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Empowering and beautiful: Next generation of te reo Māori speakers say knowledge is power

Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by RNZ | Published in Art, Features, Pacific Islands, Regional

Members of an Aotearoa New Zealand whānau (family) recently visited Rarotonga as they try to preserve their language and identity for the next generation. By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific Journalist.

Santa’s coming to town (and he’s bringing fireworks!)

Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Art, Features, Local, National

Rotaract Rarotonga is gearing up for its annual Christmas in the Park event, which will be held on Thursday, December 14, at the National Auditorium.

Raro bound French Navy ship open to public tours

Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National

The French Navy ship Arago is in Rarotonga today offering public tours from 2pm to 5pm daily until Sunday.

Letter: Depleting population base

Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Letters to the Editor, Opinion

Dear Editor, This is hard evidence that politicians and statisticians cannot deny – we have a depleted population base, when the Courts cannot muster a jury of 12 unrelated citizens.

Government agencies partner to address traffic congestion and improve safety

Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National

Police, Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) will be taking actions to better manage traffic in the Avarua town centre to reduce risks, improve pedestrian safety and experience as well as measures for public transport.

Aitutaki drug trial delayed over witness incrimination

Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National

The jury trial of an Aitutaki man facing a supply of cannabis charge has been hampered by multiple delays on its first day, including a call by the Judge to adjourn on the grounds of a witness incriminating themselves.

Arrest made in fatal accident of beloved Cook Islands pilot

Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Regional, Samoa, Solomon Islands

The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) has arrested a 20-year-old male suspect in connection with the fatal accident involving a Cook Islands national in Honiara on December 3rd.

‘Overcrowding and sustainability’ fears cloud turtle tourism industry

Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National

A revised Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Cook Islands turtle tour operators and the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation has been proposed as the new guidelines for operations in the Avaavaroa Passage.

Kata: CISNOC

Wednesday 6 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion

Pride and podiums: CISNOC applauds athletes for Pacific Games performance

Wednesday 6 December 2023 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Pacific Games, Sports

Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) lauded Team Cook Islands for their victories and dedication at the Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands, which wrapped up Friday.

Cook Islands teens ready to fly the flag at NZ Secondary Schools Champs

Wednesday 6 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Athletics, Sports

Sixteen-year-old athletes Emma Louisa Papalii and Nuku Koroa will be representing Cook Islands at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Track, Field and Road Race Championships in Christchurch this weekend.

From Manchester to Rarotonga: Global grooves unite in feel-good December concert

Wednesday 6 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features

The amazing cello and accordion duo will be gracing the stage tonight, bringing a delightful blend of folk, pop, and even some stripped-back pop punk tunes to a ‘feel-good’ December concert at Tamarind House in Tupapa.

Letter: ‘Lack of trust’

Wednesday 6 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Letters to the Editor, Opinion

Firstly, and importantly the bravery of Ms George to make public a very traumatic experience needs to be acknowledged. I can attest to the commitment of Alana to her goal and love for the people of the Cook Islands. As to the TMO and Mr (Bob) Williams, the lack of proper processes, the lack of trust and possible interference is once again evident.

Letter: Previous Sheraton developer responds

Wednesday 6 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Letters to the Editor, Opinion

Dear Editor, Contrary to popular belief, Tim Tepaki, a previous Sheraton developer and current developer of the private sector $300 million PERCI development, wasn’t broke.

Cook Islands youth leaders urged to tap into $16,000 grants

Wednesday 6 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Local, National

Grants of US$10,000 (NZ$16,239) are up for grabs for Cook Islands alumni of a Pacific youth leadership development programme, to design and implement projects which will help address issues in the region.

PM urges global action at COP28

Wednesday 6 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, National

Taking centre stage at the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Climate Change Convention over the weekend in Dubai, Prime Minister Mark Brown called upon world leaders to consider those on the frontlines of an environmental war ‘we did not initiate’.

Pacific police unite to build networks and capability for a safer region

Wednesday 6 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National, Pacific Islands, Regional

Fifteen Pacific police agencies are attending the three-day Pacific Community for Law Enforcement Cooperation (PCLEC) meeting to discuss the ongoing development and strengthening of its network.

Tourism launches business survey

Wednesday 6 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National, Tourism

Cook Islands Tourism is seeking the input of businesses across the country to identify the key challenges and opportunities they face.

Strong winds ravage Penrhyn: Island calls for urgent weather alert upgrade

Wednesday 6 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands, Weather

Penrhyn residents are reeling after strong winds ripped through their homes early yesterday morning, causing significant damage and raising concerns about the lack of timely warnings.

Aitutaki drug trial hinges on cryptic messages, expert analysis

Wednesday 6 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National, Outer Islands

Text messages, drug analysis, and expert testimony are the Crown’s mainstays in its case against an alleged Aitutaki drug dealer, Gray Ronald Pitomaki Turia.