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Legal aid bid continues for assault accused

Tuesday 31 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National

A man facing assault charges is struggling to get his case heard as he awaits legal aid.

$1.7m Hyundai Ioniq EVs charge up for the Pacific Islands Forum

Tuesday 31 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum

A motorcade of brand-new Hyundai Ioniq electric vehicles, valued at $1.7 million landed cost, purchased by the Cook Islands government for the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting next week, underwent its first drive trial around the island last week.

Tapaitau reinstated a second time as charges still pending

Tuesday 31 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National, Politics

Robert Tapaitau has been reinstated as Deputy Prime Minister for the second time after suspension amid criminal charges, but a leader of an Opposition party says the reinstatement is ‘unfair’.

Young and experienced players shine in round 12 football

Monday 30 October 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Football, Sports

The latest round of football matches saw exhilarating games across various age groups. Young and experienced players alike demonstrated their skills on the field, creating memorable moments for both the teams and the spectators.

Mother and daughter head to Pacific Games

Monday 30 October 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Pacific Games, Sports

Not many parents get to compete alongside their children at an international tournament, but for Julieanne Westrupp, it is a privilege to have her 15- year- old daughter Tashi Kopu joining her to the Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Letter: MPs travel details

Monday 30 October 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Letters to the Editor, Opinion

Dear Editor, I read with interest the travel details of our Government MPs. Would it be possible to ask that the powers that be, not lump all the expenditure into one pot. If some of this travel is by invitation i.e. sponsorship for the fares and accommodation, it is not very transparent when its treated as a tiopu.

Letters: What’s up with the water?

Monday 30 October 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Letters to the Editor, Opinion

Dear Editor, To Tatou Vai Board Chair Brian Mason claims that using taxation revenues to pay for the operation of the water authority "...would mean the Pa Enua would subsidise those residing on Rarotonga" ('Water Meters are on their way to homes', Aug 25).

Kata: Medical minerals

Monday 30 October 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion

Letter: Confirming our cannabis status

Monday 30 October 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Letters to the Editor, Opinion

Dear Editor, With reference to recent opinions penned and stories published in Cook Islands News. I want to confirm that it is against the law to bring any form of cannabis product into the Cook Islands including CBD – cannabidiol – which is an ingredient in cannabis and has some therapeutic uses, without providing the ‘high’ that some cannabis users seek.

Ruta Mave: Friends and family sharing what we should remember

Monday 30 October 2023 | Written by Ruta Tangiiau Mave | Published in Opinion

Happy Day of the Dead tomorrow, it is Halloween, the time when the veil between those living and those departed souls is the thinnest, so communication can be made with loved ones, or as the movies tell it, with those in the past who have a grudge against you.

New pilot programme to provide in-homecare support to elderly and vulnerable in Rarotonga

Monday 30 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features

Rarotonga Home Healthcare ‘Toku Nei Ora’anga Ora – My Health, My Life’, a local privately owned health care service provider on the island is pleased to announce a recent new partnership with Pacific Homecare, a Charitable Trust organisation providing home-based health care and Whānau Ora services in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Te Ipukarea Society welcomes legal personhood of whales in international waters

Monday 30 October 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National

Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has welcomed the recent news on Maori and Pacific Leaders proposing legal personhood of whales in international waters to the United Nations.

Cook Islands Friends of Fiji to accord traditional welcome to PM Rabuka in Rarotonga

Monday 30 October 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum

Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka will be accorded a full Fijian traditional welcoming ceremony when he arrives in Rarotonga for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.

Cook Islands YWAM leader pays tribute to organisation founderal

Monday 30 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National

A Cook Islands Christian leader has given thanks following the passing of a founding member of an interdenominational training organisation.

Claim of cocaine in the Cooks

Monday 30 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National

A New Zealand DJ (disc jockey) facing multiple drug charges wants his bail conditions changed so he can work on Rarotonga.

Rarotonga bustling with weekend cruise ship visit

Monday 30 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National

Rarotonga was bustling on Saturday with a visiting cruise ship and a Rugby World Cup final.

Kata: Public Expense

Saturday 28 October 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion

A jet-setting spree : MPs’ travel bill draws criticism from former politicians

Saturday 28 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National, Politics

Cook Islands Members of Parliament (MPs) have incurred significant travel-related costs in recent months, but no one from the Government or Opposition has yet justified the spending.

Cook Islands claims third place

Saturday 28 October 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Netball, Sports

The Cook Islands netball team clinched a last-minute winner against Canada on Friday night to secure third place in their final match at the Mirxes Nations Cup in Singapore.