Environment
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.
Kurāmo’o flies away with Bird of the Year title
Friday 12 November 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
Aitutaki’s Kurāmo’o (Blue Lorikeet or Nunbird) has won the Manu o te Mataiti 2021 (Bird of the Year) award having collected about 4500 votes with the 'Ī'oi (Rarotonga Starling) coming in runner up with nearly 3500.
Seabed exploration expeditions ‘as early as next year’: Herman
Friday 12 November 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Environment, National
Three companies get closer to receiving their exploration licenses for seabed minerals and could begin exploration expeditions as early as 2022.
NGO highlights their commitment to the environment
Thursday 11 November 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Environment, National
Cook Islands’ commitment to reclaim the landscape from invasive species was highlighted by the American multinational news-based pay television channel, CNN, in its Call To Earth Day segment yesterday.
Rainforest Men’s Club ‘pay’ their part at celebrations as focus grows on sustainability
Wednesday 10 November 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National, Outer Islands
One of Aitutaki’s renowned establishments locally known as the “Rainforest” or “Gentlemen’s Club” got into the spirit of the island’s Bi-centennial celebrations by contributing six bags of tarutarua root crops to the island of Palmerston.
Native nursery plan to protect Muri’s lagoon
Tuesday 9 November 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Environment, National
The Muri Environment Care has ventured into a new project, a Native Nursery, which is part of their many attempts to preserve and care for the Muri area and its many streams and wetland patches.
Opposition slams water shortage
Monday 8 November 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, National
A call from To Tatou Vai to conserve water has been slammed by an Opposition MP
