Local
Significant drop in mosquito breeding sites, finds Tutaka
Thursday 15 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, Health, Local, National
Te Marae Ora (TMO) Ministry of Health’s Tutaka campaign has made significant progress in reducing the mosquito and pest breeding sites with the coordinator reporting that the nation remains safe from mosquito and pest-related diseases.
Public Health investigates online vape black market
Thursday 15 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, Local, National
Cook Islands Public Health is investigating possible ‘online black market’ activity following the discovery of three social media accounts selling banned vapes locally
Pa Enua heads to the polls
Wednesday 14 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Over 2500 voters are set to cast their ballots in the Island Government Election tomorrow across the nine outer islands of Aitutaki, Atiu, Mangaia, Manihiki, Mauke, Mitiaro, Penrhyn, Pukapuka and Nassau and Rakahanga.
Record number of women to contest Island Govt Election
Tuesday 13 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands
A record number of candidates, including at least 15 women, will contest for the mayoral and council seats across the Pa Enua at the upcoming Island Government Election on Thursday, August 15.
Community group challenges Water Tariff Assessment, raises financial concerns
Tuesday 13 August 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Environment, Local, National
The Rarotonga water authority will lose over a million dollars annually, claims Te Vai Ora Maori (TVOM), after its review of the June 2024 Water Tariff Assessment.
PM Brown eager to hand over Forum chair role to Tonga
Tuesday 13 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Pacific Islands, Pacific Islands Forum, Regional
Prime Minister Mark Brown is looking forward to handing over the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders chairmanship to Tongan PM as he focuses on his roles back home.
11 months jail for man caught smuggling 1.176kg of cannabis
Tuesday 13 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Local, National
A man in his 20s has been convicted and ordered to serve 11-months in jail for charges that include importing 1.176 kilograms of cannabis to Rarotonga.
Multi-agency approach proposed for trek safety after recent incident
Monday 12 August 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Local, National
A recent rescue of a tourist who slipped off the Needle has reignited debate over safety measures for trekkers in Rarotonga, with authorities considering potential solutions including increased awareness and guided hikes.
Family’s pride in unsung hero
Monday 12 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The family of Cook Islands coastwatcher Ioaba Tearaia Marsters gathered to unveil a commemorative plaque in his honour, recognising his vital role in providing early warning during World War II.
War of the wings: The Rimatara lorikeet and how I learnt to hate the Atiu mynah
Monday 12 August 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, Features, Local, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
After a seven-year battle using a combination of poisoning, trapping and shooting, the Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust successfully eradicated an initial population of around 6000 mynahs from Ātiu, making it the world’s largest island-based mynah eradication project. Roger Malcolm, a resident hotelier on Ātiu and one of the key people behind the eradication project, shares his own battle with one of the most invasive bird species in the world.
Runway closure disrupts Air New Zealand flights
Saturday 10 August 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Local, National, Tourism
Air New Zealand cancelled multiple flights between Auckland and Rarotonga this week due to a wheel defect on one aircraft and a runway closure in Auckland.
Winning costume sparks outrage
Saturday 10 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
A week after the 2024 Te Maeva Nui cultural festival, controversy continues over Oire Tupapa Maraerenga’s winning costume, which was originally designed for the CINAT team. The Ministry of Cultural Development has dismissed claims of unfair advantage.
ICI explains road works delay in front of old Sheraton site
Saturday 10 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
Unresolved matters related to the potential diversion of the road around the old Sheraton hotel in Vaimaanga are among the reasons no road work has started on the main road in front of the site.
Ready to weather the storm: Three-day conference bolsters cyclone preparedness
Friday 9 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, Local, National, Weather
The Emergency Management Cook Islands (EMCI) hosted a three-day conference to identify areas for improvement in preparation for future cyclones.
Incumbents face tough challenge in outer islands mayoral election
Friday 9 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Incumbent mayors of eight outer islands face a tough battle in the upcoming Island Government election, while the mayoral positions in Rakahanga and Pukapuka Nassau are unchallenged.
Health services to resume at Tupapa Clinic, timeline to be confirmed
Thursday 8 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, Local, National
Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health and the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) will be working closely to determine the timeline for health services to resume at the Tupapa Primary Care and Outpatient Clinic.
NZ transit visa waiver for Fijians to take effect in September
Thursday 8 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Tourism
From September, Fijians residing in the Cook Islands will no longer require a New Zealand transit visa to travel to and from Rarotonga to Fiji through Auckland.
Local women outshine global peers in business leadership
Thursday 8 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National
Cook Islands women have significantly outperformed global averages in business leadership roles, according to a new report, but gender parity remains elusive in higher political positions.
Revitalised Vaka Paikea to embark on educational and cultural voyage
Thursday 8 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation’s Vaka Paikea was relaunched into Avatiu Harbour under the watchful eyes of its captain and traditional navigator Peia Patai and crew after nearly nine months on dry dock.
Superfund seeks feedback on pension benefits, contributions
Wednesday 7 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National
The Cook Islands National Superannuation Fund (CINSF) is consulting with the public to review its Act following two independent reviews that highlighted significant risks due to an imbalance of decision-making power, prompting the need for improved checks and balances.
