Local
Family duty calls: Youngest councillor navigates life on remote Palmerston
Saturday 11 January 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Features, Local, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
At 23, Julianna Marsters is Cook Islands’ youngest Island Government councillor. However, she was elected not by her own choice, but because she was the only family member of eligible age.
Jewels of the Cook Islands ready to shine at Dine and Dance event
Friday 10 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
A New Zealand-based Cook Islands entertainment group is on the island and is set to perform tonight in what they say will be a magical night of dining and dancing in Rarotonga.
Cook Islands National Council of Women welcomes NZ High Commissioner
Friday 10 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, New Zealand, Regional
The Cook Islands National Council of Women (CINCW) welcomed New Zealand’s new high commissioner to the Cook Islands, Catherine Graham, at their office in Takuvaine yesterday.
‘A blessing’: NZ passport climbs in world rankings
Friday 10 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National
The New Zealand passport is the fifth best in the world, offering significant travel benefits to its holders, including Cook Islanders, who largely welcome this despite some advocating for a separate Cook Islands passport as a symbol of national identity.
Annual water safety training offers key skills for marine operators
Thursday 9 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Tourism
Cook Islands Tourism (CIT) will host its upcoming Annual Water Safety Training, a programme aimed at enhancing the safety skills of water-based operators.
PM Brown confident in Pacific Islands Forum leadership despite political change in Tonga
Thursday 9 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Regional, Tonga
The sudden resignation of Tonga’s former prime minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni had left a temporary gap in the leadership of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), but Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown remains confident that the situation will soon stabilise.
Aitutaki’s Maoate to fly Cook Islands flag at Miss Pacific Islands Pageant
Thursday 9 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Ngatepaeru Marie Maoate of Aitutaki will represent the Cook Islands at the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2025 in Honiara, Solomon Islands next month, marking the country’s return to the regional pageant after a hiatus since 2019.
Infrastructure Cook Islands clears Takuvaine Stream to reduce flood risk
Thursday 9 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) has been busy clearing debris and realigning the flow of water from the Takuvaine stream, aiming to restore the stream’s natural capacity.
$3.5 million grant to enhance the resilience of Airport operations
Thursday 9 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Health, Local, National
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a US$2 million (NZ$3.5m) grant agreement with the Government of the Cook Islands to boost support for an ongoing project, which is improving the country’s resilience to cross-border health risks and the early detection of disease outbreaks for passengers entering the country by air.
Public urged to avoid swimming amid high seas and strong winds
Wednesday 8 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
The Director of the Cook Islands Meteorological Office, Maara Vaiimene, is urging the public, especially children, to stay out of the water due to the dangerous ocean conditions brought on by Tropical Disturbance TD03F.
TTV welcomes rainfall, urges for water conservation
Wednesday 8 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
The recent rainfall across the Cook Islands has been a blessing for water supply levels, particularly in Rarotonga, as it provided much-needed relief during the festive period.
Govt proceeds with filling top cop position
Wednesday 8 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown says they have outlined the key competencies required for the new police commissioner and whether it would be an overseas or a local applicant, it will depend on what skills they have for the role.
Clean-up effort in Avarua gardens underway
Wednesday 8 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
A Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) contractor has expressed disappointment over the amount of rubbish left behind in the town gardens during the holiday period.
Church groups request to amend constitution: PM
Wednesday 8 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown has confirmed that there have been requests from church groups to amend the constitution that will recognise the Cook Islands as a Christian nation.
MFAI launches new online visa and permit application system
Tuesday 7 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) yesterday announced that the online visa and permit application system is now live and available through MFAI’s website: www.mfai.gov.ck/immigration.
‘How many more lives will be lost’: MP demands action after latest road death
Tuesday 7 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
Aitutaki is reeling after the recent death of an elderly Australian tourist in a motorcycle accident, marking the third motor vehicle-related fatality on the island in just two years.
No drunk driving arrests during festive period
Tuesday 7 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Local, National
Over the past two weeks, during the festive season Cook Islands Police have conducted a high number of vehicle and driver checks.
Project Vaerua Aro’a brings hope and support to vulnerable families
Tuesday 7 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
A project initiated by Faith Alive Dream Centre (FADC) Church to help people in need is gaining momentum.
Govt neglecting domestic priorities and Parliament duties, says Heather
Monday 6 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
The leader of the Cook Islands United Party has voiced concerns over the Government’s recent focus on international matters, claiming it is spending more time abroad than in Parliament.
Government ready to assist Vanuatu community fundraising
Monday 6 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Regional, Vanuatu
Cook Islands Government has expressed its willingness to assist Rarotonga’s Vanuatu community in their fundraising efforts following the recent devastating earthquake in Port Vila.
