Local
Police need numbers and bigger budget
Monday 9 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands Police Services media and strategic advisor Trevor Pitt says police have not suffered from a leadership vacuum or mismanagement but the issues they face are the inadequate appropriation of their annual budget and staff shortages.
Cook Islands at the International Court of Justice
Monday 9 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands has made history by concluding its participation in the oral hearings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the request for an advisory opinion on the obligations of States in relation to climate change.
Emotional groundbreaking for Fale Niue
Saturday 7 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Niue, Regional
The Niue Community and Friends Inc, Society were overwhelmed to finally host their Groundbreaking ceremony for their Fale Niue Kūki ʻĀirani hostel in Tupapa.
Top cop position advertised
Saturday 7 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
Opposition Leader Tina Browne says it is a relief to see a critical position in the police service finally advertised despite the delay—months after the previous Police Commissioner’s resignation left a leadership vacuum that has undermined the effectiveness of the Police Services and compromised public safety.
Captain Ian Finley receives International Maritime award
Friday 6 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
Captain Ian Finley, Permanent Representative of the Cook Islands to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), who has represented the Cook Islands with distinction on the international stage, received the International Maritime Prize on December 2, at the IMO headquarters in London.
ABC Radio now in the Cook Islands
Friday 6 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
For the first time in a decade, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s international radio service – ABC Radio Australia – has returned to Rarotonga on 91.5FM.
Bike rally for White Ribbon awareness
Friday 6 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, Local, National
The Ministry of Internal Affairs hosted a bike rally on Thursday as part of its 16 Days of Activism for White Ribbon, a global movement to end domestic violence.
Stage set for White Ribbon events
Wednesday 4 December 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Entertainment, Local, National
The White Ribbon’s Free Family Concert and Motorbike Rally, which were postponed last week due to wet weather conditions, will be held today and tomorrow, respectively.
Fishermen question fairness of Port Authority’s $50 monthly water fees
Wednesday 4 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
For the first time, fishermen operating out of the Avatiu harbour will be required to pay for water usage, a move driven by the newly established water tariffs set by the local water authority, To Tatou Vai.
Police strengthen force amidst staffing challenges
Tuesday 3 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, Local, National
Despite continuing to deal with challenging staff numbers, the Cook Islands Police are upskilling more officers.
‘Rogue’ operator puts lives at risk
Saturday 30 November 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
A group of tourists were put at risk by a turtle tour operator who took them out to Avaavaroa Passage in adverse weather conditions, prompted calls from stakeholders for stricter regulations on ‘rogue operators’.
SBMA commissioner resigns
Saturday 30 November 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) has announced the resignation of Alex Herman as Seabed Minerals Commissioner, ending a significant chapter in the authority’s history.
Survey reveals shocking domestic violence figures in Cook Islands
Saturday 30 November 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Health, Local, National, Outer Islands
The 2014 Cook Islands Family Health and Safety Survey, re-opened by Cook Islands National Council of Women (CINCW), reveals alarmingly high rates of domestic violence against women across the islands, with physical and sexual violence being prevalent, particularly in the Southern Group Islands.
Family feud erupts at investiture ceremony
Saturday 30 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
In an emotional display of cultural tensions, families gathered in a noisy fervent and physical ‘pato’i’ (protest) during the ‘akauru’uru’anga’ (traditional investiture ceremony) for the Pera Mataiapo Tutara title of Vaka Puaikura at the Kainganui Marae this week.
Water cartage on the rise as residents battle low pressure
Friday 29 November 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
The much-needed rain yesterday is expected to bring some relief to Rarotonga residents residing on higher grounds who continue to battle low or no water pressure.
Cook Islands pledges support for women’s empowerment and gender equality
Friday 29 November 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
The Cook Islands delegation led by Internal Affairs Minister Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown “actively” participated in the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on the Beijing+30 Review, held in Bangkok, Thailand, from November 19–21.
Controversy over water bills- Tourism Industry Council calls for ‘dry run’
Friday 29 November 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Tourism
The Tourism Industry Council has suggested that the first water bill issued this month be treated as a ‘dry run’ due to concerns about the fairness and transparency of the new water billing system.
Bikers to rally for White Ribbon
Thursday 28 November 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands will mark the 30th anniversary of the White Ribbon Campaign this Friday with a motorbike rally.
Browne challenges Religious Restrictions Act, proposes ‘immediate comprehensive review’
Thursday 28 November 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
The comments from the Minister for Justice concerning the registration of religious organisations in the Cook Islands warrant careful legal, constitutional, and human rights consideration, says the Leader of the Opposition.
‘We want to stay’: Blackrock Preschool community dismayed over relocation
Thursday 28 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National
Concerned parents and grandparents of children attending Blackrock Preschool have expressed dismay over Cook Islands Investment Corporation’s decision to relocate the beloved preschool to prioritise the development of sporting codes.
