Local
MMR gains funding to strengthen tuna fisheries and food security
Saturday 15 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
The Cook Islands Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR) use its share of the US$156.8 million (NZ$272.8m) regional grant to assist in logistical and resourcing challenges.
Cook Islands contribute to immigration regional governance discussions
Friday 14 March 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) participated in the 58th Pacific Immigration Development Community (PIDC) board meeting and strategic planning workshop held in Samoa from March 3 to 6.
Concerns rise over fuel quality after contaminated petrol incident
Friday 14 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
In a frustrating turn of events, a woman found herself stranded and facing unexpected high repair costs after purchasing petrol from a convenience store that unintentionally sold contaminated petrol.
Minister Mokoroa stresses need to ‘accommodate’ diverse faiths
Friday 14 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National
Cook Islands needs to consider how to support and accommodate people of other faiths living here, says the Minister for Justice, as a parliamentary committee reviews submissions on a proposal to declare the country a Christian state.
Immigration strengthens workforce resilience and service delivery
Thursday 13 March 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) completed a recruitment round in February 2025 to fill vacancies within the Immigration border team.
Lack of recognition for indigenous women and girls
Thursday 13 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) meets annually to address the widespread inequalities, violence and discrimination women continue to face around the world.
Defence lawyer calls for cannabis decriminalisation
Thursday 13 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
A defence lawyer is calling on the government to consider decriminalising cannabis.
$72k land reform trips hit by poor attendance, late notice
Thursday 13 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
Taxpayer-funded land reform consultation trips to New Zealand and Australia, costing over $72,000, suffered from poor attendance due to late notice distribution, according to a report submitted to Parliament.
Cook Islands voyagers share skills, strengthen ties in Hawai’i
Wednesday 12 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands Voyaging Society crew members are visiting Hawai’i to enhance, teach and explore their navigational skills and seafaring techniques, as well as to strengthen ties with the Polynesian voyaging community.
Crown Law Office on track for record number of lawyers
Wednesday 12 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, Local, National
The Crown Law Office is on course to have its highest number of lawyers ever, a significant improvement from just five lawyers in August last year.
Four students head to Japan for cultural exchange
Tuesday 11 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Education, Local, National, Outer Islands
Four Cook Islands students are heading to Japan for a cultural exchange programme, where they will immerse themselves in Japanese culture while sharing their knowledge of Cook Islands culture.
Five Cook Islanders awarded counselling scholarships to boost community support
Tuesday 11 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Health, Local, National, Outer Islands
Five individuals from Rarotonga and Atiu received scholarships from Punanga Turuturu Itivaine to study counselling and improve community mental health support.
Police investigate burglary, assault and numerous traffic incidents
Tuesday 11 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, Local, National
After having to deal with several car crashes keeping an understaffed police force busy, police later tended a burglary incident in Vaimaanga and an assault incident on Sunday.
Manihiki welcomes government initiative to nationalise shipping
Tuesday 11 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
As the Pa Enua continues to endure the ongoing increase in its cost of living due to shipping challenges and transportation, it was music to their ears to hear that plans are in place for the government to enter shipping service.
Celebrating International Women’s Day
Monday 10 March 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
The Ministry of Internal Affairs (INTAFF) hosted International Women’s Day at the Punanga Nui Market on Saturday with the theme “Accelerate Action for Gender Equality- for ALL Women and Girls.”
DPM Nicholas clarifies allegations on contract distribution
Saturday 8 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Parliament
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI), Albert Nicholas, has dismissed allegations made by the leader of the United Party, Teariki Heather regarding the distribution of government contracts, particularly in the construction sector.
Students gather for lent season
Friday 7 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National
Students of St Joseph’s School and Nukutere College gathered at the St Joseph’s Cathedral in Avarua with teachers and parents marking the beginning of the lent season.
Mauke developer launches dream e-learning platform GalaxyMaps
Friday 7 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National, Outer Islands
After six years in the making, Vaipunu Ian Tairea, a software developer, digital creator and educator in Mauke, has officially launched his custom-built digital platform, GalaxyMaps.
Cook Islands welcomes Marshall Islands’ accession to Treaty of Rarotonga
Friday 7 March 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, Marshall Islands, National, Regional
Cook Islands, a key advocate of the Treaty of Rarotonga since its inception, commended the Marshall Islands’ decision to sign, highlighting their shared commitment to a nuclear-free Pacific.
Te Marae Ora thanks LDS Church for generous donations
Friday 7 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
In a display of appreciation, Te Marae Ora (TMO) Ministry of Health hosted a meet and great occasion for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) delegation from Aotearoa New Zealand.
