Local
Seven home cooks vie for kuru crown
Friday 21 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Rarotonga residents are in for a treat tomorrow morning when home cooks in the community battle it out in the Takurua tiopu kuru (breadfruit stew) competition at the Punanga Nui Market.
Decades-old Cook Islands ID cards invalid, says Minister
Friday 21 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National
The decades-old Cook Islands identification card, once used for travel before Cook Islanders gained access to New Zealand passports, are now invalid, confirmed the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration.
Hunter reappointed Public Service Commissioner
Friday 21 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
Public Service Commissioner Carl Sean Hunter has been reappointed to the role for another two years by the King’s Representative Sir Tom Marsters.
Cook Islands and China go halves in $6 million inter-island vessel purchase
Friday 21 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands
Government has allocated $3 million in its supplementary budget to co-fund a new shipping vessel from China, aiming to establish a nationalised shipping service and improve inter-island connectivity, a move that has been met with concern from an existing private shipping operator.
Māori MP draws parallels between Cook Islands protest and Māori concerns
Thursday 20 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, New Zealand, Regional
Aotearoa New Zealand’s Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer says Cook Islanders’ protest against their government over key decisions resonate with the feelings of New Zealand Māori in Aotearoa “with a lot of decisions being made about us, without us”.
Lack of updates frustrates victims in vehicle incident
Thursday 20 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
Visitors left with severe injuries after being struck by a vehicle in Rarotonga in May 2024 is still waiting for answers, with police failing to provide updates despite multiple follow-ups.
Dollars and sense: Autism Cook Islands students learn financial literacy
Thursday 20 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National
Autism Cook Islands (ACI) has started their Term 1 programme teaching their transition group of seven students how to use money wisely.
Culinary celebration of Takurua - Umu Cooking
Wednesday 19 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
To celebrate Cook Islands’ 60th Anniversary of Self-Governance celebrations, Te Mato Manava Turoto/Cook Islands Tourism will present the culinary celebration of Takurua – Taste of the Season, this week.
PM: Cook Islands passport no longer being pursued
Wednesday 19 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, New Zealand, Regional
Prime Minister Mark Brown has reaffirmed that the controversial Cook Islands passport proposal is no longer being pursued and has assured the public that the country’s relationship with New Zealand remains strong.
Peaceful protest to Parliament House, Cook Islanders voicing their concerns and advocating for change
Wednesday 19 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Hundreds of Cook Islanders marched in protest to Parliament, demanding that government prioritise their New Zealand citizenship, address concerns about the China agreement and listen to the people’s wishes. Reporter Melina Etches looks back at the rally that was held in front of Parliament on Monday.
PM emphasises ‘mutual’ relationship with NZ
Tuesday 18 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, New Zealand, Parliament, Politics, Regional
Prime Minister Mark Brown says he is looking forward to his next discussions with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon “in due course” to promote and strengthen the countries’ collaboration while recognising and respecting the sovereign status of both countries.
‘I see you, I hear you: PM Brown promises greater consultation
Tuesday 18 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown has reiterated his message of welcoming robust discussion as well as making it clear that the government values transparency, consultation and open dialogue.
Cook Islanders rally to protect NZ citizenship, protest government decisions
Tuesday 18 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Parliament
As hundreds gathered in protest against the government yesterday at Parliament in Nikao, one of the main concerns for many protesters was the fear of losing their New Zealand citizenship, or “risking” it, due to the government’s decisions.
Over 1200 water meters installed on Rarotonga
Monday 17 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
To Tatou Vai (TTV), the island’s water authority is progressing well with its water meter installation project for both residential homes commercial property. As of last week, just over 1200 meters have been installed – “a 50/50 split”.
Climate change top priority as UN strengthens Cook Islands partnership
Monday 17 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Weather
Cook Islands welcomed a partnership with the United Nations, whose representatives visited Rarotonga last week, to address critical issues, particularly climate change.
Iro, Fua appointed to key Cook Islands Investment Corporation boards
Monday 17 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
Former health secretary Elizabeth Iro has been appointed to Te Aponga Uira (TAU) Board, effective 1 January 2025, announced the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC).
‘Nothing to worry about’: Prime Minister Brown on China agreement
Sunday 16 February 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in BREAKING NEWS, Local, National, Politics
Prime Minister Mark Brown has reaffirmed his commitment to publishing the Joint Action Plan for Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) 2025-2030 agreement with China.
Cook Islands ‘failed to properly consult’ on China deal, says New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister
Saturday 8 February 2025 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Economy, Local, National, New Zealand, Regional
The diplomatic row between the Cook Islands and New Zealand over the China deal the Cook Islands is set to sign in the coming week continues despite brief talks over the phone between the leaders from the two countries.
No debt in China deal
Saturday 8 February 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Local, National
The comprehensive deal the Cook Islands will sign with China in the coming week will not involve any borrowing, the Prime Minister confirmed this week.
Cook Islander challenges nationality argument for passport
Saturday 8 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
Cook Islander Joe Caffrey, who opposed government’s proposal for a national passport, is querying the validity of the Cook Islands identification card which was issued to him over 30 years ago.
