Local
Long serving public service under strain as rising costs place pressure on sector
Wednesday 20 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Local, National
A long serving Cook Islands public service has been forced to hike its prices as it struggles without government subsidies.
‘Please heed the signs’: resident makes plea to tourists
Wednesday 20 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Editor's Pick, Local, National, Tourism
A resident of Vaimaanga in Titikaveka is calling on tourists to heed the warning signs that have been put in place for their own safety.
Agriculture gears up for export
Tuesday 19 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with New Zealand’s Ministry of Primary Industries, has developed a roadmap for exporting fresh produce from the Cook Islands to New Zealand.
Thesis explores island rhythms: Research documents Cook Islands dance traditions and transformations
Tuesday 19 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Education, Local, National
Dance and music have long been cherished as a vital part of Cook Islands cultural expression. Now, a new thesis, “Cook Islands Dance Oral History – Embodied Expressive Culture of the Cook Islands: Encounters, Change and Artistic Mobility”, offers a comprehensive exploration of their creation and performance.
Extra goodies! $50 Christmas bonus sweetens the season for Cook Islands beneficiaries
Tuesday 19 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
All beneficiaries of the Cook Islands Welfare Benefit, including the child benefit, old age pension, destitute, infirm and caregivers, will be receiving a $50 Christmas bonus payment on Thursday.
MFAI offices to close for day as staff get time off following ‘heavy year’
Saturday 16 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Local, National
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) offices will close on Monday as staff take the day off.
Christmas in the Park spreads joy
Friday 15 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Entertainment, Local, National
Festive spirit and joy took over the National Auditorium last night as Leilani Sadaraka, along with her daughters Vaihere and Hinania, and niece Hereata, joined the crowd at the annual Rotaract Christmas in the Park event.
Rarotonga’s annual Christmas at the Park on tonight
Thursday 14 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Entertainment, Features, Local, National
School pupils will be bolstering volunteer numbers at Rarotonga’s annual Christmas at the Park this year as the island community comes together to support the more than $7000 event.
Holidaymakers set sail for Pukapuka
Thursday 14 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Avatiu Harbour was buzzing with activity yesterday morning as passengers bound for Pukapuka boarded the Lady Samoa IV.
Pope announces new leadership for Cook Islands Catholic Church
Tuesday 12 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National
Pope Francis has appointed Father Reynaldo Bunyi Getalado of the Mission Society of the Philippines (MSP) as new coadjutor bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Rarotonga, Cook Islands.
Pukapuka ferry trip for diaspora costs $640,000
Tuesday 12 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands, Regional, Samoa
A Samoan passenger ferry chartered by the Cook Islands government for $640,000 is scheduled to arrive in Rarotonga today and take 160 New Zealand and Australia based people of Pukapuka descent to the northern island. Al Williams reports.
Fresh pineapples on offer this Christmas season
Monday 11 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
Weeks into the Christmas celebration and the Maoate family is encouraging families to eat healthy and live healthy.
Ruta Mave: We all need to be listening and looking
Monday 11 December 2023 | Written by Ruta Tangiiau Mave | Published in Local, National
Men treating women as important and deserving respect at home, work and in the courtrooms will initiate change for the White Ribbon campaign.
Mum and daughter attend COP28
Monday 11 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
Cook Islands' Nanette Woonton is at the COP28 event in Dubai in her capacity as the Communications and Outreach Advisor for SPREP.
Funding uncertainty as climate change impacts Pacific
Monday 11 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Weather
‘The Cook Islands is highly vulnerable and at risk to extreme events’
Turtle trio release draws crowd
Monday 11 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Environment, Local, National
Hundreds of people waded through the knee-high water at the entrance of Avaavarua Passage in Rarotonga to accompany a trio of rescue turtles on the first leg of their release into the wild.
Cooks warms to cannabis debate
Monday 11 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Health, Local, National, Politics
‘Hemp could have a commercial benefit for Cook Islands’
Spreading festive cheer on Rarotonga
Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
The Tropical Christmas Committee is pleased with the activities of the festive period which continues today with the Santa on Tour from 8.30am to 11.30am, starting at CITC Supermarket to the Punanga Nui Market and through town.
Crew praised for minimising cargo damage in Penrhyn delivery
Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Penrhyn residents have commended Cook Islands General Transport (CIGT) barge crew for ensuring their goods reached the island with minimal damages after storm-like weather had affected them this week.
Government seeks more Ministers
Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Local, National, Parliament
The Cook Islands government is seeking to increase the number of Cabinet Ministers from six to eight through a proposed amendment to the Constitution, which will be tabled in Parliament next week.
