Local
Rarotonga on alert, schools closed
Friday 16 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education, Local, National, Outer Islands, Weather
A tropical depression affecting the Cook Islands group was forecast to intensify into a category one cyclone by this morning, triggering advisories from local authorities. This morning the Ministry of Education confirmed that all schools in Rarotonga are closed but it is business as usual for others.
Heed the warnings
Friday 16 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Weather
Police have been asked to conduct regular patrols at the harbours to remove youth swimming around the area, says Emergency Management Cook Islands director John Strickland.
Crackdown on water wasters
Friday 16 February 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, Local, National
The Rarotonga water agency has disconnected supply to ‘unoccupied’ properties on the island for water misuse, urging residents to conserve water.
Fur love: Adorable dog steals hearts as Valentine’s cupid
Thursday 15 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Local, National
Adorable “Mackintosh” was Rarotonga’s cute cupid star on Valentine’s Day yesterday, allowing people to snap a photograph with him and post it on social media.
Minister urges better management of govt assets
Thursday 15 February 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Local, National
Infrastructure Cook Islands organised an Asset Management Workshop this week to educate Rarotonga and Pa Enua representatives on managing government assets on their islands.
Young entrepreneur spreads culture and joy through temporary tattoos
Wednesday 14 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Art, Business, Features, Local
A young Cook Islands teen runs a successful temporary tattoo business at the market, connecting with customers through his art and cultural heritage.
PM Brown backs Starlink
Wednesday 14 February 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Local, National, Technology
The Cook Islands Prime Minister has assured he will not restrict importing and using Starlink, despite concerns that Customs is imposing a fee on the kit.
Ancestral homecoming: Ui Tupuna remains return to Mangaia after decades
Tuesday 13 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
The remains of over 100 “Ui Tupuna”, ancestors who were separated from their homeland for over three decades, have finally returned to their rightful resting place, at home in Mangaia, Au’au Enua. Melina Etches reports.
New trucks tackle sludge, improve water supply
Monday 12 February 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Local, National
Two vacuum trucks, donated to To Tatou Vai (TTV) by the Government of Japan, will assist with the management of the water network on Rarotonga.
PACER Plus implementation work intensifies
Friday 9 February 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, Local, National
Trade work in the Cook Islands intensified through the visit to Rarotonga by the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) this week.
New market to support local vendors
Thursday 8 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Local, National
The groundbreaking ceremony for Te Tāpora Kai, the new Grassroots Farmers and Crafts Market undercover building at the Constitution Park, was held yesterday morning.
Bolstering national capabilities within private sector in addressing climate change challenges
Thursday 8 February 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, Local, National
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Management’s Development Coordination Division and Chamber of Commerce have joined forces for climate action under the Green Climate Fund readiness and preparatory support programme.
New vet Dr Rose hits the ground running in Raro
Wednesday 7 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands four legged and furry friends have a new doctor at Te Are Manu Vet Clinic (TAM) in Rarotonga.
New Zealand Ministers reaffirm Cook Islands connection
Tuesday 6 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Economy, Local, National, New Zealand, Regional
New Zealands Foreign Minister Winston Peters, and Health Minister and Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti are reaffirming the importance of New Zealand’s connections to the Pacific.
Schools close as high seas hit the Pa Enua
Tuesday 6 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Weather
High seas surged over the shore, washing in around Tetautua School on the eastern rim of Penrhyn Island, restricting safe access for children to their classrooms.
TC Nat set to hit the Southern Cooks now cancelled
Tuesday 6 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Weather
The weather warning that was in force for the northern waters of the Southern Cooks is now cancelled. The public is advised to remain vigilant as the Southern Cook Islands was set to feel the brunt of Tropical Cyclone Nat (N-E-T) as it was expected to have affected Aitutaki and Mauke last night.
Mangaia 200 years of Gospel celebrations embraces island
Tuesday 6 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National, Outer Islands
The colossal amount of around $1 million has been raised for the island of Mangaia’s Te Arikianga o te Evangelia, the Arrival of the Gospel Bicentennial commemoration festivities that will be held this coming June.
Ngati Tangiiau akataoanga Rangatira
Monday 5 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
The Ngati Tangiiau chiefly tribe of Takitumu have gathered at Te Tu’ukura Marae in Turangi, Ngatangiia for the peaceful “akataoanga” traditional investiture of Maui Rangatira – Justine Matatoa Flanagan and Te Pa’u Tangi o Tangiiau Rangatira – Teremoana Peter Tamariki Monga.
Combating crime: Youth programme connects to community and culture
Saturday 3 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Crime, Education, Local, National
Kōrero o te ‘Ōrau’s ‘Ātui’anga ki te Tango (AKTT) youth programme offers year-long holistic learning activities for youth and families to combat recent youth crime and promote cultural connection. Candice Luke reports.
Apii Takitumu welcomes new prefects for 2024
Saturday 3 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National
Just over a week after starting back at school, Apii Takitumu welcomed in the month of February by hosting their prefect’s induction day at the Holy Spirit Revival Church yesterday morning.
