Local
Customs welcomes new team members to bolster border management
Thursday 11 January 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
Six new recruits have joined the Cook Islands Customs Service’s airport team to bolster its border management service.
CCTV cameras mandatory for high-value stores, says Cook Islands Police
Thursday 11 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Crime, Local, National
Cook Islands Police says CCTV security cameras are a standard requirement in this day and age.
Raro retailer readies for expansion despite delays and spiralling costs
Thursday 11 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Business, Local, National
A Rarotonga retailer is pressing forward with a $1 million plus development in spite of delays and spiralling costs.
Lights, camera, action! Young Cook Islanders craft TV show at creative camp
Thursday 11 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Eighteen youth from the ages of eight through to 16 have booked into an intensive three-day camp for performing arts, dance and film television production at the Pa Ariki Palace in Ngatangiia.
Grounded: Newly installed $600k elevator out of action
Thursday 11 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
The Cook Islands’ first and newly installed $600,000 passenger lift has already broken down, just over a month after opening. Al Williams reports.
No charges against Ex-NZ MP: Daughter speaks following explosive family feud on Aitutaki
Wednesday 10 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Politics
Cook Islands Police will not pursue charges against former New Zealand National Party government minister who was alleged to have assaulted his sister at their mother’s funeral in Aitutaki. Candice Luke reports.
Giving back to our people: Airport to celebrate 50th anniversary with public tours
Tuesday 9 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The community can look forward to public access to the Rarotonga International Airport terminals during the week leading up to the 50th anniversary celebrations later this month on Monday, January 29.
Piho’s turtle photo captures nature prize at Tokyo International Foto Awards
Tuesday 9 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Entertainment, Environment, Features, Local, National
Cook Islands photographer Charlotte Piho has reached another peak in her career, capturing first place in the Tokyo International Foto Awards 2023 for the Nature-Underwater category.
Family feud explodes at mother’s funeral in Aitutaki
Tuesday 9 January 2024 | Written by RNZ | Published in Local, National, New Zealand, Outer Islands, Politics, Regional
A former New Zealand National Party government minister has been interviewed by Cook Islands Police after a family feud turned violent as the coffin of his late mother was being carried into her Aitutaki home last week.
Quick thinking averts disaster in Takuvaine LPG heater fire
Tuesday 9 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Local, National
A minor fire at a missionary couple’s rental, caused by an improperly installed LPG water heater, was quickly extinguished by neighbours thanks to a young boy’s alert action.
Public Service Commissioner slams immigration processes
Tuesday 9 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands Public Service Commissioner Carl Hunter has stepped in and vented frustration over the waiting times returning Cook Islanders are dealing with over immigration processes. Al Williams reports.
‘Home where the heart is’: Beloved broadcaster laid to rest in Matavera
Monday 8 January 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
Flamboyant personality, passionate advocate for the Cook Islands language, broadcaster, and producer Bernard (Bernice) Tairea, affectionately known as “Poepoe”, was laid to rest in Matavera on Saturday.
Government to manage new inter-island vessel, says PM
Monday 8 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands
The Cook Islands government will manage the operations of an inter-island vessel that it hopes to receive this year.
‘Time to man up’: George George urges men to prioritise wellbeing
Saturday 6 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
As the new year beckons, amidst resolutions and aspirations, one of the country’s well known former rugby stars is determined to inspire men to lead healthier and fitter lifestyles. Melina Etches reports.
Passion drives Ma’uke ‘ginger king’
Friday 5 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
On the island of Ma’uke, a local farmer is cultivating ginger with unwavering dedication and seeing the sweet reward of his labour.
Angler reels in whopper marlin to start the season with a bang!
Thursday 4 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local, Local, National
The 2024 marlin season has launched a splendidly impressive start to the New Year with the landing of an awe-inspiring 215 kilogram (473 pounds) black marlin.
Rarotonga pumps running dry but replenishment on horizon
Thursday 4 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Economy, Local, National
Despite recent panic and some rationing due to low stocks, Rarotonga petrol stations expect smooth sailing by January 10 when the next fuel shipment arrives. Candice Luke reports.
Dreaver’s decades of impact : Pacific journalist honoured in New Year awards
Saturday 30 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
TVNZ’s Pacific correspondent and former Cook Islands News journalist Barbara Dreaver talks to Pacific Media Network’s Khalia Strong on three decades reporting on Pacific issues, and making her parents proud.
Festive spirit fills Ma’uke as families reunite for annual Teretere tradition
Saturday 30 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
The Christmas and New Year’s season is a time when many Cook Islands families residing overseas return to Rarotonga and their home islands in the Pa Enua. They come to reconnect with their families and celebrate the festive season together. Cook Islands News senior journalist Melina Etches experienced this firsthand, travelling to Ma’uke for the Christmas break.
Market stall owners share stories of resilience and renewal
Saturday 30 December 2023 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Local, National
Small business big dreams: Market stall owners reflects on a year of challenges and celebrations.
