusiasts from every corner congregated, their collective anticipation palpable, bracing for a thrilling day of championship-deciding duels on Saturday.

An Aitutakian’s guide for returning family

Monday 18 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local, National, Tourism, Weekend

Aitutaki local Linda Ruamoana shares 10 tips for returning Cook Islanders/Aitutakian families visiting the island, urging them to be mindful of the island’s limited resources and customs.

Letter: Flag change

Monday 18 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Letters to the Editor, Opinion

I urge PM Mark Brown to pause and think about the historic qualities of our flag before changing it.

Letter: Leave the flag alone

Monday 18 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Letters to the Editor, Opinion

Dear Editor, Can someone please get the PM Mark Brown to stop globetrotting and get down and do some hard work. Like trying to slow down and manage the cost-of-living increases and limit price increases for fuel, bread and power. Households are struggling. MPs wouldn’t know as they are highly paid.