Headlines
Education first, football later: Vaka creates NFL pathway for Pacific Island players
Monday 20 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Sports
Standing at 6’4, Cook Islander Jason Vaka is doing what he loves best, scouting for the untapped talent of young lads in the Pacific to sign up for the unique path of the USA College Scholarships and National Football League (NFL).
Ruta Mave: Is CISNOC a breeding ground for nepotism and cronyism?
Monday 20 May 2024 | Written by Ruta Tangiiau Mave | Published in Opinion
Father and son, mother and daughter, brothers in arms and soul sisters, there is something about family. The bonds of blood are thicker than the resumes of other worthy candidates. Questioning the presence of nepotism in CISNOC (Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee) is like asking if the Pope is Catholic?
Letter: Law and order at risk
Monday 20 May 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Letters to the Editor, Opinion
Dear Editor, With 30 to 40 vacancies for new Police officers, what is needed now is new Police staffing infrastructure, not more buildings and non-urgent infrastructure.
Cook Islands open to airlines, eyes North American expansion
Monday 20 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Economy, National, Parliament, Tourism
Cook Islands welcomes any airline interested in flying to the country, especially those that can expand the country’s reach to North America and Europe, says Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Local vendor saves Mother’s Day with ‘Later Pay’ system
Monday 20 May 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Business, Local, National
Over a week ago, a number of local bank customers were left with zero balances in their accounts leading up to Mother’s Day on May 11. A local vendor stepped in to help put a smile on their faces.
Bill to safeguard Manatua Cable passed with fines up to $250,000
Monday 20 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament, Politics
A monetary fine will be imposed on anyone who breaches the Manatua Cable Protection Bill 2024.
Parliament clerk Vainerere explains bill process
Monday 20 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament, Politics
Clerk of Parliament Tangata Vainerere says there is a process for each bill that goes through Parliament before it becomes law.
Firefighter conquers Sky Tower Challenge for second time!
Monday 20 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National
Volunteer firefighter Tahiti Isaaka has triumphantly “nailed” her second attempt at Firefighters Sky Tower Challenge 2024 in Aotearoa New Zealand on Friday (Cook Islands time) to raise funds for blood cancer.
Decision on top cop delayed as force faces staffing crisis
Monday 20 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Local, National
The decision on renewing the Cook Islands Police Commissioner’s contract has been further delayed amidst concerns about a major staff shortage in the force.
Kata: Power cut
Saturday 18 May 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion
Stage set for annual Sports Awards
Saturday 18 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Other Sports, Sports
Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) is anticipating a good turnout at the 2023 Cook Islands Sports Awards to be held tomorrow night.
Graham appointed new Secretary of Cook Islands Ministry of Justice
Saturday 18 May 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Education, Features, National, Weekend
Peter William Graham has been appointed as the new Secretary of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), effective June 4, 2024, for a term of three years, replacing Tamatoa Jonassen.
Cook Islands passes Health Bill to improve health outcomes
Saturday 18 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National, Parliament
The Cook Islands Public Health Bill 2024 that aims to protect and promote the health of all people of the Cook Islands by reducing the incidence of disease and ill-health was passed on Thursday.
Cook Islands hosts PASAI Congress, set to assume leadership role
Saturday 18 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands will assume the chair of the Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions at the 25th PASAI Congress to be hosted in Rarotonga next week.
Cops in crisis: Cook Islands Police understaffed by 30-40 officers
Saturday 18 May 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Crime, Local, National
Cook Islands Police face staffing shortages due to budget cuts and uncompetitive remuneration, prompting a restructuring effort to improve recruitment and retention.
Thomas Wynne: The price of leadership
Saturday 18 May 2024 | Written by Thomas Tarurongo Wynne | Published in Editorials, Opinion
Anyone who has worked with leaders has, at some stage, met head on the challenge of conflicting values, voice, or worldview with their own, writes Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.
From setbacks to glory: Eels coach Nicholas shares story of resilience
Saturday 18 May 2024 | Written by Solomone Taukei | Published in Features, National, Rugby league, Sports, Weekend
In the world of sports, overcoming adversity is often the key to triumph. The victorious Avatiu Nikao Eels coach Clive Nicholas embodies this principle, sharing his story of how they navigated the challenging yet rewarding 2024 Cook Islands Rugby League season. Solomone Taukei reports.
Service and sacrifice: Puna keeps an ‘open mind’
Saturday 18 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, In Depth, Local, Memory Lane, National, Outer Islands, Pacific Islands, Regional, Weekend
Former Cook Islands prime minister Henry Puna, who ends his term as Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General later this month, is planning to retire to his island home of Manihiki. But the 75-year-old is keeping an open mind and hasn’t ruled out a return to local political scene just yet. Losirene Lacanivalu reports.
Pa Puia Rangatira seeks family reconciliation after title dispute
Saturday 18 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Features, National, Weekend
Rota Williams has been invested with the title of Pa Puia Rangatira surrounded by his family and guests at the new Pa Puia Marae in Tupapa last week.
Women in maritime charting a course for the next generation
Saturday 18 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Cook Islands women in maritime celebrated their contributions to the industry focusing on safety, shared their experiences and highlighted the increasing presence of women in leadership roles.
