Headlines

$15,450 for Vanuatu cyclone appeal, Govt contributes $10k

Friday 28 April 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Vanuatu

A cheque of $15,450 has been handed to the Cook Islands Vanuatu Community to assist families who were affected by two category-four tropical cyclones in Vanuatu last month.

Fleeing motorcyclist disqualified

Friday 28 April 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National

A 30-year-old man who fled the scene of a crash early on Sunday and was subsequently tracked down and charged with drink driving, has lost his driver licence for 12 months.

Drink-driving tourist with no helmet fled police on scooter

Friday 28 April 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National

A drink-driving tourist was not wearing a motorcycle helmet when he eluded police warning lights and took a U-turn before heading back to the resort where he had been initially told to stop

Chief Justice asks Crown to reconsider DPM’s charges

Friday 28 April 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, National

The nature of Deputy Prime Minister Robert Tapaitau’s charges before the Court could be amended.

Residents bracing for ‘heavy swells’

Friday 28 April 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in National, Weather

Rarotonga residents are bracing themselves for high swells this weekend, after a warning from the Met Service.

Heading to homework deadline as new school term nears

Friday 28 April 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Education, National

It hasn’t been all fun and games for holidaying school students who head back to studies next week.

Kata: Air NZ

Thursday 27 April 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion

More tough matches today

Thursday 27 April 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Football, Sports

Fans and spectators can expect to watch some tough football matches for the U18 play-off and round two of the U15 boys and girls game in the lead up to the finals this week.

Cook Islands basketball star gives it her best shot

Thursday 27 April 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Basketball, Sports

At a young age, Sharne Pupuke-Robati began her training for basketball. She did not know that one day she would wake up to being part of the 3X3 New Zealand Tall Ferns team. Now, at the age of 22, Pupuke-Robati looks back to when she started training for the sport.

Tata Crocombe: We must secure our routes to key strategic airports

Thursday 27 April 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Editorials, Opinion

The Cook Islands will never reach its full economic potential without greatly improved air services that only a national airline can achieve. The Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns crashed the tourism industry, highlighting the vulnerability of the Cook Islands economy, which is 85 percent dependent on tourism.

Breanaa’s customised chair for quality of life

Thursday 27 April 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local

Breanaa Vogel Goldsworthy is sporting her brand new customised Little Wave Flip wheelchair which features the colour she actually got to choose - purple, using her Eye Gaze computer device.

Turou for Ngāti Tūmatauenga

Thursday 27 April 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National

On the Eve of Anzac, the biggest contingent of Ngāti Tumutauenga, the official Māori name of the Aotearoa New Zealand Army to Rarotonga were officially welcomed on Monday afternoon at the Cook Islands Returned Services Association (RSA).

Sentencing for man who defended himself in Court adjourned

Thursday 27 April 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National

Iorama Ngataua’s sentencing has been adjourned.

Call to boost Government role in digital transformation strategies

Thursday 27 April 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National

A major report on digital services in the Cook Islands recommends the Government bolster its ICT division.

Air New Zealand customers frustrated over changes to Raro flight schedules

Thursday 27 April 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, Tourism

A worldwide shortage in A320 neo and A321 neo aircraft engines has led to changes and cancellations in Air New Zealand Rarotonga flights leaving customers frustrated. Matthew Littlewood and Al Williams report.

Hiker in hospital after lengthy rescue effort

Thursday 27 April 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National

A local woman who slipped and fell while trekking through Rarotonga’s “steep and gnarly mountain terrain” on ANZAC Day was rescued in a mission stretching from late afternoon into the night.

League 13s competition heads into knockout stage

Wednesday 26 April 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in League, Sports

The Cook Islands Rugby League 13s competition heads into knockout stage with playoffs in the men’s and women’s divisions this weekend.

Cooks handball teams finish third

Wednesday 26 April 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Handball, Sports

Cook Islands men’s and women’s teams finished third at the Oceania Beach Handball Championships on the Gold Coast in Australia over the weekend.

Dr Michael Baer: The dogs of war

Wednesday 26 April 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Editorials, Local, National, Opinion

With ANZAC day marked yesterday and poppies everywhere, has anyone noticed that some of the poppies are purple? Purple poppies celebrate the animals who have served in almost every human conflict in history, writes Dr Michael Baer, Te Are Manu Vet Clinic medical director.