Crime
Two years jail for ex bank teller
Saturday 12 August 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
A former Bank of the Cook Islands teller at the Rakahanga branch has been jailed for two years after admitting she stole more than $45,000 from customers.
Corrections Secretary stands by reemployment of corrections staffer
Wednesday 9 August 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Crime, National
Secretary for Ministry of Corrective Services Teokotai Joseph has stood by a decision to reemploy a prison officer who resigned following allegations of unsanctioned actions.
Two year, three months’ jail for $118,000 forgery
Wednesday 9 August 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
A couple involved in more than $118,000 of forgery and money laundering involving the New Zealand Ministry of Social Development have been sentenced with one of them receiving more than two years’ jail.
Tourists falling victim to burglaries
Tuesday 8 August 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, National
Cash and credit cards were reported stolen from a tourist accommodation over the weekend.
Be responsible: Police call out hit-and-run ‘culprits’
Tuesday 8 August 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, National
Police are investigating two separate hit-and-run incidents that occurred over the weekend, in which motorists were injured and required medical attention.
Mum’s hope for missing teenage son
Monday 31 July 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Features, In Depth, Local, National, Weekend
A year after a 19-year-old teenager went missing after being dropped off at a bus stop on Rarotonga, his family is still hopeful of finding him.
Police make ruling on controversial raffle draw
Saturday 29 July 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, National, Other Sports, Sports
After a weeklong inquiry, Cook Islands Police have confirmed that the results of a raffle draw where the top two prizes went to the same ticket holder will stand.
Motorcycle thefts on the rise, police warn
Friday 21 July 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, National
Police have received about 40 complaints of stolen motorcycles so far this year, already surpassing the record low of 35 set last year.
Crash victim’s helmet ‘may not have been securely fastened’
Wednesday 19 July 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Crime, National
The helmet of a 28-year-old motorcyclist who died after losing control of his vehicle over the weekend “may not have been securely fastened”, Police say.
Licensing numbers signal ‘peak tourism season’
Wednesday 19 July 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Crime, National
Revenue from driving tests made up more than 75 per cent of the Cook Islands Police Service’s total trading income quota for June, marking the beginning of “peak tourism season” for the country.
‘Major’ underway effort to better align police personnel resources in Cooks
Tuesday 18 July 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Economy, National
Cook Islands Police Service is looking at negotiating the transfer of $160,000 from the 2022 -2023 budget to other areas.
Motorcyclist killed following road incident on Rarotonga
Monday 17 July 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Court, Crime, National
A 28-year-old man has died following a road incident on Rarotonga.
Court briefs
Friday 14 July 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
At the Criminal Court in Avarua yesterday, Justice of the Peace John Whitta presided over some court matters.
Aitutaki taskforce members receive warrants
Thursday 13 July 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Crime, National, Outer Islands
Three members of the Arenikau Taskforce have been warranted as Honorary Constables and sworn in by Inspector Maeva Kirikava.
High profile trial wraps up as Nga Puna faces his third day of questioning
Thursday 6 July 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
The trial of former National Environment Service director Nga Puna, his wife and former Secretary of Infrastructure Cook Islands, Diane Charlie-Puna, along with suspended Deputy Prime Minister Robert Tapaitau has wrapped up after close to four weeks.
Nga Puna defends bonus payment
Wednesday 5 July 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
Former National Environment Service director Nga Puna faced his third day on the stand in Court where he was grilled by the Crown.
Trial hears of Nga Puna’s concerns for Diane Charlie-Puna
Tuesday 4 July 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
Former National Environment Service director Nga Puna has faced his second day on the stand in Court as he faces multiple dishonesty charges.
Close call for motorists as pole toppled
Monday 3 July 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Crime, National
Those involved in a motor vehicle crash at Kiikii in Rarotonga on Saturday afternoon were fortunate to escape serious injury, police say.
Nga Puna takes the stand
Monday 3 July 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
Former National Environment Service director Nga Puna has taken the stand in Court as he faces multiple dishonesty charges.
Charlie-Puna offers apology in Court
Friday 30 June 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
Former Secretary of Infrastructure Cook Islands Diane Charlie-Puna has apologised for her role in conspiracy and theft.
