Local
Cook Islands promotes trust industry in US
Saturday 23 March 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
The Cook Islands Financial Services Development Authority (FSDA) promoted the Cook Islands trust industry at a major estate planning event in the United States last week.
Kermode soars towards dream
Saturday 23 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
Fuelled by a passion for aviation and a relentless drive to conquer the skies, a determined 18-year-old Kanoa Kermode has set his sights on joining the Australian Defence Force (ADF) next month, with the ultimate goal of becoming a pilot.
Cook Islands celebrates World Water Day despite ongoing shortages
Friday 22 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Local, National
Cook Islands joins the world in celebrating World Water Day today, despite recent challenges with water shortages in homes, especially those living in the Pa Enua.
Fertiliser shortage threatens crops, says former Agriculture minister
Friday 22 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Local, National
Cook Islands growers face a crisis as fertiliser and spray shortages threaten crops across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua islands.
Residents concerned about high power bills despite explanation
Thursday 21 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
A Rarotonga resident is calling for government intervention to improve power bill readings or introduce another provider to create competition.
Schools ban fizzy drinks in bid to improve children’s health
Thursday 21 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Health, Local, National
As of today, fizzy drinks will be banned in the primary schools who have signed an agreement with Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health.
Government agencies spend over $150,000 on directors’ course
Thursday 21 March 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Local, National
Government agencies have spent over $150,000 on a five-and-a-half-day directors’ course being held at The Rarotongan Beach Resort this week.
Takitumu Conservation Area set to become first OECM in Pacific
Tuesday 19 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Local, National
In a first for the Cook Islands as well as the rest of the Pacific, the Takitumu Conservation Area (TCA) will be submitted to be internationally recognised as an Other Effective area-based Conservation Measure (OECM).
Dr Tuaine Unuia appointed new Clerk of the House of Ariki
Tuesday 19 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Crime, Local, National
Dr Tuaine Unuia, clinical manager of Te Marae Ora Dental Clinic, has been appointed the new O-Tari-Kura o te Are Ariki (Clerk of the House of Ariki).
Cook Islands to seek rebate on New Zealand tyre levy
Monday 18 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Parliament
The Cook Islands government will approach New Zealand regarding a newly imposed tyre levy, seeking an exemption or rebate similar to VAT exemption on exports.
Retired judge shares expertise with Cook Islands Justices of the Peace
Monday 18 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Court, Local, National
Retired judge John Adams from Aotearoa New Zealand is facilitating this week’s orientation workshop for three Justices of the Peace (JPs) from the Pa Enua (one from Aitutaki and two from Atiu).
Keenan’s future as Police chief to be decided by end of April
Monday 18 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
A decision on Police Commissioner Turepu James Keenan’s term renewal is pending next month as an investigation is underway into a complaint filed against him to the Ombudsman.
The monumental task of fixing our land laws
Sunday 17 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Court, Features, Local, National, Parliament, Weekend
The Cook Islands Ministry of Justice is reforming land laws to deal with issues like absentee landowners and fragmented ownership, but the proposals are facing criticism for not being clear and for not respecting traditional customs.
Rarotonga gears up for St. Patrick’s Day
Sunday 17 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The members of the Irish community in Rarotonga and their supporters will celebrate the St. Patrick’s Day to be observed tomorrow.
CIFIU takes leadership role
Saturday 16 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands hosted an anti-money laundering/countering terrorism financing workshop for Kiribati and Marshall Islands to share knowledge and strengthen regional partnerships.
Rarotonga residents left in the dark about soaring bills
Saturday 16 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Economy, Local, National
Rarotonga residents are questioning the island’s power supplier Te Aponga Uira (TAU) on the logic behind the alleged increased costs of power bills.
Fish, feast, and fun: Traditional event brings Pukapuka together
Saturday 16 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
A two-day traditional fishing competition on Pukapuka island saw villagers compete and celebrate with a community feast.
Training boosts Cook Islands’ access to justice
Friday 15 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Court, Education, Local, National
The Pacific Justice Sector Programme is providing training and resources to the Cook Islands to improve access to justice, including a new Bench Book for JPs, a Case Tracking System, and a Land Court Bench Book in development.
Clean up day at Apii Nikao
Friday 15 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Parents and guardians of Apii Nikao are kindly asked to pack their grass cutters, blowers, rakes, sponges, rags, brooms, and cleaning products, ready for tomorrow’s (Saturday) deep clean working bee.
Public up in arms over proposed expansion of Cabinet, proxy voting
Thursday 14 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Parliament
Parliament is holding public meetings to discuss proposed amendments to the Constitution, with Rarotonga residents strongly opposing an increase in Cabinet Ministers and a measure allowing MPs to vote by proxy.
