Headlines

Thomas Wynne: Who is a patriot?

Saturday 20 July 2024 | Written by Thomas Tarurongo Wynne | Published in Editorials, Opinion

What is a patriot? Is it simply a green, red, blue, or gold flag waved, anthems sung, or a political position or party held high like the only hope of a country being great or even great again? Thomas Tarurongo Wynne writes.

Construction company faces fines after cutting trees without consent

Saturday 20 July 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Environment, Local, National

A recent cutting down of several ironwood (toa) trees at the Fruits of Rarotonga waterfront is in breach of the Environment Act 2003, says the Cook Islands environment agency.

Police urge drivers to abstain from drinking and driving

Saturday 20 July 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Crime, Local, National

Cook Islands Police hope to see another quiet weekend in terms of road accidents especially alcohol related crashes.

Jetstar scrambles to rebook passengers after tech outage cancels flights

Saturday 20 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Tourism

Air New Zealand flights to Rarotonga were unaffected by a global tech outage that disrupted flights and other services worldwide, while Jetstar cancelled some flights but was working to rebook passengers.

TMO approves nearly 90% of tobacco vendor applications

Saturday 20 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, Local, National

Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health has approved 37 out of the 43 applications received for selling tobacco in the Cook Islands.

Te Ipukarea Society: Protecting the Ī’oi: Conservation research and volunteer opportunities

Saturday 20 July 2024 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National

The Ī’oi, or Rarotonga starling, has been getting some much-needed attention. Only found in the forests of Rarotonga, the Ī’oi is often hidden out of sight and doesn’t draw much attention with its smokey dark plumage blending into the dark tree canopy.

Public backs proposed Sovereign Wealth Fund

Saturday 20 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National

Cook Islands is establishing a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) to secure the nation’s financial future potentially funded by revenue from future seabed mining.

Penrhyn schools celebrate culture in historic festival

Saturday 20 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Features, National, Outer Islands, Weekend

While schools in Rarotonga showcase their cultural heritage, the small but mighty schools of Omoka and Tetautua in Penrhyn/Tongareva, 1400 kilometres away, are making history.

Tongareva to host string band competition

Saturday 20 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National, Outer Islands

Tongareva is hosting a string band competition themed on Te Maeva Nui and Ariki Day to remind the younger generation of the island its legacy.

Virtues in Paradise: The virtues of celebrating culture

Saturday 20 July 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Opinion, Virtues in Paradise

One of the most significant ways the traditional Cook Islands culture is passed down to the youth is through celebrations, writes Linda Kavelin-Popov.

Bishop Paul reflects on 13 years of service in the Cook Islands

Saturday 20 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features

Bishop Paul Donoghue, the eighth Bishop of the Cook Islands Catholic Church who served for 13 years, has retired, leaving a legacy of strong faith development, good relationships with other religions and the community, and overcoming administrative challenges.

Aitutaki swimmers set to make history

Saturday 20 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Sports, Swimming

Six young, sensational swimmers from Aitutaki will be making history as the first to represent their small island paradise overseas on the international stage.

Cook Islands Aquatics secures funding to expand life-saving swim programme

Saturday 20 July 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Sports, Swimming

Cook Islands Aquatics Federation has secured timely sponsorship from ANZ Cook Islands.

Kata: TTV

Friday 19 July 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion

Two athletes, many supporters: Government, sports leaders travel alongside Cook Islands athletes to Paris Olympics

Friday 19 July 2024 | Written by Solomone Taukei | Published in Athletics, Other Sports, Sports, Swimming

Team Cook Islands, with only two athletes, will be supported in Paris by officials, coaches and various dignitaries whose expenses are covered by the International Olympic Committee and government grants.

Annual business summit aims to empower female entrepreneurs

Friday 19 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, National

Women in business are encouraged to attend the Taki Tahi business summit next week providing an opportunity to connect, engage and be inspired by like-minded people.

Letter: Appointment process

Friday 19 July 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Letters to the Editor, Opinion

How interesting that the PSC keeps saying that the Mr Lewis was one of the top three candidates for the role of Secretary for Education - when he was the first of the five interviewed to receive an email saying he was not successful in his application to become the Secretary.

Letter: ‘Equity’ in water tariffs

Friday 19 July 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Letters to the Editor, Opinion

Dear Editor, I write to you in response to your contributor Ruta Mave in her column in the Monday, July 15th edition titled ‘Water tariff public consultations a tick-box exercise?’.

Meals on Wheels delivers hope to senior citizens in need

Friday 19 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in

The harsh realities of life for some elderly people in the country, such as being forgotten by their families or having serious health problems, is the inspiration behind the Meals on Wheels programme.