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Australian High Commission: Australia and Cook Islands: Working together in friendship

Saturday 27 January 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Editorials, Opinion

This past week marked two important dates for Australia in the Cook Islands. Australia’s official national day, 26 January, is a day to reflect on what it means to be Australian, to celebrate contemporary Australia, and to acknowledge our complex history. The official theme this year is ‘Reflect, respect, celebrate’.

Airport’s longest-serving employee reflects on 45 years of service

Saturday 27 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend

Amidst the bustling hub of aviation activity at the gateway to the Cook Islands, Rarotonga Airport, stands Rescue Fire Services’ dedicated manager, George Nicholls, who has committed nearly 45 years of solid-service to the community. Melina Etches reports.

Thomas Wynne: Our land, our people

Saturday 27 January 2024 | Written by Thomas Tarurongo Wynne | Published in Editorials, Opinion

Nothing brings us together or tears us apart like our connection to land, especially when that land is divided, shared, allotted, or occupied by different members of our family, writes Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.

‘Miracle baby’ Mana discharged after 128 days in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Saturday 27 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend

After 128 days in intensive care, “miracle baby” Mana Te-Hine-Toa Pearl Castledine was finally discharged from the Waikato Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in New Zealand.

Reconnecting with Airport’s past during runway walk

Saturday 27 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend

Prime Minister Mark Brown was one of the close to four thousand people who took up the opportunity presented by Airport Authority Cook Islands to walk along the 2.3-kilometre airport runway for the first time on Tuesday.

Papa Spoila keeps ‘Kūkis’ connected

Saturday 27 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Features, In Depth, Memory Lane, Weekend

Multi-talented Cook Islander Tautape Samson wears many hats. Samson is known worldwide as a comedian, a dance tutor, costume designer, and a music artist alongside his siblings in Samson Squad. Candice Luke reports.

Environment agency approves plan to remove grounded ship

Saturday 27 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, Local, National, Outer Islands

The National Environment Service (NES) has completed its environmental assessment for removing the stranded vessel MV Grinna from the Manihiki reef after multiple failed attempts.

Defence lawyer to appeal interim name suppression decision

Saturday 27 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National

Lawyer Norman George will appeal a decision by Justice of the Peace Vania Kenning to deny his client interim name suppression.

Court news

Saturday 27 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National

Assault accused to defend himself

‘We are hurt’: French visitors gutted following brazen theft

Saturday 27 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Local, National

French tourists Chauvet Pierre and Ledroit Charlotte are pleading with Rarotonga to reach out to those around them for the whereabouts of their stolen documents. Losirene Lacanivalu reports.

Kata: Luxton

Saturday 27 January 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion

Touch teams ready for battle

Friday 26 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Sports, Touch Rugby

Fourteen teams will be competing in the Annual Touch Rugby Season that kicks off on Monday, January 29.

Airport gears up for Kia Orana Day

Friday 26 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National

Celebrating the richness of people and culture, the Airport Authority Cook Islands will today host a special Kia Orana Day as part of their 50th anniversary celebration on Monday.

Church talk: Families are fundamental unit of society

Friday 26 January 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features

Family is perhaps the most important part of our earthly life and is at the centre of Heavenly Father’s plan, writes Tamatoa Jonassen of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Sweat session for super triathlete

Friday 26 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Other Sports, Sports

The Cardio Combat (CC) crew will be presenting an energising sweat session this Saturday, January 27, at 6.30am at the Tupapa Centre to support Cook Islands 68-year-old super triathlete Kevin Henderson, who is gearing up for his 19th Ironman New Zealand in Taupō, Aotearoa next month.

Letter: The height of arrogance

Friday 26 January 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Letters to the Editor, Opinion

Now it is announced Owen Lewis is “going to continue to provide support” with sports while doing “the most crucial position in the public service ... directly impact the lives of our young people” in Education.

Letter: ‘Make it fair for everyone’

Friday 26 January 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Letters to the Editor, Opinion

Dear Editor, We have been coming to the Cook Islands for 20 years for holidays. I retired five years ago and we decided we would like to live in the Cook Islands for an extended period.

LPG price jumps $0.17 in Aitutaki, fuel remains steady

Friday 26 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Local, National

Petrol and diesel prices remain steady in the latest Price Order, the first for 2024.

Public input sought on coastal protection projects

Friday 26 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National

The National Environment Service (NES) has received three new Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) permit applications for public consultation.

Workshop to tackle mental health stigma

Friday 26 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Health, National

Mental health organisation Te Kainga O Pa Taunga is preparing to host a primary care psychiatry workshop for frontline staff and volunteers, to tackle the issue of mental illness stigma in the Cook Islands and improve statistics.