Business
‘Throwing us out’: Iconic takeout marks 25 years with eviction notice
Monday 7 April 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, National
After 25 years of service, ‘paying millions’ to the government through taxes, the well-known Raro Fried Chicken (RFC) has been ordered to vacate its Avarua Wharf location by September 1, this year, and its owners are heartbroken and disappointed over the way they say they’ve been treated.
CITC Building Centre and Excil Shipping ‘adopt’ Mangaia for 60th celebrations
Saturday 5 April 2025 | Written by Teitimoana Tairi | Published in Business, Features, National, Weekend
The Cook Islands Trading Corporation (CITC) Building Centre and Excil Shipping, who are adopting and supporting the island of Mangaia during the country’s 60th anniversary celebrations this year, held a small ceremony yesterday to commemorate the event.
Cook Islands urges diaspora to invest in homeland industries
Wednesday 2 April 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Business, National
Cook Islanders abroad are being urged to reinvest in homeland industries such as construction, healthcare and culture.
CITC launches 60th Anniversary Campaign
Wednesday 2 April 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, National
To celebrate Cook Islands 60 years of self-government, over the next three months, CITC are promoting the theme of “Kia Mana” – symbolising Empowerment, Power with Dignity, and Pride.
Sheraton redevelopment 12 months behind, but developer remains hopeful
Monday 31 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, National
The long-awaited redevelopment of the old Sheraton Hotel in Vaimaanga is running 12 months behind schedule, but developer Chris Vaile remains hopeful that key aspects of the project – such as the completion of the tennis courts and the 850-square-metre swimming pool – will be finished this year.
Online scammers impersonate friends, fake banks in Cook Islands
Monday 17 March 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Business, Crime, Local, National, Technology
Vulnerable Cook Islanders are being targeted by online scams involving fake prizes and fraudulent financial documents, leading to financial losses and potential security risks.
Sands of Rarotonga opens with new perks
Saturday 15 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National
The former Wellesley Hotel accommodation in Tutakimoa has been rebranded as Sands of Rarotonga, offering a more welcoming experience with new perks like free airport transfers and relaxed pool access for Lazy Trout diners, aiming to attract both tourists and locals.
The importance of Property Maintenance: Routine vs. Emergency Maintenance.
Friday 14 March 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Business, National
Maintaining your property, whether residential or commercial is essential for several reasons. Regular upkeep not only preserves the property’s value but also ensures tenant satisfaction and safety. There are benefits of both routine maintenance and emergency maintenance.
CITC Patai promises enhanced shopping experience
Saturday 8 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National
Titikaveka welcomed its newest addition to the local shopping scene this week with the opening of the CITC Patai Store, a facility boasting a $4.2 million investment.
CITC opens $4.2 million Patai Store in Titikaveka
Thursday 6 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, National
The new CITC Patai Store in the village of Titikaveka was blessed yesterday in a modest opening ceremony.
Does foreign ownership affect property prices? A closer look
Tuesday 4 March 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Business, National
In the small and fragile world we call home, there are those who fear that foreign investment into the Cook Islands may push property prices up. Is this true? The answer to this question does not have a straightforward answer.
Absentee landownership: Crossroads for Cook Islands
Sunday 16 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Business, National
The Cook Islands, celebrated for its vibrant traditions and pristine landscapes, is facing a challenging issue tied to its most treasured resource—land.
Katoa’s contract with Cook Islands Investment Corporation ends
Wednesday 12 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, National, Outer Islands
Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) has confirmed that Romani Katoa’s contract with them for the Arutanga Harbour project in Aitutaki has been terminated.
Popular night club finds a new groove
Saturday 1 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Entertainment, Features, Go Local, Hot on the Rock, National
The relocation launch of the popular “On The Rocks” dance night club certainly rolled out in style, with deep red carpet greeting guests and patrons at the entrance on Thursday night.
Keeping It Local: Real Estate in the Cook Islands
Saturday 1 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Business, National
Keeping It Local: Why Real Estate in the Cook Islands Is More Than Just a Sale, by Jeff Tikitau Real Estate.
The gap between selling and buying prices
Saturday 25 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Business
Sometimes there is a significant gap between what we believe our house or business is worth and what an investor or buyer is willing to pay. Why does this happen?
Telecom company celebrates anniversary with giveaways
Tuesday 21 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, National
Vodafone Cook Islands is celebrating its fifth birthday with a week of instore activities starting at 10am, featuring groovy sounds by popular local DJ GDub George Williams, enticing instore specials and sweet cupcakes.
Matavera’s new two storey commercial hub to open soon
Friday 17 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Local, National
In Matavera, the smallest district by land size on Rarotonga, a new two storey building “Te Waka” is set to redefine the local landscape with its mix of culinary delights, island apparel and commercial opportunities.
Visitor arrivals on track to rival record numbers
Thursday 16 January 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Business, Economy, National, Tourism
Visitor arrivals in 2024, with December figures yet to be released, have surpassed the total arrivals of 2023 and are on track to rival the record number set in 2019.
Partitioning -Balancing land use with Customary Values
Monday 13 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Business, National
Partitioning land in the Cook Islands is both a practical and meaningful process, offering a unique opportunity to align traditional land rights with modern economic and social needs. This method involves dividing land into small portions, defining new boundaries, and deciding who can own or use the land among family members. While the process can be complex, it holds great potential to make the best use of land and support both family and community wealth, writes Natalie Tikitau.
