Headlines

Lawyer warns against interference, Sheraton road relocation approval stands: Arnold

Wednesday 8 November 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Environment, National

Any attempts by the executive government or its agencies to undermine the ongoing Sheraton redevelopment project will be met with legal action in the High Court, warns the landowner's lawyer.

Cook Islands ready to give their best at Oceania Rugby Sevens

Tuesday 7 November 2023 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Rugby Union, Sports

The Cook Islands men’s and women’s teams are ready to give their best at the 2023 Oceania Rugby Sevens Championship this weekend.

PM Brown receives financial support from PNG and China on behalf of Smaller Island States

Tuesday 7 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum

Prime Minister Mark Brown, the chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIFS), yesterday announced financial contributions from the governments of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and China to support the priorities of the Smaller Island States.

Commercial value of seabed minerals must be shared proportionately: UNGA President

Tuesday 7 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum

The commercial value of seabed minerals must be shared proportionately with the country from which they are taken from, says Dennis Francis, President of the United Nations General Assembly.

Fiji and PNG leaders appointed Special Envoys to West Papua

Tuesday 7 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum

Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape and Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka have been appointed as Special Envoys to address issues surrounding West Papua.

Fiji Airways inaugural charter flight lands at Rarotonga airport with nine Pacific leaders

Tuesday 7 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum, Tourism

The inaugural Fiji Airways charter flight from Nadi to Rarotonga touched down at Rarotonga International Airport at midnight on Sunday, with nine Pacific leaders and their delegations arriving for the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.

Ellis appointed to Cook Islands Investment Corporation Board

Tuesday 7 November 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National

Well-known local personality and entrepreneur Rohan Ellis who is “renowned for getting things done” has been appointed to the Cook Islands Investment Corporation Board of Directors.

Chief Justice says it is fraud, not theft in high profile trial

Tuesday 7 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Crime, National

A question of theft and fraud has been answered in ongoing deliberations involving dishonesty charges against recently reinstated Deputy Prime Minister Robert Tapaitau, former National Environment Service (NES) director Nga Puna, and his wife and former Secretary of Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI), Diane Charlie-Puna.

‘It’s quite an opportunity for the island’: Aitutaki gears up for Forum Leaders visit

Tuesday 7 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in National, Outer Islands, Pacific Islands Forum

Aitutaki is gearing up to host Pacific Island leaders taking part in the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting in Rarotonga.

Cook Islands, PM Brown put on a show for Pacific Leaders

Tuesday 7 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum

The 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting got off to a colourful start with a proud display of vibrant Cook Islands culture and tradition at the National Auditorium on Monday night.

Polynesian bloc calls for halt to Fukushima wastewater release

Tuesday 7 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum

The Polynesian bloc will call for a pause in the discharge of treated radioactive water by Japan from its damaged Fukushima power plant at the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting this week.

Kata: $100 ticket

Monday 6 November 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion

Concerns over $100 fee to meet Fiji PM Rabuka

Monday 6 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum

Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is willing to cancel his official engagement to meet with Fijians residing in Rarotonga after concerns were raised about the $100 entry fee for a private meet and greet session with him.

Late penalty gives Tupapa victory

Monday 6 November 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Football, Sports

The match of the week saw football fans gather at the home of Cook Islands Football, CIFA, to witness a pulsating battle between premier men’s giants Nikao Sokattak FC and Tupapa Maraerenga FC on Saturday.

Ruta Mave: Pacific Islands Forum: A lot of talk, but will any action follow?

Monday 6 November 2023 | Written by Ruta Tangiiau Mave | Published in Opinion

You can fool some of the people some of the time but you can’t fool all the people all of the time. This is not who we are, we have history of it but we are not all like it. Some of us are honest, hardworking people who care about our people and some of us are politicians, writes Ruta Mave.

Letter: Who owns Rarotonga’s roads?

Monday 6 November 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Letters to the Editor, Opinion

Dear Editor, My opinion article in the Cook Islands News of 21.10.23 called for community consultation on horseshoe roads, and has so far generated a considerable number of comments.

Te Marae Moana’s ocean-themed mural project nears completion

Monday 6 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National

Te Marae Moana mural project, which features hundreds of vibrant characters on the Nikao seawall, is nearing completion. The last 30 metres of the 562m wall are expected to be finished this week.

New Tupapa Health Centre opens

Monday 6 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National

Mental health and national health consultations will be provided at the new refurbished and upgraded Tupapa Health Centre outpatient facility, which was officially opened on Friday.

PM Brown holds bilateral talks with Pacific leaders

Monday 6 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum

More Pacific leaders have arrived in the Cook Islands to participate in the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM52), which begins today with the Pacific subregional meetings followed by the official opening tonight.

Supermarket stocks up for regional meeting and festive season

Monday 6 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, National, Pacific Islands Forum

Prime Foods in Rarotonga is reporting an increase in demand for meat, produce, and dry goods as the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting begins today, and the festive season nears.