Headlines
‘International standing at risk’: Opposition demands full investigation into Maritime Cook IsIands, Ministry of Transport
Tuesday 8 April 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National
The Leader of the Opposition has called for a full, independent investigation into Maritime Cook Islands (MCI) and the Ministry of Transport (MOT) following the release of Official Information Act (OIA) documents from New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) linking Cook Islands-flagged vessels to international illicit activity.
Tupapa ends OFC campaign goalless
Monday 7 April 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Football, Sports
Rarotonga football champion Tupapa Maraerenga FC ended its OFC Men’s Champions League 2025 campaign with a third straight loss against Papua New Guinea champions over the weekend.
Tough times for kava farmers as 32 per cent US tariff hits
Monday 7 April 2025 | Written by RNZ | Published in Fiji, Regional
The 32 percent tariff that will be imposed by the United States on all Fiji imports will have negative impacts on American consumers and farmers, one of the country's biggest kava farmers to export said on Friday.
Ruta Mave: The price of questionable partnerships
Monday 7 April 2025 | Written by Ruta Tangiiau Mave | Published in Editorials, Opinion
Collaboration is the action of working with someone to produce something, it is the cooperation of people, an alliance and partnership that forms stronger bonds so more can be achieved than alone, writes Ruta Mave.
Cook Islands residents celebrate New Zealand citizenship milestone
Monday 7 April 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The New Zealand High Commission last week celebrated an important occasion for five permanent residents of the Cook Islands, who proudly received their New Zealand citizenship, reflecting the unique ties between the two nations.
Tereora College gears up for Schools Culture Festival
Monday 7 April 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Entertainment, Features
Tereora College is prepared to take the stage for the Schools Culture Festival night, held this Wednesday and Thursday at the National Auditorium.
Court news
Monday 7 April 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
Eapi Nabou was ordered to pay a $40 fine for breaching his probationary licence by consuming alcohol.
Elderly resident at odds with bank over alleged fraudulent transactions
Monday 7 April 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
A Cook Islands resident has raised concerns over alleged fraudulent transactions on his Mastercard, claiming that the bank responsible failed to adequately address the issue despite repeated complaints and evidence provided.
‘Throwing us out’: Iconic takeout marks 25 years with eviction notice
Monday 7 April 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, National
After 25 years of service, ‘paying millions’ to the government through taxes, the well-known Raro Fried Chicken (RFC) has been ordered to vacate its Avarua Wharf location by September 1, this year, and its owners are heartbroken and disappointed over the way they say they’ve been treated.
Kata: Search and rescue
Saturday 5 April 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion
Cook Islands fears indirect tariff impacts
Saturday 5 April 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
Despite limited direct trade, the Cook Islands fears US tariff increases could indirectly impact the local economy through global supply chain disruptions and increased costs, particularly in tourism and imports.
Blue Day drives donations for Autism Cook Islands programmes
Saturday 5 April 2025 | Written by Teitimoana Tairi | Published in Features, Health, Local, National, Weekend
Schools, businesses and government agencies showed their support for the autism community by wearing blue and making donations at the Blue Day event yesterday.
Turepu: Short’s objections to Rangatira ceremony ‘dumb’
Saturday 5 April 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
In defence of cultural heritage, Maoate Rangatira Kiriau Turepu has strongly rebutted claims made by Eric Short regarding the latter’s objection to the Rangatira akamarokura'anga investiture ceremony at Pokata Marae last week.
Thomas Wynne: The truth cannot be buried
Saturday 5 April 2025 | Written by Thomas Tarurongo Wynne | Published in Editorials, Opinion
The exhumation of a woman’s body in Ma’uke, and the homicide investigation now underway, is just heartbreaking, writes Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.
Te Ipukarea Society: Filling knowledge gaps on rare seabirds in the Cook Islands
Saturday 5 April 2025 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Editorials, Opinion
Petrels and shearwaters make up a unique group of seabirds. Their beaks have a distinctive “tubenose” which is used for filtering salt out of salt water and marine prey, allowing them to thrive in the open ocean.
Louisiana teacher brings French and music to Titikaveka College
Saturday 5 April 2025 | Written by Teitimoana Tairi | Published in Art, Education, Features, National, Weekend
A Louisiana teacher has brought his passion for language and music to Titikaveka College in Rarotonga, introducing French and guitar lessons while embracing Cook Islands life and culture.
CITC Building Centre and Excil Shipping ‘adopt’ Mangaia for 60th celebrations
Saturday 5 April 2025 | Written by Teitimoana Tairi | Published in Business, Features, National, Weekend
The Cook Islands Trading Corporation (CITC) Building Centre and Excil Shipping, who are adopting and supporting the island of Mangaia during the country’s 60th anniversary celebrations this year, held a small ceremony yesterday to commemorate the event.
Creating a slice of Cook Islands cinematic history
Saturday 5 April 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
International film teams are collaborating with Cook Islanders to produce films showcasing their culture and stories, aiming to build digital capacity and share these narratives globally.
Cook Islands leaves lasting impression on outgoing Australian High Commissioner
Saturday 5 April 2025 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Australia, Features, Regional, Weekend
When Phoebe Smith arrived in the country with her young family to take on the Australian High Commissioner role in March 2023, she felt she had landed in paradise. Two years later, before returning to Canberra this week, Smith spoke to Cook Islands News, revealing what made her stay here so special.
Part II: The migratory mysteries of Cook Islands’ Green turtles
Saturday 5 April 2025 | Written by Gerald McCormack | Published in Environment, Features, In Depth, National, Weekend
Turtle tourism has become a popular year-round activity in Rarotonga, with both government and civil society groups working to ensure it is safer for turtles and people. In a three-part series, Gerald McCormack of the Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust writes about the distinct lifecycle of the Green sea turtle, which has a distinct lifecycle compared to Hawksbill turtles, the two types of ‘resident’ turtles that local turtle tourism is built around. This is part two of the series where McCormack examines the natural lifecycle of turtles.
