Headlines

Double delight for Kiria-Ratu’s in Cook Islands celebrations

Friday 20 October 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in League, Sports

There will be plenty of celebration in Cook Islands Moana camp this week for Kiria-Ratu sisters Chantay and Annemarie, regardless of how they go in Saturday's Test match against PNG (Cook Islands time).

Church Talk: Standing with Israel

Friday 20 October 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features

Growing up in a Pacific Island Church in Papakura, I have semi-fond memories as a 10-year-old memorising Psalm 46 – the whole chapter for our annual “Irava Tatou”. I say semi-fond, for while I am immensely grateful now, as a passionate follower of Jesus, Psalm 46 is ingrained in my heart. However, that wasn’t the attitude I had when I was 10, no siree! Paul Kauri, lead pastor at The Arepua Gateway Assembly of God Church writes.

Indigenous Voice Referendum: ‘Constitutional change in Australia is challenging’

Friday 20 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Australia, Local, National, Regional

Australia has responded with a resounding no to a referendum seeking to change its Constitution and give indigenous people a voice. A Cook Islands voter says the result is deeply saddening.

Letter: NZ election voting issues

Friday 20 October 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Letters to the Editor, Opinion

Dear Editor, My wife did not vote in this (New Zealand) election. She tried. Three times she tried.

Aitutaki search and rescue effort highlights need for safety gear

Friday 20 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands

Boat operators in the Pa Enua are being reminded of the importance of having reliable communication equipment while at sea, after two Aitutaki fishermen were recently rescued over 20 kilometres away from the island.

New Public Health Bill will give TMO the power to issue fines for failing to keep compounds clean

Friday 20 October 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National

The Tutaka Programme in Rarotonga will begin next week from Monday, October 23 to November 3.

Breadfruit: A climate-resilient crop for the Pacific

Friday 20 October 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National

Breadfruit is a climate-resilient crop well suited to addressing the challenges of food security, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and climate adaptation in the Pacific.

Turua granted partial driver’s licence to work for Minister Angene

Friday 20 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National

Former Ministry of Cultural Development secretary Anthony Turua has appeared in court and been granted a partial driver’s licence.

Kicking off a love of sport: Tuakau Terrabulls Club donates sports balls to Apii Nikao

Friday 20 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Other Sports, Sports

The visiting Tuakau Terrabulls Golden Oldies Rugby Union Club from Aotearoa New Zealand has donated sports balls to Apii Nikao to help foster an interest for sports amongst the students.

Complaint against top cop: Govt says it is doing ‘due diligence’

Friday 20 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Crime, Economy, National

Cook Islands Police Commissioner Turepu James Keenan is in hot water after a complaint was filed against him by a member of a Rarotonga-based diplomatic corp. Al Williams reports.

Kata: Middle East

Thursday 19 October 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion

Call for ‘more transparency’ in funding for Pacific Games

Thursday 19 October 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Pacific Games, Sports

Concerns have been raised over the distribution of a government grant, reportedly worth $500,000, to the Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) for the upcoming Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Athletics Cook Islands set to hold Nationals Competition

Thursday 19 October 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Athletics, Sports

A full range of track and field events will be held at the Athletics Nationals Competition on Saturday, October 21 at the Nikao Stadium.

A gateway to the past: New digitising kit to preserve Cook Islands’ recent voyaging history

Thursday 19 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Technology

The Cook Islands Voyaging Society as well as Tauranga Vananga were gifted a Rokirokitia Digitising Kit by Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision, the New Zealand’s audiovisual archive.

Te Kukupa II repair work progressing well: Police

Thursday 19 October 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National

Repair work on the Cook Islands’ maritime patrol vessel is expected to be completed this month.

Police develop new system to streamline domestic violence reporting

Thursday 19 October 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National

Cook Islands Police Family Violence unit has developed a new reporting template to better streamline domestic violence complaints.

Medicinal cannabis campaigner calls for … ‘Common sense’ approach

Thursday 19 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Health, Local, National

Medicinal cannabis campaigner Steve Boggs is calling on Te Marae Ora to take a “common sense” approach and follow New Zealand in allowing over-the counter sales of cannabidiol (CBD) products.

Cooks to host international conference as it steps up seabed minerals investigation

Thursday 19 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National

Cook Islands is stepping up its seabed minerals bid as it will host international agencies at the annual Underwater Minerals Conference (UMC) on Rarotonga next year.

Aitutaki residents frustrated by ‘chronic’ water shortage crisis

Thursday 19 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Health, Local, National, Outer Islands

Aitutaki residents are frustrated by the ongoing water shortage crisis on the island, as some households face extended periods of water cuts lasting up to four weeks and more.