Environment
Suwarrow rangers get biosecurity training
Wednesday 21 May 2014 | Published in Environment
Two new rangers have been picked to protect Suwarrow Atoll but the husband and wife team have plenty to learn before they head north next week.
Panels needed for solar project
Wednesday 21 May 2014 | Published in Environment
Construction of a new solar energy system beside Rarotonga Airport has slowed while contractors wait for nearly 4000 solar panels to be shipped over from New Zealand.
Activists 'hijacked' mining meeting
Monday 19 May 2014 | Published in Environment
A seabed minerals update meeting held for the public this week was disrupted by certain individuals who “hijacked” the event, says Seabed Minerals Commissioner Paul Lynch.
$25 million renewables project on target
Monday 19 May 2014 | Published in Environment
An announcement on awarding the contract for the design and construction of eight solar-powered hybrid energy systems for the northern group is expected later this month.
Arorangi fruit fly numbers dropping
Friday 16 May 2014 | Published in Environment
An outbreak of the highly-destructive oriental fruit fly in Arorangi appears to have been brought under control, says the Ministry of Agriculture.
Seabed mining: Need to protect environment
Thursday 15 May 2014 | Published in Environment
Attendees at this week’s deep sea minerals workshop heard about the environmental issues of mining on the seabed floor.
TAU upgrade for renewable energy
Wednesday 14 May 2014 | Published in Environment
Te Aponga Uira says one of the main reasons it is carrying out a power station upgrade is to cater for Rarotonga’s gradual transition to renewable energy generation.
Don't rush into deep sea mining – expert
Wednesday 14 May 2014 | Published in Environment
Pacific Island countries have been warned to take their time and weigh up the risks before issuing their first licences for seabed minerals exploration.
Marine Park campaign begins
Wednesday 14 May 2014 | Published in Environment
The Cook Islands Marine Park Steering Committee has kicked off its campaign this week to promote the Marae Moana Marine Park.
Capture our biodiversity and win
Saturday 10 May 2014 | Published in Environment
Cook Islands students and the general public are encouraged to get snapping to enter the National Environment Service photography competition.
Makeover likely for Airport terminal
Monday 5 May 2014 | Published in Environment
A long-term plan being developed for Rarotonga International Airport could include a major terminal upgrade and the increased use of renewable energy.
Energy targets achievable - De Bray
Thursday 1 May 2014 | Published in Environment
Energy Commissioner Roger de Bray says the country is on track to achieve its ambitious renewable energy targets set for 2015 and 2020.
McCully inspects Te Mana o te Ra
Tuesday 29 April 2014 | Published in Environment
New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully took time during his weekend visit to check out the massive solar power system being built beside Rarotonga Airport.
McCully checks solar energy projects
Wednesday 23 April 2014 | Published in Environment
New Zealand and European Union leaders are flying in to the Cook Islands later this week to check out the progress being made on renewable energy projects.
Students speak up on environment
Wednesday 23 April 2014 | Published in Environment
Cook Islands biodiversity was a talking point at the Avarua School biodiversity speech which saw National Environment Service staff take up roles on the judging panel.
Biological agents to control weeds
Tuesday 15 April 2014 | Published in Environment
Invasive weeds in the Cook Islands will be under attack with the roll-out of a project aiming to control weeds using biological agents.
Bigeye fishery plans cause concern
Monday 14 April 2014 | Published in Environment
Environmental organisation Te Ipukarea Society is concerned about the Ministry of Marine Resources’ plans to establish a bigeye tuna fishery in the Cook Islands.
Te Aponga no-show at workshop
Saturday 12 April 2014 | Published in Environment
Eyebrows were raised at an energy efficiency workshop when the country’s Government-owned power authority Te Aponga Uira failed to show up.
Oriental fruit fly back
Saturday 12 April 2014 | Published in Environment
An outbreak of the oriental fruit fly pest in the Puaikura district has been confirmed by Agriculture officials, who will be working overtime this weekend to contain the pest.
Ministers outline key priorities
Thursday 10 April 2014 | Published in Environment
Pacific ministers attending the second Pacific Regional Energy and Transport (Aviation and Maritime) Ministers Meeting acknowledged that transport and energy are key enablers for development, reinforcing the importance of the nexus between sustainable energy and transport access, along with health, water, food and education.
