Local
Immigration explains status situation
Friday 22 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Local, National
Cook Islands Foreign Affairs and Immigration has issued a statement in light of returning Cook Islanders voicing frustration with immigration processes as they arrive home to share Christmas with loved ones.
Rarotonga Airport gears up for 50th anniversary with water fountain blessing
Friday 22 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Local, National
In preparation for the Rarotonga International Airport’s 50th anniversary celebration on January 29, 2024, a small ceremony was held yesterday to bless the new and refreshing water fountain garden feature.
PM welcomes discussions on subsidised public transport
Friday 22 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Business, Economy, Local, National
Government assistance could be on the way for a struggling Cook Islands public service.
Star compass to guide navigation centre on Aitutaki
Thursday 21 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Construction of the outdoor star compass for the “Akairo Tuku Kaveinga Māori” project in Aitutaki, spearheaded by Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation, is expected to begin in January.
Supermarkets fully stocked for festive feasting
Thursday 21 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Go Local, Local, National
The two main supermarkets in Rarotonga have enough stocks for the festive season, and Aitutaki is also fully stocked to meet the demands of residents, returning Cook Islanders, and visitors who have started to arrive on the island.
PM Brown addresses consultation concerns around legislative change
Thursday 21 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Parliament
Cook Islands Amendment Bill 2023 and Land Facilitation of Dealings Amendment Bill 2023 is not a government bill, but a private members bill, says Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Cops deal with three road incidents on Rarotonga in the space of two hours
Thursday 21 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
Three road incidents in the space of two hours on Tuesday have been labelled as “carelessness” by Police.
From grey to glory: Stunning seawall mural captures Cook Islands’ essence
Thursday 21 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Access through the Nikao seawall road was closed off yesterday as a refreshing light sun shower sprinkled down, marking the historic blessing and official unveiling ceremony of the stunning Te Marae Moana Ocean and cultural themed seawall mural, and the striking new “Te Pou Tūtoru” (Three Pillars) mural by Airport Authority.
We’re sick of waiting around: Returning Cook Islanders vent frustration over waiting times
Thursday 21 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Local, National
Returning Cook Islanders have voiced frustration with immigration processes as they arrive home to share Christmas with loved ones.
Turanga Memeitaki funds to enhance wellbeing
Wednesday 20 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Forty applications from across the Cook Islands were received for the New Zealand High Commission (NZHC) fund which was focused on the kaupapa or theme of “Turanga Memeitaki” or “Wellbeing for All”.
Mental health support still falling short as corrective services seeks more assistance
Wednesday 20 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National
Corrective Services are still struggling with mental health support as their needs are ‘not being met’.
ANZ Cooks urges its customers to stay a step ahead of cyber criminals this holiday season
Wednesday 20 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
ANZ has urged customers to be alert to scams across the holiday season as cyber criminals often look for ways to take advantage of festive celebrations.
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.
