Headlines

Government seeks more Ministers

Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Local, National, Parliament

The Cook Islands government is seeking to increase the number of Cabinet Ministers from six to eight through a proposed amendment to the Constitution, which will be tabled in Parliament next week.

Kata: Debts

Friday 8 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion

Young ref makes international debut

Friday 8 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Football, Sports

Sixteen-year-old dynamic referee George George, hailing from the picturesque Cook Islands, has taken a giant leap onto the global arena, officiating the fiercely contested matches at the prestigious Western Springs U17 Youth Football Tournament in New Zealand.

Rarotonga’s first cathedral reopens as Monsignor Bernadin Castanie Centre

Friday 8 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National

Bishop Paul Donoghue, the head of the Cook Islands Catholic Church, led a joyous celebration yesterday alongside members of the diocese as they marked the restoration of the country’s first cathedral.

Church talk: Journey with Jesus this festive season, let Him direct your path

Friday 8 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features

With 2023 closing in on us – it’s time once again to plan celebrations for the festive season, writes Pastor Eric Toleafoa from the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Proud parents witness sons’ success at Apii Nikao prize giving

Friday 8 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National

Apii Nikao held their junior prize-giving awards event yesterday morning, followed by the senior awards later in the evening.

Penrhyn residents still disappointed about lack of timely weather warning

Friday 8 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Weather

Penrhyn Island executive officer Puna Vano remains disappointed at the lack of prior weather warning for the strong winds which damaged eight homes on the island.

Defendant denies supplying cannabis,

Friday 8 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National

A jury of nine women and two men will decide if an Aitutaki man is guilty of supplying cannabis following a two-day trial on Rarotonga.

Cruise ship makes detour to Palmerston with medical supplies

Friday 8 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Economy, National, Tourism

With the next cargo ship visit to Palmerston two months away, a passing cruise ship will be dropping off medical supplies to the island on its way to Tonga.

Mousing around town: Mickey and Minnie jingle all the way in Rarotonga

Friday 8 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Local, National

Disney’s beloved characters, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, brought cheer to the annual Tropical Christmas float parade yesterday, drawing a respectable crowd to the festive event.

Bread prices rise again

Friday 8 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National

The Price Tribunal has confirmed an increase in bread prices, effective Sunday, December 10. This new price structure applies only to rectangular, sliced loaves produced by Avarua Bakery and Turoa Bakery.

Fisheries commission meeting ends today, decisions on key proposals expected

Friday 8 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Pacific Islands, Regional

The 20th Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC20) concludes today at the National Auditorium, with decisions expected on several key proposals.

Kata: Late weather warning system

Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion

A Cook Islander representing global university Pasifika distance learners

Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features

An Australia-based Cook Islander elected as a student representative for Pasifika distance learners at Massey University is working on forming a “Kuki Club” for students and alumni around the world.

Just Kruizin’ towards netball victory

Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Netball, Sports

The Just Kruizin’ Mātatahi team, representing the Just Kruizin’ Netball Club from West Auckland, is on track to retain the open ladies title at the Netball in Paradise Competition, currently underway at the National Sports Arena in Nikao.

Study highlights barriers to engaging Pacific men supporting women’s leadership

Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by RNZ | Published in Pacific Islands, Regional

The use of language such as "gender" and "feminism" can be a hindrance to engaging Pacific men to supporting women's leadership in the region as such words can "alienate or provoke resistance", new research has found.

Papua New Guinea facing horror levels of HIV cases

Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by RNZ | Published in Papua New Guinea, Regional

Papua New Guinea recorded its worst ever number of HIV infections in 2022, and is bracing for even higher figures when data for 2023 is released.

Empowering and beautiful: Next generation of te reo Māori speakers say knowledge is power

Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by RNZ | Published in Art, Features, Pacific Islands, Regional

Members of an Aotearoa New Zealand whānau (family) recently visited Rarotonga as they try to preserve their language and identity for the next generation. By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific Journalist.

Santa’s coming to town (and he’s bringing fireworks!)

Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Art, Features, Local, National

Rotaract Rarotonga is gearing up for its annual Christmas in the Park event, which will be held on Thursday, December 14, at the National Auditorium.

Raro bound French Navy ship open to public tours

Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National

The French Navy ship Arago is in Rarotonga today offering public tours from 2pm to 5pm daily until Sunday.