Local
Veteran and retired police show they're still on the ball...
Monday 1 May 2017 | Published in Local
On a sun-soaked afternoon a crowd of over 150 gathered at the Rarotonga Bowling club greens on ANZAC Day afternoon last week.
Security seminar proves handy for those in the industry
Monday 1 May 2017 | Published in Local
The inaugural CITTI-mentored security training seminar, organised in conjunction with the Ministry of Cultural Development was held at the national auditorium over March and April.
Marine research centre powered by solar
Monday 1 May 2017 | Published in Local
The Ministry of Marine Resources’ Aitutaki Marine Research Centre (AMRC) has received a generous donation of a solar system set-up from TransNet NZ.
TAU on a charge to power vehicles
Monday 1 May 2017 | Published in Local
In a bid to better understand the charging needs of electric vehicle owners on Rarotonga, Te Aponga Uira (TAU) will on Wednesday launch a test project on the island.
Answers sought on mystery rock
Monday 1 May 2017 | Published in Local
Natural Heritage Trust director Gerald McCormack is seeking the answer to a mystery – and he is appealing to CI News readers for help.
Children left home alone
Monday 1 May 2017 | Published in Local
An incident reported to the Cook Islands Police Service on Good Friday of Easter weekend has highlighted the issue of young children being left at home unsupervised.
Children love their holiday programme
Monday 1 May 2017 | Published in Local
Youth with a Mission (YWAM) base was booming with fun and excitement this week during the three-day children’s holiday programme.
Leader, chief and war hero
Monday 1 May 2017 | Published in Local
With Anzac Day still fresh in peoples’ minds, CI News continues a series of stories compiled by freelance reporter Flo Syme Buchanan, honouring Cook Islanders who served in World War One.
'Papa Sir' served with humility
Monday 1 May 2017 | Published in Local
He was a humble, quiet man who never spoke of the war he volunteered to serve in.
ZUU an inspiration for fitness fans
Monday 1 May 2017 | Published in Local
ZUU enthusiasts explain what they like about the challenging exercise programme:
Cash lures island fishermen
Monday 1 May 2017 | Published in Local
A record number of keen fishermen competed in the Cook Islands Game Fishing Club’s BSP-sponsored Easter competition.
Helmet law clogs up justice system
Monday 1 May 2017 | Published in Local
The new motorcycle helmet law is becoming a hot topic in the Avarua High Court. In criminal court last Thursday, 61 cases were scheduled for call-over, sentencing and updates Forty-two of these were unpaid fines for minor traffic infringements, all of them involving individuals between the age of 16 and 25 failing to wear a safety helmet. On April 6, Justice of the Peace John Whitta gave the same 42 people a second chance. “I will say it is your lucky day, because what we are going to do for all matters today, for minor traffic offences, is adjourn them for three weeks,” he said at the time. Police prosecutor Sergeant Fairoa Tararo suggested that the adjournment be made 14 days to allow time for those who are paid fortnightly to make the payment and Whitta agreed. “On the 27th (of April) all of you who have not paid your fines will come back to this court and you will face a fresh charge, a separate offence, of failing to pay your fine.” The leniency came after it was brought to the court’s attention that a large number of youngsters could incur their first criminal conviction at the early age of 16, all because of an unpaid fine. Three weeks passed, and as promised, last Thursday the court addressed each of the offences from April 6. JP Whitta first addressed those appearing for minor traffic offences. The court heard that the many traffic cases would be adjourned till 1pm so that major cases could be dealt with at the earliest opportunity. Those present for traffic charges were asked to leave and told to return at 1pm. Just two people stood up and left. As the court session continued, the number of people in the room decreased, and as 1pm approached it was apparent no-one was going to show up for their case. Whitta jokingly addressed the bare court room, “I will assume that as the court room is empty, everyone has paid their fines,” Whitta said. However, he soon learned this was not the case. Sergeant Tararo told the court that out of the 42 individuals, 14 had paid their fines in the three weeks allocated, 10 no longer lived on Rarotonga and their cases had been withdrawn, and a further six had appeared in court on April 6, were aware of the consequences, and had still failed to pay their fines. Tararo said four of the 42 people had been summoned on both occasions and had failed to appear and pay their fines and a further eight were yet to be summoned to court. The court heard that all those who had not paid their fines, including those who had been summoned and had appeared, and those who have yet to be summoned, would appear on a fresh charge of failing to pay their fine - a charge that comes with a criminal conviction. “The maximum fine on that charge is way above that of traffic offences. It’s $500. Plus, you will be charged with cost of your fine.” JP Whitta told the few charged with failing to wear a helmet who appeared in court on April 6. Defence counsel Short, a driving force behind the leniency granted to the young students with unpaid fines three weeks ago, spoke of his regret at the situation. “The last thing we need is to have 16-year-olds with convictions. “The act of not wearing a helmet isn’t a criminal offence; it becomes an offence when they don’t pay the fines.” Short said most of those charged for not wearing a safety helmet and other minor traffic infringements, had no form of income, and were unable to pay the fine. “These matters should not come to court because the majority of people charged with not wearing helmets and driving without mirrors or no warrant of fitness are young students who do not work and have no form of income. “There has to be an alternative way to address these matters. Parents need to take responsibility for their children and make arrangements with the police to pay their children’s fines. I am sure the police would be willing to work in with parents to have these fines paid off in instalments.” Short said most parents who cared for their children did not want to see them with a permanent mark next to their name. “They don’t want them getting convictions for failing to pay a fine, for a traffic offence, as this stays with them for the rest of their lives.” Many commentators, including Short, have suggested visits and presentations to schools may offer an alternative way of teaching Cook Island students the importance of abiding by the rules, and paying their fines if they are caught breaking the law.
Browne has bad news for Nicholas
Monday 1 May 2017 | Written by Richard Moore | Published in Local
Internal affairs minister and RAPPA MP Albert Nicholas is in danger of ending up in the political wilderness, says Democratic Party leader Tina Browne.
Flying for humanitarian service
Friday 28 April 2017 | Published in Local
Drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), are being used to good effect in humanitarian response to emergencies around the world.
Rarotonga's schools get Anzac gift
Friday 28 April 2017 | Published in Local
All schools on Rarotonga were yesterday gifted with a locally written Anzac-themed book.
Ecologist big boost for MMR resources
Friday 28 April 2017 | Published in Local
The Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR) has appointed Dr Lara Ainley to the position of senior marine ecologist.
Deep sea mining videos aim to educate public
Friday 28 April 2017 | Published in Local
The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) has announced the release of the first of four public awareness videos on the Cook Islands’ national deep sea minerals sector, sponsored by SPC.
Marae Moana challenge continues
Friday 28 April 2017 | Published in Local
Now that the size of the Marine Protected Areas within Marae Moana has been resolved, there is much more that needs to be done to make Marae Moana effective.
Thefts frustrate island's cycling enthusiasts
Thursday 27 April 2017 | Published in Local
A spate of bicycle thefts has left hire businesses and cycling enthusiasts on Rarotonga feeling frustrated.
Autism Awareness month set to close
Thursday 27 April 2017 | Published in Local
Autism awareness month is set to close tomorrow with one final event in a bid to raise awareness and lift stigmas surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorder.
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