Headlines

Mum and daughter attend COP28

Monday 11 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend

Cook Islands' Nanette Woonton is at the COP28 event in Dubai in her capacity as the Communications and Outreach Advisor for SPREP.

Funding uncertainty as climate change impacts Pacific

Monday 11 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Weather

‘The Cook Islands is highly vulnerable and at risk to extreme events’

Turtle trio release draws crowd

Monday 11 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Environment, Local, National

Hundreds of people waded through the knee-high water at the entrance of Avaavarua Passage in Rarotonga to accompany a trio of rescue turtles on the first leg of their release into the wild.

Cooks warms to cannabis debate

Monday 11 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Health, Local, National, Politics

‘Hemp could have a commercial benefit for Cook Islands’

Kata: Pacific Fisheries

Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion

WAKA makes third time the charm in Rarotonga

Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Netball, Sports

WAKA netball team from Australia won the 2023 Netball in Paradise mixed division.

T20 cricket showdown

Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Cricket, Sports

A new champion will be crowned in the Rarotonga T20 Cookie Sadaraka Cup men’s final, while Muri Creeps will be aiming for a third consecutive title in the women’s division today.

Football braces for semifinal showdown

Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Football, Sports

Thrilling semifinals are set for the 2023 Championship at Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA and Takitumu School Grounds today.

Gender-based violence ‘is a pandemic’, survivor calls on Pacific govts to act

Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by RNZ | Published in Pacific Islands, Regional

Pacific governments have a lot to prove in the fight against gender-based violence, a Papua New Guinean survivor and activist says.

The Castanie Centre: A tribute to founding father of Catholic faith

Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Church Talk, Features

Nestled behind Nukutere College, the country’s 126-year-old first Catholic Church cathedral has been restored, renamed, and blessed. The ‘sacred building’ will now serve as a library, an art centre and a place of gathering for Nukutere College student and the diocese.

Dreams fulfilled: Rarotonga students celebrate academic achievements

Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Features, National, Weekend

This week saw more school prizegiving ceremonies held across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Today, Cook Islands News presents the senior awards list for Apii Avarua, Apii Nikao, and Papaaroa Adventist School.

I still wake up thinking about it: Foster on All Blacks’ Rugby World Cup loss

Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, In Depth, Rugby Union, Sports

The sting of the Rugby World Cup final loss, over a month ago, still lingers for former All Blacks coach Ian Foster as he embarks on the next chapter of his life. Losirene Lacanivalu reports.

Spreading festive cheer on Rarotonga

Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, Local, National

The Tropical Christmas Committee is pleased with the activities of the festive period which continues today with the Santa on Tour from 8.30am to 11.30am, starting at CITC Supermarket to the Punanga Nui Market and through town.

Virtues in Paradise: Love is the answer

Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Opinion, Virtues in Paradise

A friend of mine just flew overseas for Christmas. Before she even stepped on the plane, the family dynamics of mama drama were already flaring up amongst her adult children. Who got to pick her up at the airport? Who had the privilege to have her stay first? Longest?

Te Ipukarea Society 2023 highlights: Local engagement and international impact

Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National

2023 has been a jam-packed year, with lots of local engagement, off island expeditions, and everyday work.

Thomas Wynne: Power reveals, not corrupts

Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Thomas Tarurongo Wynne | Published in Editorials, Opinion

People often say that power corrupts and to this I disagree. Power does not corrupt a person, it merely exposes what lies in all our hearts, and simply gives it room, opportunity and permission, writes Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.

High cost of living and low wages leaves little bread left on the table

Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National

With rising bread prices, a mother and grandmother have urged people struggling to make ends meet to utilise the readily available local root crops.

Crew praised for minimising cargo damage in Penrhyn delivery

Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands

Penrhyn residents have commended Cook Islands General Transport (CIGT) barge crew for ensuring their goods reached the island with minimal damages after storm-like weather had affected them this week.

Jury reaches verdict in Aitutaki cannabis case

Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National

A jury of nine women and two men have found an Aitutaki man guilty of supplying cannabis following a two-day trial on Rarotonga.

Shell-abration time: Rescued turtles ready to dive back into the wild

Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Environment, National

Three green sea turtles which were surrendered to a Rarotonga eco-centre after failing to thrive while being kept as pets, have had their shells engraved in preparation for their release into the wild.