Local
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.
Govt set to amend immigration law following High Court ruling
Tuesday 14 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Parliament
Parliament will meet for its second session for the year tomorrow at 1pm, with a number of Bills on the agenda for presentation, including the 2024/25 Budget.
Day 2: Vaka Marumaru Atua crew sends Mother’s Day wishes
Monday 13 May 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
Vaka Marumaru Atua left Rarotonga for Hawaii, to attend the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture from June 6-16, on Friday morning.
$4 million investment aims to end Aitutaki’s water supply struggles
Monday 13 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, Local, National, Outer Islands
An Aitutaki resident believes government investment in water management alongside responsible water usage by residents is key to solving the island’s water supply issues.
Ra’ui placed in lagoon for Tongareva’s ‘homecoming’
Saturday 11 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, Local, National, Outer Islands
A ra’ui has been placed in the southern part of the lagoon for Tongareva’s homecoming event to be held in December 2025.
Transaction delays leave customers frustrated
Saturday 11 May 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Local, National, Technology
Delayed settlement of card transactions by the Bank of the Cook Islands (BCI) has left some of its customers broke heading into the weekend.
