Local
Bank to launch Christmas gift drive for less fortunate children
Thursday 28 September 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
An initiative to put a smile on less fortunate Cook Islands children this Christmas is set to launch next week.
Government wants $1000 for requested information on politicians’ travel costs
Wednesday 27 September 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
Government wants to be paid more than $1000 for a breakdown of what it costs taxpayers to fund the travel of politicians, but it’s decision to charge for the information doesn’t wash with the Ombudsman.
Statement expected next week on medicinal cannabis : Prime Minister’s Office
Wednesday 27 September 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Health, Local, National
The final draft report and a plan for a medicinal cannabis regime has been completed, says Office of the Prime Minister chief of staff Ben Ponia.
Te Are Ariki - moving forward
Wednesday 27 September 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
Te Are Ariki (House of Ariki) three-day annual general meeting which also includes the attendance of the Ariki vaatuatua or kauono (speakers), is underway at Parliament House.
People with disabilities collaborate with responders on fire safety
Sunday 24 September 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Through a request from the Cook Islands National Disability Council (CINDC), Mirren Allan and Nick Linton, both Fire Emergency New Zealand senior advisors, are conducting programmes across the island on readiness, preparedness, and response to fires.
No specific details available as New Head of State residence concept goes out to tender
Friday 22 September 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Local, National
A new Head of State residence is on the table for Rarotonga, but it’s unclear when, where and what it’s going to cost.
VSA celebrates 60 years of service with original volunteer
Friday 22 September 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Sue Ngatokorua, one of the first Volunteer Service Abroad Te Tūao Tāwāhi (VSA) volunteers to be sent to the Cook Islands in 1977, attended the organisation’s 60th anniversary celebration in Avarua yesterday.
Lack of defensive driving courses queried
Friday 22 September 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Local, National
A visiting Judge has asked why defensive driving is not an option in the Cook Islands following police concerns about the future of road safety in the nation.
Connecting people and transforming lives: VSA marks 60 years of volunteering
Thursday 21 September 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The Volunteer Service Abroad Te Tūao Tāwāhi (VSA) is celebrating 60 years today since the first volunteers were sent out from Aotearoa New Zealand through its programme.
Compensation claims ‘concern’ and ‘disappoint’ MP
Wednesday 20 September 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Local, National
Member of Parliament for Ngatangiia, Tukaka "Kaka" Ama, has raised concerns and expressed disappointment around the demand for compensation at Muri.
Cook Islands coastwatcher recognised in New Zealand
Tuesday 19 September 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
New Zealand has taken its first step in honouring civilian Cook Islanders who served as coastwatchers in World War II.
Turua steps down following spending allegation and drink driving conviction
Saturday 16 September 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
Suspended Ministry of Cultural Development secretary Anthony Turua has resigned.
Retailers voice ‘egg-pectations’ as ongoing egg shortage is ‘no yolk’
Saturday 16 September 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
The main issue behind egg shortages on Rarotonga is importation laws, says CITC Food Group Manager, Jason Burgess.
Preserving memories in Puaikura
Friday 15 September 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Vaka Puaikura are preserving their memories in time capsules.
‘Mosquito coil’ linked to blaze which gutted Nikao residence
Friday 15 September 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Crime, Local, National
A mosquito coil in the bedroom of a Nikao home could be behind a blaze which gutted a Nikao residence.
Marumaru Atua heads for Palmerston
Wednesday 13 September 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
Vaka Marumaru Atua has departed for Palmerston Island on a chartered trip to collect the Project Working Group (PWG) who are working with the island community to address the rat problem.
Cruise ship makes unplanned stop due to medical incidents
Wednesday 13 September 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, Local, National
Cruise ship Coral Princess made an unplanned stop in Rarotonga on Tuesday as two people required medical attention, while it is understood a passenger on an inbound Air New Zealand flight to Rarotonga died this week.
Minister denies involvement with South Korean cult Grace Rd Church
Wednesday 13 September 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
Minister Vaine “Mac” Mokoroa has been quick to dismiss suggestions that members of the controversial South Korean cult Grace Road Church have recently visited the Cook Islands, while others remain silent.
Lahaina fundraising event brings in $10k and more to come . .
Wednesday 13 September 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
Rarotonga turned up in the wind and rain as part of a combined effort to support the fire destroyed town of Lahaina, in Maui, Hawaii.
A dream catch . . .
Tuesday 12 September 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Visitors on board a Raro Fishing Charters vessel eturned to Avatiu Harbour ecstatic as they had just become part of their very own extraordinary fishing tale, reeling in their biggest fish ever.
