Local
Electrocution ‘cover up’
Friday 25 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
Whistleblower quits job and speaks out over TAU high voltage cable incident. He spoke exclusively to Cook Islands News reporter Talaia Mika yesterday.
Solar powered pump system to improve Aitutaki water supply
Thursday 24 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Aitutaki is facing water shortages due to broken and improperly sized pumps but a new solar-powered pump system is being installed to improve water management efficiency and supply.
Te Aponga faces scrutiny over handling of workplace incident
Wednesday 23 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
The government-owned electricity provider, Te Aponga Uira (TAU), is remaining silent on the internal investigation into a workplace incident that resulted in four staff members being electrocuted in mid-August this year.
Creative Centre extension provides safe learning space for members
Wednesday 23 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The handover ceremony of Creative Centre’s new extension of its vocational learning facility was held last week. It was funded by Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Project.
Faster response times expected as Puaikura fire station expands
Monday 21 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
The volunteers and members of the Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade are celebrating the expansion of their fire station, which is expected to boost their response service to fire incidents around the island.
Fire brigade strained by fires and water shortage
Saturday 19 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
The Teimurimotia Volunteer Fire Brigade has responded to five fire incidents on the island within two weeks, amid low water pressure that raises concerns for the brigade.
Low water pressure to affect high-ground residents again
Friday 18 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai (TTV), has once again warned members of the public that the water pressure will be low as a result of the low-rainfall affecting mostly residents living in higher ground.
Island Govt By-election candidates confirmed
Friday 18 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Candidates for the Island Government By-Election 2024 for Ivirua and Tetautua have been confirmed by chief electoral officer Taggy Tangimetua.
Ponia returns from Harvard Fellowship in United States
Thursday 17 October 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Education, Local, National
Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) chief of staff Ben Ponia has returned to the Cook Islands following an enriching three-week experience in the United States, a statement from OPM said.
International speakers to address alcoholism in Rarotonga
Thursday 17 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, Local, National
An international convention focusing on alcohol abuse victims will be held in Rarotonga for the first time, featuring international speakers who will raise awareness and provide support for individuals seeking to overcome alcohol addiction.
Cook Islands Police struggle with helmet enforcement
Thursday 17 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Local, National
Helmet infringements are and have generally been lower on the list of fines issued by the Cook Islands Police Service, according to Police strategic and media advisor Trevor Pitt.
Koutu Nui swears in new leaders, addresses land issues and other challenges
Wednesday 16 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
Holders of taoanga Māori titles were sworn in at the Koutu Nui annual general meeting (AGM) this week.
Vendors to showcase local produce at World Food Day
Wednesday 16 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Agriculture, Local, National
Over 50 vendors are expected to gather at this year’s World Food Day celebrations to be held at the Terevete Park in Avarua on Friday.
Public Accounts Committee recommends liquor licence transfer
Wednesday 16 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands Ministry of Transport is evaluating a recommendation to transfer the responsibility of liquor licence management to another ministry with more relevant expertise.
Lack of funding and leadership threaten future of Te Kainga
Tuesday 15 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, Local, National
Cook Islands’ mental health organisation, Te Kainga O Pa Taunga, celebrated its 20th anniversary last week, revealing that it continues to struggle with financial sustainability due to a lack of funding.
Key partnership to address women’s health and safety in Cook Islands
Tuesday 15 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between Punanga Turuturu Itivaine, formerly known as Punanga Tauturu Inc., and Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health to “enhance and strengthen support” for all women in the Cook Islands.
Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade set to celebrate long-awaited station upgrade
Tuesday 15 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
Over 20 firefighters of the Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade will finally celebrate the long-awaited extension and upgrade of their station at Aroa Nui Hall in Arorangi this Friday.
‘I feel so unsafe’: Victim’s grief compounded by police delays and lack of communication
Saturday 12 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, Local, National
A traumatised victim of a theft incident, who believes they are being targeted by a group of young thieves, is left feeling further traumatised by the lack of response and security provided by the police.
Rarotonga builders bring joy to Tupapa family after ‘scam’
Friday 11 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
The trauma of a Tupapa family of being scammed of over $100,000 off their new home has finally come to an end, after their newly built three-bedroom cottage is now complete and shining.
Te Kainga O Pa Taunga celebrates milestone
Friday 11 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, Local, National
The Cook Islands mental health organisation, Te Kainga O Pa Taunga, yesterday celebrated 20 years of its service to the Cook Islands.
