Local
Tourism, Snorkel Cook Islands clash over turtle tour regulations
Monday 4 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Environment, Local, National
Cook Islands Tourism has responded to Snorkel Cook Islands’ claims, stating that the operator’s model does not meet the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreed upon by nine other turtle tour operators.
Creative Centre gets $173k grant for new craft building
Friday 1 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The Creative Centre, which serves adults and teenagers with disabilities, will soon have a new craft building. This new facility will provide more opportunities for individuals to earn income and contribute to their households.
Herman reappointed as Secretary of Internal Affairs
Thursday 29 February 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
Anne Herman has been reappointed as Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (INTAFF) marking it her third consecutive term as Head of Ministry (HoM).
Absentee landowners major issue
Wednesday 28 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Environment, Local, National
Cook Islands is reforming its land laws and have started public meetings on Rarotonga to gather suggestions and feedback from Cook Islanders.
We are not included: Disability council accuses emergency agency of exclusion
Wednesday 28 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The national disability body has accused Emergency Management Cook Islands (EMCI) of excluding them in discussions on disaster management and preparedness.
Uncovering hidden struggle: Pa Enua Dyslexia Programme identifies widespread needs
Monday 26 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National, Outer Islands
The Cook Islands Dyslexia Society’s Pa Enua Dyslexia Programme, including Rarotonga, found that 100 per cent of the students tested were below average and required further support or a full assessment.
Cook Islands and India deepen ties
Monday 26 February 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
The High Commissioner of the Republic of India to the Cook Islands, Neeta Bhushan is visiting the Cook Islands this week. She arrived in Rarotonga on Thursday, February 22 for a five-day visit.
Govt grapples with aging buildings
Saturday 24 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
While a $400,000 operation to rid the Old Post Office of asbestos in Avarua gets underway, questions remain around the ageing stock of government-controlled facilities on Rarotonga.
Tourism launches Mana Tiaki programme with Titikaveka College
Saturday 24 February 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
Te Mato Manava Turoto Cook Islands Tourism Corporation’s Jeremy Goodwin and Emma Kainuku-Walsh recently visited Titikaveka College to introduce the concept of Mana Tiaki (sacred guardianship).
Autism Cook Islands kicks off year with $4000 donation
Friday 23 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National
Autism Cook Islands has gotten off to a great start for this year thanks to a generous $4000 donation from the Rarotonga Growers Association’s special dinner event.
Jonassen steps down as Justice Secretary, citing personal reasons
Friday 23 February 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Court, Local, National
The Secretary for the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), Tamatoa Jonassen, has tendered his resignation to the Public Service Commissioner, Carl Hunter, citing personal reasons.
$400k asbestos removal operation gets underway at Old Post Office
Friday 23 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Business, Economy, Local, National
A $400,000 operation to rid the Old Post Office of asbestos in Avarua is about to get underway following the building’s closure in recent months.
Cooks women MPs at Power Forum
Thursday 22 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Parliament, Politics
Cook Islands women parliamentarians are in New Zealand attending a Pacific Women in Power Forum that began this week.
Shining brighter in Penrhyn
Wednesday 21 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National, Outer Islands
Penrhyn is shining extra bright thanks to the kind donation of solar lights.
New trust aims to keep Cook Islanders home and skilled
Monday 19 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National
In a heartwarming story of compassion and dedication, a pilot and his young family opened their home and hearts to a young child, raising her as their own.
New building rules proposed in response to climate change
Saturday 17 February 2024 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Local, National
New rules for building in the Cook Islands are expected to be tabled in Parliament this year in an effort to keep up with a “changing climate and technological progress”.
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.
