Environment
Mineral licence process begins
Tuesday 11 August 2015 | Published in Environment
The Cook Islands can officially start accepting bids from companies wanting to explore the ocean floor for minerals in the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
Old whiteware on the way out
Friday 7 August 2015 | Published in Environment
The National Environment Service (NES) and Recycling Cook Islands with the support of the Government of the Cook Islands, have signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the collection and the disposal of disused whiteware from homes on Rarotonga.
Agriculture celebrates half-century
Thursday 30 July 2015 | Published in Environment
Minister of Agriculture Kiriau Turepu (left) and director of research and development, William Wigmore were two of many ministry staff celebrating Agriculture Day yesterday.
Fifty years of agriculture on show
Wednesday 29 July 2015 | Published in Environment
The Ministry of Agriculture will showcase a fascinating range of vegetables, root and fruit crops at the Punanga Nui Market today and tomorrow.
'Boggs' the number one humpback
Monday 20 July 2015 | Published in Environment
After 18 years on the job, local whale researcher Nan Hauser still gets a jolt of adrenalin every time she comes close to the breathtaking mammals in Cook Islands’ waters.
Marine park timeline set
Monday 20 July 2015 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Environment
The taskforce working on the proposed Marae Moana Marine Park is making swift progress in getting the project finalised.
Eco retreat true labour of love
Saturday 11 July 2015 | Published in Environment
Not many couples are brave enough to build a business in their first year of marriage.
Over-reef pipeline plans still uncertain
Saturday 11 July 2015 | Published in Environment
While no final decision has been made, it appears the Rarotonga Environment Authority may be leaning towards giving the green light for controversial plans to build an over-the-reef pipeline on Rarotonga.
Hopes rise for whale season
Friday 10 July 2015 | Published in Environment
More people have reported sightings of humpback whales off Rarotonga in recent weeks, sparking hopes that whale season will be in full swing just in time for the peak tourist season.
TIS wants full facts on fishing
Thursday 9 July 2015 | Published in Environment
The Ministry of Marine Resources has confirmed an environmental group’s suspicions that there are more companies involved in purse seine fishing in the Cook Islands than the government has so far let on.
Drive against use of plastics
Monday 6 July 2015 | Published in Environment
Te Ipukarea Society is encouraging the Cook Islands to join in Plastic Free July, an international campaign encouraging people to say ‘no’ to plastic bags, food packaging, and takeaway containers.
Giant snails remain a risk
Wednesday 1 July 2015 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Environment
GIANT African snails remain one of the most risky invasive species to the Cook Islands, says a New Zealand-based biodiversity consultant.
Invasive species under attack
Wednesday 1 July 2015 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Environment
THE NATIONAL Invasive Species Strategy Action Plan (NISSAP) will be unveiled during the National Invasive Species workshop at the New Hope Church in Avarua today.
Fisheries leaders honour stalwart oceans advocate
Tuesday 30 June 2015 | Published in Environment
Fisheries leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) 11th Ministerial meeting opening sessions in Tuvalu yesterday observed a short silence to honour their former colleague and global oceans champion, Foua Toloa.
Karika back as TIS president
Tuesday 30 June 2015 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Environment
IAN Karika has been re-elected president of the Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) for another term.
Ministry invites farmers
Friday 26 June 2015 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Environment
THE MINISTRY of Agriculture is inviting interested vanilla and vegetable farmers to a meeting next week.
Poster comp promotes environmental awareness
Wednesday 24 June 2015 | Published in Environment
Time is nearly up for people to vote for their favourite piece in The Cook Islands Environment Poster Competition.
Plastic bottles top litter haul
Friday 12 June 2015 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Environment
A large number of plastic water bottles were among the large pile of rubbish that the Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) picked up in Matavera earlier this week to mark World Oceans Day.
Invasive vine treatment fails
Thursday 11 June 2015 | Published in Environment
A recent effort to rid Rarotonga of the extremely invasive vine mile a minute, which has covered bush, trees and even plantations on the island, has failed.
Environment Day to focus on litter
Thursday 4 June 2015 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Environment
THE NATIONAL Environment Service (NES) will observe World Environment Day on Friday.