Environment
Mitiaro calls for proper waste facility
Wednesday 2 April 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, National
Mitiaro is facing a growing challenge with its current waste management system. Despite the island’s pristine beauty and small community, the island’s lack of a proper waste disposal infrastructure is becoming a pressing concern.
NES staff enhance expertise in environmental management and sustainability
Tuesday 1 April 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National
National Environment Service (NES) director Halatoa Fua and three staff members have successfully completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Environmental Management and Sustainability at the University of Newcastle, Australia.
The migratory mysteries of Cook Islands’ Green turtles
Saturday 29 March 2025 | Written by webmaster | Published in Environment, Features, National, Weekend
Turtle tourism has become a popular year-round activity in Rarotonga, with both government and civil society groups working to ensure it is safer for turtles and people. In a two-part series, Gerald McCormack of the Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust writes about the distinct lifecycle of the Green sea turtle, which has a distinct lifecycle compared to Hawksbill turtles, the two types of ‘resident’ turtles that local turtle tourism is built around.
Traditional leaders seek direct funding for conservation efforts
Tuesday 25 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Environment, Local, National
The House of Ariki welcomed representatives from an American nonprofit environmental organisation to discuss funding challenges and the implementation of conservation projects in the Cook Islands.
Researchers find active volcanic hotspot in Cook Islands seabed
Tuesday 25 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National
Researchers have discovered a potentially younger and active volcanic hotspot beneath the Cook Islands’ waters, prompting excitement for geological understanding and raising calls for caution regarding seabed mining.
Green Hydrogen - an off-grid energy solution
Monday 24 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National, Technology
A groundbreaking load management test conducted at Motu Beachfront Villas Resort on Thursday is a significant step towards developing an off-grid energy solution powered by green hydrogen.
Green hydrogen project enters phase two with community engagement
Friday 21 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, Local, National, Tourism
Motu Beachfront Art Villas is ramping up its commitment to sustainability as it moves into the second phase of a pioneering Green Hydrogen Project.
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.
Call for island-wide response to taramea threat in Aitutaki
Wednesday 19 March 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, Local, National, Outer Islands
Concern is growing in Aitutaki over the increasing spread of taramea (crown-of-thorns starfish) in the island’s lagoon, with community leaders calling for an urgent, coordinated response.
Tourism takes action to enhance safety in turtle tours
Wednesday 19 March 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, Local, National
A recent incident in Avaavaroa Passage has once again highlighted the urgent need for stronger safety measures in this high-risk marine environment.
$12.9m approved for solar battery project, NZ confirms
Wednesday 12 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National, Outer Islands, Technology
New Zealand says it approved $12.9 million for the Northern Group Battery Replacement Project a year ago, after Prime Minister Mark Brown told Parliament they were still working with the NZ government to start the project.
‘Ra’ui stays for life’: Traditional leader reminds public of marine protection area
Saturday 8 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National
Komono o Manava Mataipo Nooroa Samuel is calling on the Rarotonga community to respect the ra’ui that was put in place by his late mother in 1995 near The Rarotongan Beach Resort and Lagoonarium.
Te Ipukarea Society: Citizen science to guide turtle conservation
Saturday 22 February 2025 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Editorials, Environment, National, Opinion
Turtles are an integral part of marine ecosystems, and the Cook Islands is home to a few species, including the endangered Green Turtle and the critically endangered Hawksbill turtles.
Atiu Harbour upgrade to address deterioration and safety concerns
Thursday 20 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
The National Environment Service is seeking public input on an Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed upgrade of Atiu Harbour, which involves dredging, makatea cliff removal and concrete repair to address deterioration and safety concerns.
SBMA to engage public on deep-sea exploration findings
Friday 14 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National
Seabed Mining Authority (SBMA) says it will be reaching out to the community, especially older generations, to consult with them about their preliminary findings from the ongoing seabed minerals exploration.
Environment groups demand clarity on seabed mineral partnership with China
Friday 14 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National
Local environment groups are calling for clarity and transparency regarding the Cook Islands’ collaboration with China on seabed mineral exploration.
Te Ipukarea Society: Why we do not need to destroy our seabed?
Saturday 8 February 2025 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
As innovative technology starts to rev up around the globe so does innovative tech for the electric car (EV) industry.
Scientists explore coral heat tolerance in Rarotonga
Thursday 6 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
A group from the University of California is working with Cook Islands marine biologist and chairperson for the environmental NGO, Kōrero o te `Ōrau, Dr Teina Rongo, to discover how corals around Rarotonga respond to high temperatures.
Cook Islands reaffirms climate leadership amidst US withdrawal from Paris Agreement
Tuesday 4 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Environment, National
Cook Islands has called for continued global cooperation to address climate crisis and for the global community to fill any funding gaps left by the United States after its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement.
Government accused of misleading public on seabed mining
Saturday 1 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National
Cook Islands Government is misleading the public into believing the country is undecided on whether to allow deep seabed mining, claims an advocate for ocean conservation and protection.
