Local
Blue Day drives donations for Autism Cook Islands programmes
Saturday 5 April 2025 | Written by Teitimoana Tairi | Published in Features, Health, Local, National, Weekend
Schools, businesses and government agencies showed their support for the autism community by wearing blue and making donations at the Blue Day event yesterday.
Turepu: Short’s objections to Rangatira ceremony ‘dumb’
Saturday 5 April 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
In defence of cultural heritage, Maoate Rangatira Kiriau Turepu has strongly rebutted claims made by Eric Short regarding the latter’s objection to the Rangatira akamarokura'anga investiture ceremony at Pokata Marae last week.
Cook Islands, French Polynesia strengthen bilateral relations,eye key agreements
Friday 4 April 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in French Polynesia, Local, National, Regional
The Cook Islands has strengthened its relations with the French Polynesia to reaffirm the historical ties between its people and discuss opportunities for enhanced cooperation.
Cook Islands Police blamed for delays in juvenile burglary cases
Friday 4 April 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, Local, National
The Juvenile Crime Prevention Committee (JCPC) has blamed the Cook Islands Police Service for delays in referring four juveniles recently arrested in connection with burglary incidents in Rarotonga.
Immigration border officers complete four-week induction training programme
Friday 4 April 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) conducted a short induction programme yesterday morning following the successful completion of a four-week intensive training by the newest immigration border officers.
Fishermen return safely after GPS mix up prompts search and rescue
Friday 4 April 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Fishermen Steven “Captain Moko” Kavana and Peter Brothers Jnr returned to Rarotonga safe and sound on Wednesday night, bringing a sense of relief to their friends and family, and the search and rescue team that was activated to locate them.
Joseph named new Commissioner of Police
Friday 4 April 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Local, National
Cook Islands Government has announced the new Commissioner of Police, tasked with rebuilding public trust and leading the police service through a period of reform and improved professionalism.
MFEM reforms aim to prevent repeat of costly Sheraton project
Thursday 3 April 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National, Tourism
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) has taken valuable lessons from the controversial Sheraton deal, reinforcing its financial policies and procedures to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.
Facebook group admin responds to police caution on posting personal IDs
Thursday 3 April 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
The administrator of the private Facebook group, Rarotonga Community and Beyond, has clarified the group’s stance on posting personal identification items online, following a police caution about the potential risks of such posts.
Public works model to drive outer island infrastructure projects, says PM
Thursday 3 April 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Prime Minister Mark Brown has indicated that the government has adopted the public works model to complete the Manihiki Airport upgrade as it enables them to stay within the budget allocation compared to awarding the project to a private contractor.
New Zealand citizenship granted to five Cook Islands residents
Thursday 3 April 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Five Cook Islands residents have officially received New Zealand citizenship, celebrating a significant milestone in their lives.
March sees highest crime figures in two years
Thursday 3 April 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, Local, National
Rarotonga has recorded its highest number of reported crimes in over two years, with a sharp rise in road incidents, juvenile crime and domestic violence cases throughout March, according to Cook Islands Police.
Sea rescue launched for two fishermen heading to Aitutaki
Thursday 3 April 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Crime, Local, National
A search and rescue at sea operation swung into action yesterday to locate local fishermen, Steven “Captain Moko” Kavana and Peter Brothers Jr.
Art competition for Tereora College 130 years celebration
Wednesday 2 April 2025 | Written by Teitimoana Tairi | Published in Education, Local, National
Former students of Tereora College have entrusted its former school to hold an art competition for students who are interested in creating a design marking the college's 130 years of providing education.
Community Police volunteers gifted equipment
Wednesday 2 April 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Crime, Local, National
The Titikaveka Community Police volunteers have been gifted tables and chairs from Cook Islands Police to boost the resources in their meeting house as they work to maintain safety and nurture a sense of security in the village.
Farmers need more govt support, survey reveals
Wednesday 2 April 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Agriculture, Local, National
Farmers who are facing the growing challenges of climate change in the Cook Islands have highlighted the need for more government support, reveals a recent Te Puna Vai Marama (TPVM) survey.
Arikis unite for island development
Wednesday 2 April 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
Following recent comments by Mangaia's Numangatini Ariki Tangitamaiti Tereapii regarding the government's role in island development, Puna Rakanui, representing Ui Ariki Ngateitei o te Kuki Airani (UANKA), has confirmed that the Arikis across the Cook Islands are fully committed to improving their islands, with or without the support of the government.
Lego builds bridges in Aitutaki
Tuesday 1 April 2025 | Written by Teitimoana Tairi | Published in Local, National
Autism Cook Islands’ LEGO programme, “We do Lego”, designed to encourage student interaction, was launched in Aitutaki for the first time at Apii Vaitau Primary School Hall last Friday.
Author Tom Neale’s Suwarrow journals donated to National Library of NZ
Tuesday 1 April 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National, New Zealand
The Cook Islands High Commission in New Zealand was delighted to attend the handover of renowned author Tom Neale’s journals to the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand in Wellington over a week ago.
‘If no one speaks up, nothing changes’: Ombudsman Office
Tuesday 1 April 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
To ensure fair treatment, Te Mato Akamoeau/Office of the Ombudsman is changing its approach to better serve Pa Enua northern group residents by focusing on awareness raising and community capacity building.
