Court
High Court halts Te Puka land dispute pending cost payment
Friday 16 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
The proceedings for the Nikao land – Te Puka against the Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) have been halted after High Court Justice Dame Judith Potter ordered a ‘stay order’ against applicant Ellena Tavioni and others, who are to pay $12,523.45 with a 10 per cent interest for previously dismissed matters.
Drug trial adjourned due to absent defence lawyer
Friday 16 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
The application filed by Crown Law to admit hearsay for accused Christopher Denny, Charles Tuakana Katu and Tui Mantangaro Tupa, who are facing drug-related charges, has been adjourned due to the absence of defence lawyer Mark Short.
Young offender escapes jail time in high profile burglaries
Thursday 15 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
A 20-year-old man, who was involved in two high profile joint burglary cases in Avarua, has been warned by the High Court judge, Dame Judith Potter that any future offending ‘will deserve no leniency’.
Man caught with cannabis during community service at Corrections Services premises
Thursday 15 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
Ngatupuna Ngatokoono Teinakitama, 27, was ordered to pay a $500 fine and serve an additional four months of community service after being convicted of possessing cannabis – marijuana leaves.
Court orders forfeiture of motor- bike purchased with stolen funds
Wednesday 14 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
The Cook Islands High Court has ordered that the motorcycle that was purchased with stolen government funds by recently convicted former civil servants to be handed over to the Crown.
Amended charges expected in drug case
Wednesday 14 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
An amended charge list against Christopher Denny, Charles Tuakana Katu and Tui Mantangaro Tupa is expected to be presented to Justice Dame Judith Potter on Thursday.
11 months jail for man caught smuggling 1.176kg of cannabis
Tuesday 13 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Local, National
A man in his 20s has been convicted and ordered to serve 11-months in jail for charges that include importing 1.176 kilograms of cannabis to Rarotonga.
Government to claim motorcycle purchased with stolen funds
Monday 12 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
Former civil servants serving time in prison will face a court hearing on Tuesday to determine if a motorbike purchased with stolen government funds will be confiscated.
‘Understaffed’ Police to receive timely training from NZ experts
Friday 9 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Economy, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown has met with the acting Police Commissioner Aka Matapo to discuss preparations on the new training initiatives in partnership with New Zealand Police.
Courts briefs
Friday 9 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
Justice of the Peace Nadine Newnham presided over driving-related matters and a single wilful damage matter involving the Mangaia hostel yesterday.
Repeat offender sentenced for domestic violence, child assault
Thursday 8 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
A man who completed his 12 months of probation supervision this month has been ordered to serve another 12 months including six months of community service after being convicted of wilful damage and assault on a female.
Backpacks snatched by motorbike thieves
Thursday 8 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
Cook Islands Police received a complaint from tourists whose backpacks were snatched from suspects on a motorbike on Tuesday.
Tangaroa declared rightful Tamatoa Ariki after three-year legal battle
Wednesday 7 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Local, National, Outer Islands
It was a double celebration for Teao Tangaroa, who was declared the rightful title holder of the Tamatoa Ariki of Arutanga in a court ruling on his birthday yesterday.
Court briefs
Saturday 3 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A man who is charged with two counts of assault on a female will be sentenced on October 15 after he waived his rights to a lawyer.
Woman, 23, escapes conviction, ordered to pay hefty reparations
Wednesday 31 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A 23-year-old woman has been discharged without conviction in a driving related matter by the Criminal Court in Avarua, but has been ordered to pay reparations of more than $2000 for causing the damage to a rental motorcycle.
Minister to house man accused of burglary
Monday 29 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A man known to the Cook Islands Police was granted bail by Justice of the Peace Vania Kenning after it was confirmed that he would be residing with the Minister for Corrective Services and Tupapa Member of Parliament, George ‘Maggie’ Angene.
Visitor ordered to pay $28,000 reparation for Titikaveka crash
Friday 26 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A visitor to Rarotonga was convicted of excess blood alcohol and careless driving after a car accident, resulting in a $28,000 reparation.
Drivers back to bad habits, man arrested with 71 cannabis plants
Tuesday 23 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
After a crash free weekend over a week ago, some drivers were back to bad habits on Rarotonga roads.
Drink driving matters
Friday 19 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
In a driving related charge, a businesswoman was ordered to surrender her passport and not to leave the Cook Islands without the approval of the High Court.
Woman, 59, discharged without conviction for assaulting child
Friday 19 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A woman who was accused of assaulting a child has been discharged without conviction by Justice of the Peace Tangi Taoro at the Criminal Court in Avarua yesterday.
