Local
Retired judge shares expertise with Cook Islands Justices of the Peace
Monday 18 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Court, Local, National
Retired judge John Adams from Aotearoa New Zealand is facilitating this week’s orientation workshop for three Justices of the Peace (JPs) from the Pa Enua (one from Aitutaki and two from Atiu).
Keenan’s future as Police chief to be decided by end of April
Monday 18 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
A decision on Police Commissioner Turepu James Keenan’s term renewal is pending next month as an investigation is underway into a complaint filed against him to the Ombudsman.
The monumental task of fixing our land laws
Sunday 17 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Court, Features, Local, National, Parliament, Weekend
The Cook Islands Ministry of Justice is reforming land laws to deal with issues like absentee landowners and fragmented ownership, but the proposals are facing criticism for not being clear and for not respecting traditional customs.
Rarotonga gears up for St. Patrick’s Day
Sunday 17 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The members of the Irish community in Rarotonga and their supporters will celebrate the St. Patrick’s Day to be observed tomorrow.
CIFIU takes leadership role
Saturday 16 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands hosted an anti-money laundering/countering terrorism financing workshop for Kiribati and Marshall Islands to share knowledge and strengthen regional partnerships.
Rarotonga residents left in the dark about soaring bills
Saturday 16 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Economy, Local, National
Rarotonga residents are questioning the island’s power supplier Te Aponga Uira (TAU) on the logic behind the alleged increased costs of power bills.
Fish, feast, and fun: Traditional event brings Pukapuka together
Saturday 16 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
A two-day traditional fishing competition on Pukapuka island saw villagers compete and celebrate with a community feast.
Training boosts Cook Islands’ access to justice
Friday 15 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Court, Education, Local, National
The Pacific Justice Sector Programme is providing training and resources to the Cook Islands to improve access to justice, including a new Bench Book for JPs, a Case Tracking System, and a Land Court Bench Book in development.
Clean up day at Apii Nikao
Friday 15 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Parents and guardians of Apii Nikao are kindly asked to pack their grass cutters, blowers, rakes, sponges, rags, brooms, and cleaning products, ready for tomorrow’s (Saturday) deep clean working bee.
Public up in arms over proposed expansion of Cabinet, proxy voting
Thursday 14 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Parliament
Parliament is holding public meetings to discuss proposed amendments to the Constitution, with Rarotonga residents strongly opposing an increase in Cabinet Ministers and a measure allowing MPs to vote by proxy.
Rental car flips into creek, driver okay
Thursday 14 March 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Crime, Local, National
A 43-year-old driver escaped serious injury after the rental car he was driving rolled off into the creek by the Nikao seawall early yesterday morning.
Parent calls for action after child targeted online
Thursday 14 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Education, Health, Local, National, Technology
A social media page has come under investigation for cyberbullying after a parent filed a police complaint and publicly expressed their concerns.
Fishing vessel Zambucca hauled out of water for inspection
Wednesday 13 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Curious onlookers gathered at Avatiu Harbour yesterday to watch the precarious operation of fishing vessel FV Zambucca being lifted out of the water by two cranes.
JPs enhance skills in decision- making and judgment writing
Wednesday 13 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Court, Local, National
Justices of the Peace (JPs) practicing in Cook Islands Court are undertaking training in a workshop focused on decision-making and judgment writing.
Cook Islands women attend disaster risk reduction training in Tonga
Tuesday 12 March 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, Local, National
Cook Islanders Eileen Macquarie and Ella Napara participated in the weeklong second phase of the disaster risk reduction training in Nuku’alofa, Tonga last week.
Penrhyn ‘ready to vote’
Tuesday 12 March 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Politics
Voters in the Cook Islands’ northern group island of Penrhyn head to the polls today for a by-election.
Survey shows ‘larger employers’ pay above minimum wage, says Chamber
Tuesday 12 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
A Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce survey has shown that the majority of employers, particularly larger employers, pay their employees more than the national minimum wage.
Seizing opportunities and daring to dream big
Monday 11 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
A young Cook Islands entrepreneur, overcame challenges to build a successful fitness business that empowers women and celebrates Cook Islands culture.
‘Landmark decision’: Cook Islands High Court invalidates preferential residency for Kiwis
Monday 11 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Economy, Local, National
The Cook Islands High Court has ruled that a residency regulation giving preferential treatment to New Zealand citizens is ‘invalid’.
Cook Islander returns home to bridge tech gap and empower youth
Saturday 9 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Vaipunu Ian Tairea, a software developer on the island of Mauke, is excited with the prospect of computer technology becoming the biggest employment opportunity for the Cook Islands, especially the Pa Enua.
