Education
Students embark on entrepreneurial journey with revived YES programme
Wednesday 26 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
In a fast-evolving job market, Tereora College students are increasingly seeking ways to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application.
Rarotonga schools prepare for biennial Culture Festival
Wednesday 26 March 2025 | Written by Teitimoana Tairi | Published in Culture, Education, National
Hundreds of students are gearing up for the Cook Islands’ biggest school Culture Festival, which takes place every two years and will be held this year on April 9 and 10, at the National Auditorium.
Filipino teacher brings nine yearsof tech expertise to local students
Saturday 22 March 2025 | Written by Teitimoana Tairi | Published in Education, National
A Filipino teacher in the Cook Islands brought her nine years of experience to enhance her students’ skills, offering them new opportunities in the field.
‘Nothing we can do’: Blackrock Preschool prepares for move to new premises
Friday 21 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National
In a push from the government agency, Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC), Blackrock Preschool in Nikao will move to its new premises 30 metres away to make way for the redevelopment of the Nikao Social Centre area into a recreational and social hub.
Workshop aims to uncover and combat gender violence in Cook Islands
Thursday 20 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National
The Cook Islands Punanga Turuturu Itivaine (PTI) is hosting an intensive two-week workshop from March 17 – 28, focused on gender violence against women and girls, human rights and counsellor training for survivors of violence against women and girls.
Tereora College opens new counselling space
Thursday 20 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, Health, Local, National
A newly relocated Counselling Space at Tereora College is now open, offering support services for students dealing with various challenges.
Cook Islands NGOs highlight threats of seabed mining
Thursday 20 March 2025 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Education, Environment, Local, National
Local non-governmental organisations yesterday conducted a presentation on the potential environmental and socio-cultural impacts of the impending exploitation of the seabed, focusing on human interaction with the environment.
Tereora College revives decade-old flag-raising ceremony, unite students
Friday 14 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, National
Tereora College’s student leaders have started the year on a high note by reviving a significant old practice, the flag-raising ceremony, which was last held about a decade ago.
Ministry of Education warns public of fake scholarship scam on Facebook
Thursday 13 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, National
The Ministry of Education is warning the public about fraudulent social media posts claiming the Ministry is offering free scholarships to people aged 18-65.
Four students head to Japan for cultural exchange
Tuesday 11 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Education, Local, National, Outer Islands
Four Cook Islands students are heading to Japan for a cultural exchange programme, where they will immerse themselves in Japanese culture while sharing their knowledge of Cook Islands culture.
Five Cook Islanders awarded counselling scholarships to boost community support
Tuesday 11 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Health, Local, National, Outer Islands
Five individuals from Rarotonga and Atiu received scholarships from Punanga Turuturu Itivaine to study counselling and improve community mental health support.
Ministry explores new strategies to enhance mathematics education
Monday 10 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, National
The Ministry of Education is exploring new strategies to enhance mathematics education in the Cook Islands, following comments from New Zealand-based academic Professor Jodie Hunter, who emphasised the need for local context in teaching resources.
Mauke developer launches dream e-learning platform GalaxyMaps
Friday 7 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National, Outer Islands
After six years in the making, Vaipunu Ian Tairea, a software developer, digital creator and educator in Mauke, has officially launched his custom-built digital platform, GalaxyMaps.
Local context key to math success, expert tells government
Monday 3 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, Local, National
A leading mathematics education expert has urged the government to invest in developing its own teaching resources rather than relying on commercial textbooks from overseas publishers, warning that imported materials may not fully support students’ learning needs.
29 teachers leave: Mokoroa explains teacher shortage and declining results
Saturday 1 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education, National, Parliament
A significant teacher shortage, with almost 30 teachers leaving last year, is impacting the Cook Islands’ education system.
Tereora introduces new leadership model
Saturday 1 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
The Princess Anne Hall echoed with uplifting song in a wonderful display of school spirit as hundreds of Tereora College students sang with pride to welcome their 30 new leaders.
Decline in reo Māori speakers addressed in Parliament
Friday 28 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, National, Parliament
Minister for Education, Vaine ‘Mac’ Mokoroa has acknowledged that while language is important in the classrooms, it is also vital to remember that speaking reo Maori starts from home.
Schools umu competition hailed a success, set to become annual fixture
Tuesday 25 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
The traditional slow steam cooking event not only retains nutrients and enhances taste, it brings together family, friends and the community, nurturing a sense of belonging and celebration while preparing and sharing a meal of soul food.
School roll swells, Apii Nikao inducts new prefects
Saturday 22 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Apii Nikao celebrated the induction of 20 student prefects, who will serve as role models and leaders, while the school’s enrolment has increased from 339 to 389 since January.
Apii Te Uki Ou prefects ready to lead
Friday 21 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Features, National
The newly inducted Apii Te Uki Ou student leaders were reminded to uphold the school’s values at all times and represent it with pride.
