Environment
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.
‘Love our little paradise’ : Cook Islands unites for World Oceans Day
Saturday 15 June 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Environment, Features, National
A local non-government organisation nears harvesting a milestone 10,000 crown-of-thorns starfish from Rarotonga reefs since launching Operation Taramea in 2020.
Takitumu Conservation Area becomes first OECM in Pacific
Tuesday 11 June 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, National
History was made in the Cook Islands on the International Biodiversity Day late last month as the world rallied around the theme “Be Part of the Plan” to reverse biodiversity loss and put nature on a path to recovery.
Cook Islands pushes for climate-resistant crops research
Monday 10 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Environment, National
Secretary for Agriculture Temarama Anguna-Kamana presented a regional research agenda at the recent 9th Pacific Heads of Agriculture and Forestry Services (PHOAFS) meeting focusing on identifying and promoting crops that are climate resistant.
Fertiliser arrives after long wait, but at a higher cost
Monday 10 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, Local, National
The Ministry of Agriculture has received a shipment of fertilizer to address the shortage faced by farmers, but the cost has increased by $10 per 20-kilogram bag.
Mangaia’s Bicentennial Celebration opens with grand ceremony
Monday 10 June 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Church Talk, Environment, Features, Local, National
Mangaia came to a standstill on Saturday for the historic Bicentennial Celebration’s opening ceremony, marking 200 years of Christianity on the island.
Te Ipukarea Society: World Oceans Day, By mining the depths, we undermine our future
Saturday 8 June 2024 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
We are well aware of the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) recent community awareness raising campaigns to diverse groups across Rarotonga on the benefits of deep seabed mining (DSM). However, their presentations have barely touched on the potential risks of this industry.
