Local
New pumps installed in Aitutaki water project
Saturday 8 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Aitutaki is prone to water shortages given that it is reliant on rainwater for its potable water supply and the non-potable water supply which is sourced from groundwater infiltration water galleries.
Divided views on national identity as Government ditches passport plan
Saturday 8 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National
The decision by Prime Minister Mark Brown to drop the proposal for a Cook Islands passport is welcome news to many, including four elders who shared their excitement with Cook Islands News journalist Talaia Mika.
Opposition leaders declare ‘no confidence’ in Prime Minister
Friday 7 February 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Local, National, Politics
Cook Islands Opposition leaders say they have lost confidence in the Prime Minister, despite his U-turn on the controversial passport proposal that drew disapproval from the New Zealand Government and the ire of Cook Islanders.
Takurua culinary festival in honour of 60th anniversary of self-governance
Thursday 6 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Tourism
In celebration of Cook Islands' 60th Anniversary of Self-Governance celebrations this year, Cook Islands Tourism is presenting Takurua – taste of the season, a culinary celebration of identity, heritage and connection to Cook Islands homeland through food.
Punanga Turuturu Itivaine set to make a positive impact
Wednesday 5 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Punanga Turuturu Itivaine (PTI), the women’s counselling and support centre for survivors of gender based violence (GBV) and abuse, responded to 11 calls for assistance during the festive season.
Are Pa Metua rings in their New Year
Wednesday 5 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
To ring in the New Year, Te Are Pa Metua members were treated to a delightful lunch on the beach.
Community responds to Government’s calls for partnership
Tuesday 4 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
Following the announcement of the launch of the Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme (RSSP), communities around Rarotonga are actively engaging with the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) to learn more about the programme.
Rarotonga tattoo artist warns of fake bookings, leaving tourists needled
Tuesday 4 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Art, Features, Local, National
A growing number of tourists are falling victim to fraudulent tattoo bookings in Rarotonga, with scammers impersonating local artists and collecting deposits through social media.
Cook Islanders share stories of friendship with Australia
Monday 3 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Australia, Features, Local, National, Regional, Weekend
The strong and growing relationship between Australia and the Cook Islands has been amplified by the stories of Cook Islanders who have lived and thrived in Australia.
Religious debate heats up
Monday 3 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
The spokesperson for the Rarotongan Muslim community has weighed in on the ongoing religious debate following the establishment of the new Christian movement and its plans to challenge the Cook Islands Government.
‘This has to stop’: Community rallies in support of abuse survivors at Walk4 Aro’a
Monday 3 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
In a small community where silence often cloaks suffering, the peaceful “Walk4 Aro’a” march on Saturday for victims of family harm and gender-based violence (GBV) stood as a powerful demonstration of community solidarity and support.
Walk4 Aro’a: ‘A call to protect our most vulnerable’
Saturday 1 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
A peaceful march, ‘Walk4 Aro’a’, to show that love, peace and safety, starts in the home, starts with parents and education, will be held today at 4pm from the Constitution Park in town (opposite the Avarua Catholic church).
Children’s books teach traditional knowledge of natural disasters
Friday 31 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Education, Local, National, Weather
A series of children’s books has been published to entertain and inspire children and families to rediscover and learn the value of traditional knowledge.
Airport marks 51 years, Cook Islands’ 60 years of self-governance
Thursday 30 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Airport Authority Cook Islands (AACI), the nation’s gateway to the world, celebrated its 51st anniversary yesterday, marking 51 years since its opening by the late Queen Elizabeth II on January 29, 1974.
Pride Cook Islands celebrates ‘From Struggle to Strength’
Wednesday 29 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Pride Cook Islands is proud to announce the return of Anuanua Week from April 11 – 14, 2025, a celebration of pride, unity and resilience.
Cook Islands Tourism embarks on community consultations for sustainable future
Wednesday 29 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Tourism
Embracing the vision of ‘Love Our Little Paradise’, the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation is once again reaching out to the community with its first of several public consultations this week for the ‘Our Paradise, Our Promise’ initiative.
Te Tau Papa O Avarua on track for 60th Constitution celebrations
Tuesday 28 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Te Tau Papa O Avarua project is progressing towards achieving several key milestones in stage one of the physical works.
‘It takes a village’: TePOM urges community action on child protection
Tuesday 28 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Local, National
Protecting children from harm is a “vital responsibility” for parents and the community as a whole, says Te Punanga Ora'anga Matutu (TePOM), the Cook Islands men’s counselling centre.
In honour of late Henrica Wilson Marona
Monday 27 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
President of the Cook Islands World Day of Prayer since 2019, Luduina Williams, praised the efforts of the late Henrica Wilson Marona who successfully advocated for the nation to host the 2025 World Day of Prayer.
Community invited to celebrate Cook Islands’ 60 years with special airport events
Saturday 25 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The Cook Islands Airport Authority is thrilled to invite the public to a series of special events next week as we celebrate the nation’s journey of 60 years of self-governance.
