Environment
Cabinet approves Seabed Minerals Exploration Licences
Thursday 17 February 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Environment, National
As anticipated, the Cook Islands Cabinet has formally approved the three seabed minerals (SBM) exploration licence applications from CIC Limited, CIIC Seabed Resources Limited and Moana Minerals Limited.
Life in the Karekare Bee Hotel
Saturday 12 February 2022 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, National
Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust’s Gerald McCormack writes about the complexities of life in a bee hotel in Karekare.
Shortcomings of new water system ‘evident in storm’
Friday 11 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, National
A lobbyist is again calling out the group responsible for replacing Rarotonga’s water network with more claims the new $90 million system is not up to scratch.
Trees toppled and rare wildlife killed during storms
Tuesday 8 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, National
A conservation area on Rarotonga established more than 30 years ago has been significantly damaged by storms which hit the island last month.
Road closure and delays at Empire Bridge
Monday 7 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
Road users are advised and asked to prepare for the road closure and delays of the main road at the Empire Bridge, from 4am on Monday, February 7 until the evening of Tuesday, February 8.
Research projects underway to revive crisis-hit Muri lagoon
Saturday 5 February 2022 | Written by Sian Solomon | Published in Environment, National
A number of research projects are underway to assist with the health and maintenance of the Muri lagoon, with more collaborative work between the government and community groups expected to take place within the coming months.
Request to dredge Arutanga Harbour channel approved
Friday 4 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
Dredging work for the Arutanga Harbour Project in Aitutaki has resumed after approval from relevant environment bodies following concerns from residents over the legality of the work in the harbour basin.
Concerns mount over household rubbish dumped in public bins
Thursday 3 February 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Environment, National
There is ongoing concern over household rubbish being dumped in public bins particularly at Nikao Social Centre which is a hotspot for the issue.
Volunteers celebrate World Wetlands Day
Thursday 3 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, National
A group dedicated to preserving the Muri Lagoon and surrounding area has taken advantage of World Wetlands Day to push forward with one of its multiple projects.
Global Environment Facility (GEF) workshop gets underway
Monday 31 January 2022 | Written by Sian Solomon | Published in Environment, National
Government officials, staff, and stakeholders have gathered at The Edgewater Resort on Thursday for the Global Environment Facility (GEF) workshop.
No tsunami alert raises concern
Wednesday 19 January 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
Grave concerns have been raised by members of the community as to why there was no tsunami alert on Friday, January 14, following a volcanic eruption in Tonga.
Takuva’ine Valley Water Catchment signage installed
Tuesday 18 January 2022 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, National
To start off 2022 on a positive note for the environment and to raise awareness on a very special place on Rarotonga, the Takuva’ine Water Catchment Committee have installed new signage at the base of the track and replaced an old broken “STOP” sign further up leading to the traditional taro terraces and ‘ūtū planting area in the valley.
Port closed as ‘rough weather to continue’
Tuesday 18 January 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, National
Strong winds and high seas are set to persist this week forcing authorities to close Rarotonga’s port to vessels at least until Sunday.
Skipper stops in to restock as conditions uncertain
Tuesday 18 January 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, National
Monday brought a brief respite for Lady Moana skipper Sefanaia Tuwai and his crew of seven, who were allowed to dock at Avatiu port to restock essential supplies.
Tropical depression brings gale-force winds and heavy swells
Monday 17 January 2022 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Environment, National
Yesterday’s strong winds and high seas caused by a tropical depression near Mauke caught residents of Rarotonga and other southern group islands by surprise and the Met Office says more damaging winds and rain are expected this week.
Youth Media Team learns the ropes with Muri Environment Care Group
Saturday 15 January 2022 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, National
This week a group of keen teens gathered at Aroko salt marsh to learn first-hand about marine biology as well as TV and media production.
Storm surge expected from Tropical Cyclone
Tuesday 11 January 2022 | Written by Sian Solomon | Published in Environment, National
A tropical cyclone that hit Fiji over the weekend and devastated parts of the country will not affect the Cook Islands, according to the Cook Islands Meteorological Service.
‘Fair weather’ forecast for Raro
Friday 31 December 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Environment, National
Rarotonga can expect some fair weather for the long weekend as it welcomes the new year in, with a few showers and a fair bit of wind.
Seabed mining ‘not worth the risk’, says Evans
Thursday 23 December 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Environment, National
Jacqueline Evans said: “Seabed mining also has a direct impact on the biodiversity that lives on and around the nodules and the disposal of sediment from the ship will impact marine life that encounters it in the water column.” Evans said she wants the Cook Islands to focus on investments that “do not solely rely […]
Nodules: Climate change solution or ecological risk?
Thursday 23 December 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Environment, National
People keen to explore the possibility of deep sea mining see it as a way to fight climate change, while those against say it doesn’t make sense to solve an environmental problem by possibly creating a new one.
