Environment
PM Brown: Japan’s nuclear wastewater discharge not a breach of Rarotonga Treaty
Monday 22 July 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, National
Cook Islands Prime Minister and Pacific Islands Forum chairman Mark Brown says Japan’s discharge of treated nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean does not violate the Rarotonga Treaty.
Construction company faces fines after cutting trees without consent
Saturday 20 July 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Environment, Local, National
A recent cutting down of several ironwood (toa) trees at the Fruits of Rarotonga waterfront is in breach of the Environment Act 2003, says the Cook Islands environment agency.
Te Ipukarea Society: Protecting the Ī’oi: Conservation research and volunteer opportunities
Saturday 20 July 2024 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
The Ī’oi, or Rarotonga starling, has been getting some much-needed attention. Only found in the forests of Rarotonga, the Ī’oi is often hidden out of sight and doesn’t draw much attention with its smokey dark plumage blending into the dark tree canopy.
Public backs proposed Sovereign Wealth Fund
Saturday 20 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National
Cook Islands is establishing a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) to secure the nation’s financial future potentially funded by revenue from future seabed mining.
Water petition gains momentum, organising committee meets House of Ariki
Thursday 18 July 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Environment, Local, National
The petition opposing the planned water tariffs in Rarotonga is gaining momentum with over 1500 signatures so far including support from the Pa Enua and Cook Islanders residing overseas.
Public input sought on Sovereign Wealth Fund
Wednesday 17 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Local, National, Technology
Public consultations on establishing a Sovereign Wealth Fund, “a long-term savings account for future generations of the Cook Islands”, begin this evening at 6pm in Vaka Takitumu at the Matavera CICC Sunday School Hall.
Training aims to combat plant pests
Tuesday 16 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, Local, National
The Plant Health Clinic Training, held for the first time at the Ministry of Agriculture, aims to enhance the skills of the ministry’s extension officers and identify potential plant threats to bolster Cook Islands’ farming sector.
Te Ipukarea Society: Govt ‘prioritises profit’ over environment in seabed mining push
Saturday 13 July 2024 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
The governments of the Cook Islands and Hawai’i recently reached a historic sister-city agreement between Honolulu and Avarua, Rarotonga. However, it would appear that the sisters do not see eye to eye when it comes to deep seabed mining.
Rarotonga growers fear financial strain from incoming water charges
Saturday 13 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Environment, Local, National
Rarotonga growers have expressed deep concerns over the upcoming water tariffs, fearing significant financial strain and potential business closures.
Survey aims to capture Cook Islands’ conservation concerns
Thursday 11 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
Te Tu’anga Taporoporo (National Environment Service) and the University of Newcastle, Australia, will conduct “voluntary” interviews this Friday with households on the island to better understand local perspectives on biodiversity conservation and development.
Over 10,000 taramea removed, Government urged to step in
Wednesday 10 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National
After managing to remove over 10,000 taramea or crown-of-thorns starfish from Rarotonga reef, Rarotonga-based NGO Kōrero o te 'Ōrau believes the government should now step in to further protect the reef.
Cook Islands organics group challenges incoming water tariffs, calls for meeting
Wednesday 10 July 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Environment, Health, Local, National
Natura Kuki Airani, the Cook Islands organics movement, is holding a meeting with the Ministry of Agriculture this Friday to raise their concerns about the incoming water tariffs.
Te Ipukarea Society: Muri shoreline saviours scoop up 52 bags of rubbish
Saturday 6 July 2024 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
The 6th annual Muri Lagoon Beach Cleanup took place last Saturday, marking another successful year for this fantastic community event.
NES seeks expert to bolster coastal protections for Rarotonga, Aitutaki
Thursday 4 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, Local, National
The National Environment Service (NES) is looking at boosting the protection for the coastal areas of Rarotonga and Autitaki in a bid to address current and future risks and concerns.
Te Ipukarea Society: Nature is there to be protected for human benefits
Saturday 29 June 2024 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
The International Union of Conservation on Nature (IUCN) recently hosted an Africa, Pacific Learning Exchange Programme on Protected and Conserved Areas in Malindi, Kenya.
Evans earns Masters and Honorary Doctorate
Saturday 22 June 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Education, Environment, Features, National, Weekend
Renowned Cook Islands marine conservationist Jacqueline Evans had a double celebration recently – graduating from her year-long studies at Harvard University and receiving an Honorary Doctorate from the Université du Littoral Côte d'Opale (ULCO) in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France.
Te Ipukarea Society: TIS captivates students at Careers Expo with interactive activities
Saturday 22 June 2024 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
The 2024 Careers Expo took place last Thursday at the National Auditorium, featuring over 30 exhibitors. Government agencies, education institutions, private sector companies and non-government organisations, including Te Ipukarea Society (TIS), showcased what careers may look like in their respective fields.
Cook Islands can learn from Maori fishing model, suggests NZ Minister
Saturday 15 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, Local, National, New Zealand, Regional
Cook Islands can learn from the New Zealand Maori experience to develop their fishing industry and empower their people to participate, says New Zealand Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Shane Jones.
New guardians for Suwarrow Park
Saturday 15 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National, Outer Islands
With their complementary skills and passion for conservation, the newly appointed Suwarrow Park rangers are ready to safeguard the island’s ecology and cultural heritage.
Te Ipukarea Society AGM, a time to reflect and plan for a sustainable future
Saturday 15 June 2024 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
The past 12 months zoomed past in a flash and already Te Ipukarea has held their 28th Annual General Meeting last week, Thursday, June 6, 2024.
