Environment
My family’s pacific island home is grappling with deep-sea mining
Monday 20 December 2021 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, National
Here’s what I’ve learned being up close and personal with the debate, writes Rachel Reeves.
Sooty Shearwater shows up in Avarua
Saturday 18 December 2021 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, National
Rarotonga had a surprise drop in visitor – an injured Sooty Shearwater (Ardenna grisea) was found at the Punanga Nui Market last week.
Deep sea ‘gold rush’
Saturday 18 December 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Environment, National
Three companies could be awarded a licence to explore the Cook Islands seabed for rare minerals.
Sea Eagle II sails by Rarotonga
Saturday 18 December 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
With the hollow booms of its horn to announce Kia Orana, at Avarua harbour, the magnificent Sea Eagle II Super yacht sailed by Rarotonga yesterday morning on its way to New Zealand.
Rain brings relief to Penrhyn
Wednesday 15 December 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
Over the past few weeks rain has poured down on the Northern group atoll of Penrhyn, bringing sighs of welcome relief for approximately 250 residents.
Wet weather lashes parts of Rarotonga
Tuesday 14 December 2021 | Written by Sian Solomon | Published in Environment, National
Heavy rain and thunderstorms lashed parts of the Cook Islands over the weekend, flooding areas around Rarotonga.
Pet bird returns home from the wild
Monday 13 December 2021 | Written by Sian Solomon | Published in Environment, National
The Taamo family bid farewell to their beloved pet gannet Aki a week ago, releasing it back into the wild. But the charismatic bird has since returned, deciding it would rather live with the family who raised it on the island of Aitutaki.
Becoming an Ocean Champion: Tāua e Moana Ocean & I
Saturday 11 December 2021 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, Features
Thursday night was Rarotonga’s turn to hear some of the ocean health presentations that were presented to the whole of the pa enua by the voyagers from Tāua e Moana – Ocean & I, writes Te Ipukarea Society.
Tereora students help Muri project before holidays
Friday 10 December 2021 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, National
Three busloads of Tereora College students headed out to Ngatangiia yesterday to help a local environment group with its project to protect land around streams and coastal areas in Muri.
Seabed Minerals Authority ‘to consider the public comments closely’
Wednesday 8 December 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Environment, National
Public comment on seabed mining exploratory licences ended on Friday but it’s a waiting game on what’s next.
Mangaia visited by National Environment Service
Wednesday 8 December 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Environment, National
The National Environment Service was able to successfully complete an interactive trip to Mangaia where they carried out a handful of environmentally based activities with locals.
‘Much more rain’ needed as water conservation warnings continue
Wednesday 8 December 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Environment, National
The majority of water intakes on Rarotonga are still dry despite heavy rainfall.
Making waves for Nukuroa’s well-being
Monday 6 December 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Environment, National
A new non-governmental organisation founded in Mitiaro was able to gain a platform at the Oceania Multi-District Information Organisation in an online discussion last week.
Te Ipukarea Society seeking donations for rat eradication project
Monday 6 December 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Environment, National
Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) have started to receive donations going towards the rat eradication project to rid the island of Suwarrow of its rat infestation.
Tourists to return to ‘green dirty' lagoon
Wednesday 1 December 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Environment, National
Ngatangiia MP Tamaiva Tuavera says people in his constituency are starting to stir again over the poor state of Muri’s lagoon.
MMR removes whale carcass from Aitutaki reef
Saturday 27 November 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Environment, National
A whale carcass that was discovered over a month ago on Aitutaki’s reef just above Honeymoon island is being removed by the Ministry of Marine Resources.
Te Vai Ora Maori disappointed with To Tatou Vai Bill
Wednesday 24 November 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Environment, National
The leader of a Rarotonga group advocating for free, clean, safe water says she’s disappointed the To Tatou Vai Bill 2021 is ready to be made law after it passed its third reading on Monday.
‘Threatened’ coconut crabs on the menu at $175 a pop
Saturday 20 November 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, National
A seasoned fisherman fears coconut crab population will be decimated if commercial operations continue profiteering from their trade.
Judges deliberate on fisheries dispute
Thursday 18 November 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, National
The highest court in the Commonwealth has heard submissions and will deliberate on a long-standing dispute involving the Cook Islands Government, William Framhein and Te Ipukarea Society (TIS).
‘Wat-er waste!’
Tuesday 16 November 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, National
A lobbyist has called out the group responsible for replacing Rarotonga’s water network with claims the new $90 million system has not been designed to respond to the environment.
