Local
Warm welcome for Vaka Marumaru Atua crew back in Rarotonga
Monday 8 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
On Saturday, hundreds welcomed the voyaging crew at Avarua Harbour, led by a pe’e from Tuaine Unuia - Anautoa Rangatira and spokesperson for Makea Karika George Ariki, followed by speeches from Kaumaiti Nui – Travel Tou Ariki and Deputy Prime Minister Albert Nicholas.
Challenging ‘rape culture’
Monday 8 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education, Health, Local, National
The deep-rooted attitudes and cultural norms in the Cook Islands society lead some men to believe they have the right to control women and girls, demanding obedience even in marriage, says a local non-government organisation counselling service.
Giving ‘help and hope’ to build healthy relationships without violence
Saturday 6 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Go Local, Health, Local, National, Weekend
They say it takes a community to raise a child, and for new Te Punanga Ora’anga Matutu’s (TePOM) coordinator Rick Currie, it is quite simple; it will take a community to help reduce domestic violence and the issues surrounding it, especially for men.
St Joseph’s Gala Raises $30,000
Saturday 6 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National
Around $30,000 was raised at the St Joseph’s Primary School gala day on Thursday.
Rarotonga prepares official ceremony for Vaka Marumaru Atua's arrival
Saturday 6 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Tourism, Weather
Rejoicing at the arrival of Vaka Marumaru Atua and their celebrated and prominent son, master navigator Captain Peia Patai, and crew, the community of Akatokamanava Mauke turned out in force to welcome the team ashore.
Vigilance at Ports key to preventing illegal drug importation: Moananu
Thursday 4 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, Local, National
Despite Cook Islands having a relatively low number of drug importation cases compared to other countries in the Pacific, there is no guarantee that it is not coming through, says the country’s ports authority.
NES seeks expert to bolster coastal protections for Rarotonga, Aitutaki
Thursday 4 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, Local, National
The National Environment Service (NES) is looking at boosting the protection for the coastal areas of Rarotonga and Autitaki in a bid to address current and future risks and concerns.
Farmers’ market in $7.6m Avarua project
Thursday 4 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
Punanga Nui minister George ‘Maggie’ Angene has acknowledged Deputy Prime Minister Albert Nicholas for confirming the construction of the farmers’ market complex.
Recognition for Pacific Coastwatchers ‘bittersweet’
Wednesday 3 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
More than 80 years after their service, Pacific Island Coastwatchers who kept watch for enemy aircraft and ships during World War II – fought between 1939 and 1945 – were formally acknowledged earlier this week in a poignant ceremony.
Medicinal cannabis now permitted in Cook Islands with prescription
Wednesday 3 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, Local, National, Tourism
Cook Islanders and visitors can now bring in medicinal cannabis into the country from New Zealand and Australia provided they meet certain requirements, says Te Marae Ora (TMO), Ministry for Health.
Low yacht revenue despite ‘booming’ Aitutaki traffic
Tuesday 2 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands Port Authority is facing low yacht revenue in Rarotonga despite the season but expects improvement with Aitutaki harbour development and upgraded equipment.
11-year-old urges community to embrace reo Māori at Cook Islands Language Week
Tuesday 2 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Education, Local, National
Language starts at home was the powerful message delivered distinctly in reo Māori by 11-year-old Inano Urirau on day one of the 'Epetoma ō te reo Māori Kūki 'Āirani - Cook Islands Language Week yesterday.
Second HIV case in five years, Te Marae Ora to probe origin
Tuesday 2 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, Local, National, Tourism
Cook Islands recorded a new HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) case this year, bringing the total to two in the past five years, and health officials are investigating the origin of the infection.
Ama awarded NZ Museum Medal for her contributions to preserving culture
Monday 1 July 2024 | Written by RNZ | Published in Local, National
Cook Islander Mary Ama has been awarded a prestigious Museum Medal (Companion of Auckland War Memorial Museum) recognising her contributions to Pacific arts and preserving cultural heritage.
New minimum wage comes into effect, employers told to adhere
Monday 1 July 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
Employers are required to adhere to the new minimum wage rate that comes into effect today.
Vape ban pushed to August to allow businesses to clear stock
Monday 1 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Health, Local, National
The ban on e-cigarettes comprising of vapes has now been extended to August 1, 2024, to give businesses more time to sell off their existing stock.
Elderly visitor dies in suspected drowning
Monday 1 July 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Crime, Local, National
Police are investigating a suspected drowning incident that claimed the life of an elderly visitor in Muri yesterday.
Strong candidate pool for MFAI Secretary position
Saturday 29 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
The Office of the Public Service Commissioner (OPSC) has received a ‘significant number’ of applications, including overseas applicants, for the role of the Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI).
Power outages ‘resolved’
Saturday 29 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Technology
Rarotonga’s power supplier Te Aponga Uira (TAU) acknowledged recent power outages were caused by issues with load control and a connection between their two powerhouses, assuring the public they have identified the problems and fixed them.
Ex police officer brings back private investigation services
Saturday 29 June 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, Features, Go Local, Local, National, Weekend
A 51-year-old former police intelligence officer of 15 years, Allan Rua, is transitioning his skills and abilities to a private investigation service, a first on the island after many years.
