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‘Peace and love to all’: Santa prepares for tropical Christmas in the Cooks

Saturday 23 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features

Santa is busy preparing for a long night on December 24 and has a message for Cook Islands kids.

Cook Islands soar in rugby league

Friday 22 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League, Sports

Cook Islands men climbed three spots to number 10 in the world in the latest International Rugby League rankings.

Church Talk: For to us a child is born

Friday 22 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features

Even though we have been celebrating Christmas for over 2000 years there is a timelessness about it, writes Bishop Paul Donoghue of the Catholic Church.

New blood, fresh energy: Rotaract Rarotonga welcomes new executive team

Friday 22 December 2023 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Local, National

Rotaract Rarotonga held its first annual general meeting (AGM) post-Covid on Wednesday, electing a new executive team after the “major success” of Christmas in the Park last week.

Immigration explains status situation

Friday 22 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Local, National

Cook Islands Foreign Affairs and Immigration has issued a statement in light of returning Cook Islanders voicing frustration with immigration processes as they arrive home to share Christmas with loved ones.

TMO launches cervical cancer self-testing programme

Friday 22 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National

Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health has taken a step further into improving women’s health in the Cook Islands by launching the Cervical Cancer Self-Testing Programme that will commence in January 2024.

Jetstar flights to Rarotonga sell out for festive season

Friday 22 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Tourism

Most Jetstar flights to and from Rarotonga, through the Sydney and Auckland routes, have been sold out this festive season.

Accused facing indecent assault, contempt charges allowed to travel

Friday 22 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National

An expat facing a charge of indecent assault and two charges of contempt has been allowed to travel overseas.

Rarotonga Airport gears up for 50th anniversary with water fountain blessing

Friday 22 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Local, National

In preparation for the Rarotonga International Airport’s 50th anniversary celebration on January 29, 2024, a small ceremony was held yesterday to bless the new and refreshing water fountain garden feature.

PM welcomes discussions on subsidised public transport

Friday 22 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Business, Economy, Local, National

Government assistance could be on the way for a struggling Cook Islands public service.

Cricket maps out ambitious 2024 plans

Thursday 21 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Cricket, Sports

Following a strong performance in 2023, the Cook Islands Cricket Association (CICA) is looking to grow the game’s footprint in the country.

Star compass to guide navigation centre on Aitutaki

Thursday 21 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands

Construction of the outdoor star compass for the “Akairo Tuku Kaveinga Māori” project in Aitutaki, spearheaded by Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation, is expected to begin in January.

Letter: $50 Xmas bonus versus MPs’ $5k clothing allowance

Thursday 21 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Letters to the Editor, Opinion

Dear Editor, The front-page story this week reporting on the $50 Christmas ‘Bonus’ for Cook Islands beneficiaries is good news but one wonders just how self-satisfied our Members of Parliament are feeling for this most generous gift?

Supermarkets fully stocked for festive feasting

Thursday 21 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Go Local, Local, National

The two main supermarkets in Rarotonga have enough stocks for the festive season, and Aitutaki is also fully stocked to meet the demands of residents, returning Cook Islanders, and visitors who have started to arrive on the island.

PM Brown addresses consultation concerns around legislative change

Thursday 21 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Parliament

Cook Islands Amendment Bill 2023 and Land Facilitation of Dealings Amendment Bill 2023 is not a government bill, but a private members bill, says Prime Minister Mark Brown.

Cops deal with three road incidents on Rarotonga in the space of two hours

Thursday 21 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National

Three road incidents in the space of two hours on Tuesday have been labelled as “carelessness” by Police.

From grey to glory: Stunning seawall mural captures Cook Islands’ essence

Thursday 21 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National

Access through the Nikao seawall road was closed off yesterday as a refreshing light sun shower sprinkled down, marking the historic blessing and official unveiling ceremony of the stunning Te Marae Moana Ocean and cultural themed seawall mural, and the striking new “Te Pou Tūtoru” (Three Pillars) mural by Airport Authority.

We’re sick of waiting around: Returning Cook Islanders vent frustration over waiting times

Thursday 21 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Local, National

Returning Cook Islanders have voiced frustration with immigration processes as they arrive home to share Christmas with loved ones.

Kata: Avaavaroa drowning

Wednesday 20 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion