Local
Government invests $400,000 in Tupapa Clinic asbestos removal
Friday 24 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, Health, Local, National
The asbestos removal project for the Tupapa Clinic will cost $400,000 and is expected to be completed by August of this year.
Government and Opposition leader clash over motives behind CIIC Bill
Thursday 23 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Parliament
Parliament passed a bill to amend the qualifications for appointing directors to the Cook Islands Investment Corporation, with disagreements between the government and opposition on whether the amendment was designed for a specific person.
Cook Islands Finance joins 2024 Career’s Expo as first gold sponsor
Thursday 23 May 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Education, Local, National
The 2024 Career’s Expo is off to a great start with the signing of its first gold sponsor, the Cook Islands Financial Services Development Authority, also known as Cook Islands Finance (CI Finance).
Fourteen organisations receive $194k in social impact grants
Wednesday 22 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Delighted recipients of Te Tango Akarangatira Ora’anga/Ministry of Internal Affairs (INTAFF) Social Impact Fund (SIF) project initiatives celebrated signing their official grant agreements yesterday.
Local vendor saves Mother’s Day with ‘Later Pay’ system
Monday 20 May 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Business, Local, National
Over a week ago, a number of local bank customers were left with zero balances in their accounts leading up to Mother’s Day on May 11. A local vendor stepped in to help put a smile on their faces.
Firefighter conquers Sky Tower Challenge for second time!
Monday 20 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National
Volunteer firefighter Tahiti Isaaka has triumphantly “nailed” her second attempt at Firefighters Sky Tower Challenge 2024 in Aotearoa New Zealand on Friday (Cook Islands time) to raise funds for blood cancer.
Decision on top cop delayed as force faces staffing crisis
Monday 20 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Local, National
The decision on renewing the Cook Islands Police Commissioner’s contract has been further delayed amidst concerns about a major staff shortage in the force.
Cook Islands hosts PASAI Congress, set to assume leadership role
Saturday 18 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands will assume the chair of the Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions at the 25th PASAI Congress to be hosted in Rarotonga next week.
Cops in crisis: Cook Islands Police understaffed by 30-40 officers
Saturday 18 May 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Crime, Local, National
Cook Islands Police face staffing shortages due to budget cuts and uncompetitive remuneration, prompting a restructuring effort to improve recruitment and retention.
Service and sacrifice: Puna keeps an ‘open mind’
Saturday 18 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, In Depth, Local, Memory Lane, National, Outer Islands, Pacific Islands, Regional, Weekend
Former Cook Islands prime minister Henry Puna, who ends his term as Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General later this month, is planning to retire to his island home of Manihiki. But the 75-year-old is keeping an open mind and hasn’t ruled out a return to local political scene just yet. Losirene Lacanivalu reports.
Possibilities for women in maritime ‘endless’
Friday 17 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
Cook Islands women in maritime will be celebrating the International Day for Women in Maritime at Te Are Tapaeanga Pavilion at Avatiu Harbour today.
Cook Islanders caught in food shortages amid Nouméa unrest
Friday 17 May 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Local, National, New Caledonia, Regional
Cook Islanders residing in Nouméa, New Caledonia, are concerned about food stocks as the violent unrest, which has claimed five lives, begins to subside.
Lights out in Raro: Switch gear fumbles, planned outage looms
Friday 17 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Technology
A failed switch gear in the Tupapa substation caused this week’s unexpected power outage as Rarotonga’s electricity provider announces a planned outage for this weekend.
Public sector orientation enhances and equips new officials
Thursday 16 May 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
Twenty-four public service officials participated in a one-day Public Sector Orientation (PSO) session delivered by the Office of the Public Service Commissioner (OPSC) last month, as part of standard onboarding and recruitment.
Cook Islanders in Nouméa on ‘high alert’ as violence erupts
Wednesday 15 May 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Local, National, New Caledonia, Regional
Cook Islanders residing in Nouméa are on high alert amidst the violent unrest unfolding in New Caledonia’s capital over proposed constitutional changes. Rashneel Kumar and Losirene Lacanivalu report.
Immigration Cook Islands consolidate workforce forward priorities and effort
Wednesday 15 May 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
Immigration Cook Islands closed their offices for one day earlier this month to convene an all staff gathering to reflect on the work of the last three years and consolidate forward priorities and effort for the three years ahead.
Cook Islands minimum wage to increase by 50 cents per hour
Wednesday 15 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
Cook Islands minimum wage will increase by 50 cents to $9.50 per hour from July 1, 2024, despite some arguing it’s not enough to keep up with cost of living.
Puna honoured to end Pacific mission at home
Wednesday 15 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
Former prime minister Henry Puna, who ends his term as the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum this month, says he is humbled to have been the first Cook Islander to hold the post and fly the flag of his country.
Cook Islands women making waves in maritime industry
Tuesday 14 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Technology, Weekend
Cook Islands women in the maritime industry will gather on Friday to recognise their achievements and presence in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
Trust funded by seabed mining company awards $78,500 in grants
Tuesday 14 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Local, National
Te Rito O Taku Peu Tupuna Trust, committed to preserving the cultural heritage of the Cook Islands, has announced its support for the successful eight recipients, awarding a total of $78,500 in grants.
