Environment
Te Ipukarea Society: Keeping our waterways in check
Saturday 3 February 2024 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
Monitoring the quality of our stream water is a useful way to inform us whether some of our land use practices are impacting the health of our freshwater stream ecosystems and eventually our lagoon.
Maungaroa Valley inches closer to UNESCO world heritage status
Saturday 3 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Environment, Features, Local, National, Weekend
The Maungaroa Valley in the Cook Islands is one step closer to becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognising its cultural significance and prompting calls for wider protection of cultural and natural heritage sites in the region.
Heatwave to last until April, says weather office
Friday 2 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National, Weather
Cook Islands is expected to experience temperatures close to 30 degrees Celsius until April, according to the Meteorological Service.
37 complaints spark environmental action
Tuesday 30 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National
The National Environment Service (NES) received 37 complaints between 2022 and 2023 regarding environmental concerns, according to their annual report for the year ending June 30, 2023.
Te Ipukarea Society: Climate change heroes of the deep sea
Saturday 27 January 2024 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
Deep seabed mining in Cook Islands could disrupt the ecosystem and harm deep sea creatures like the acorn worm, which plays a vital role in the carbon cycle.
Environment agency approves plan to remove grounded ship
Saturday 27 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, Local, National, Outer Islands
The National Environment Service (NES) has completed its environmental assessment for removing the stranded vessel MV Grinna from the Manihiki reef after multiple failed attempts.
Public input sought on coastal protection projects
Friday 26 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
The National Environment Service (NES) has received three new Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) permit applications for public consultation.
Te Ipukarea Society: Discovering the world of Hawksbill turtles: Fun facts and conservation insights
Saturday 20 January 2024 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
In our aqua blue waters, we are fortunate enough to be graced with the presence of the critically endangered Hawksbill turtle, or Onu Taratara. This week, let’s dive into some fascinating facts about these incredible creatures, shedding light on their lives and the challenges they face.
People are not cooperating: To Tatou Vai
Wednesday 17 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Health, Local, National
Water levels in the Rarotonga catchments have quickly fallen again as the island hopes for more rain.
Who cares about locals?: Muri residents upset over delayed whale removal
Tuesday 16 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Local, National
Local residents in Muri have been concerned at the delay in the disposal of a whale carcass which was brought ashore last Friday morning.
Te Ipukarea Society: A healthy ocean, more than just a passing FAD
Saturday 13 January 2024 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
In today’s column, we aim to shed light on the use of drifting Fish Aggregating Devices (dFADs) in tuna purse seine fishing, emphasising the ongoing environmental impact.
Cooks academics lead the way in climate research
Wednesday 10 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Environment, National
Two Cook Islanders are at the helm of new Pacific research into population dynamics of the Pacific - home to a population of 13 million – projected to become 20 million by 2050.
Piho’s turtle photo captures nature prize at Tokyo International Foto Awards
Tuesday 9 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Entertainment, Environment, Features, Local, National
Cook Islands photographer Charlotte Piho has reached another peak in her career, capturing first place in the Tokyo International Foto Awards 2023 for the Nature-Underwater category.
Staycations on offer during quiet period for large operators
Tuesday 9 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, Features, Go Local, National, Tourism
Staycation offers are assisting visitor accommodation providers to get through the quiet months on Rarotonga.
Te Ipukarea Society: Turtle watch party - Community photos reveal surprising local movements
Saturday 6 January 2024 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
Sea turtles are migratory species commonly seen across the Pacific and within the Cook Islands.
Cook Islands to the world : Nations will ‘disappear’ without action on climate change
Saturday 30 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Environment, Features, National, Weekend
Climate change activists from around the world are itching to team up with a Cook Islands film crew to raise awareness about the global crisis after a music video about its impact on the Pacific debuted at a United Nations conference. Joanne Holden reports.
Te Ipukarea Society : My turn as an intern: Discovering passion for the environment at Te Ipukarea Society
Saturday 30 December 2023 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
This week’s Te Ipukarea Society article is written by Dreena Teapa, the recipient of the Dame Margaret Karika Memorial Fellowship in 2023 for topping the Year 12 biology at Tereora College. She would however like it noted that she did not come up with the title!
Rarotonga resort curbs water use amid concerns, eyes groundwater
Friday 29 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, Local, National
Following concerns about water refilling at some resorts, a Rarotonga property says it has taken measures to reduce usage during the ongoing dry spell.
Mangaia comes under Enviro Act
Friday 29 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Environment, National
The island of Mangaia has come under the Environment Act for the first time, following approval from the Cook Islands Cabinet and Executive Council.
Aitutaki Harbour Project: Environmental watchdog still lacks expertise for monitoring
Friday 29 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Environment, National
With the Arutanga Harbour Project now in its second phase, concerns regarding environmental impact from dredging remain, as the National Environment Service (NES) still lacks the necessary technical expertise for effective monitoring. Rashneel Kumar reports.
