Local
Govt reviews future of Auckland consulate office
Friday 28 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Parliament
The future of the Cook Islands Consulate office in Auckland remains uncertain as the government reviews its international diplomatic presence.
Historic 200 year old tree removed
Friday 28 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
One of the oldest trees in front of the Titikaveka Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) which survived for over 200 years was taken down yesterday as it posed safety risks and alleged damages to its surrounding.
‘Keep Our Water Free’ Petition report presented, Bills, Petitions and Papers Committee agrees Government to fund TTV
Friday 28 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
The ‘Keep Our Water Free' Petition organising committee has welcomed recommendations made by the Bills, Petitions and Papers Committee that has agreed for Rarotonga’s water authority To Tatou Vai (TTV) to be funded by government.
Busy week at Avatiu Harbour
Thursday 27 February 2025 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Local, National
It has been a busy couple of days at the Avatiu Harbour, says Cook Islands Ports Authority Chief Executive Officer Okesene Moananu.
NZ DPM Peters meets China Foreign Minister, discusses Cooks constitutional relationship
Thursday 27 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, New Zealand, Regional
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing this week where they discussed their strong relationships with Pacific countries, including New Zealand's special constitutional relationships with its Realm partners particularly the Cook Islands.
New Ruatonga Pu Tapere honoured and humbled
Wednesday 26 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Te Rua O Te Tonga have welcomed their new Pu Tapere/Leader of their sub-district with a special feast at their meeting house celebrated by more than 100 of the tapere’s residents.
Marjorie Crocombe, Tavake of Enuamanu
Wednesday 26 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, Local, Memory Lane, National
Community spirit and literary enthusiasm filled the USP lecture room as a crowd gathered yesterday to celebrate the launch of a new book, Marjorie Crocombe – e va’ine toa, e rangatira, which honours the extraordinary life and contributions of Marjorie Tua’inekore Tere Crocombe (nee Hosking).
Aircraft back in air after repair
Tuesday 25 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Tourism
The Hawaiian airline’s Airbus A321, which was grounded for almost two weeks, is finally back in the air and has returned to service after undergoing repairs.
Umu cooking: Embracing our cultural identity
Monday 24 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
Tauranga Vananga secretary Emile Kairua says that in today’s fast-paced world dominated by convenience foods and modern kitchen gadgets there’s something incredibly grounding and culturally enriching about teaching young people the art of cooking using traditional methods like the umu - the underground oven.
Cook Islands Police complete final safety training
Monday 24 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands Police Service completed its final round of training under the Officer Safety Pacific initiative, supported by New Zealand Police last week.
Police welcome financial support ‘if directed at staffing needs and operations’
Monday 24 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Parliament
Cook Islands Police Service welcomes any new or additional financial support, if directed at staffing needs and operations, says Police media and strategic advisor Trevor Pitt.
Humble kuru dish wins hearts at Taste of the Season Cook Off competition
Monday 24 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
Hundreds turned out to taste the delicious tiopu kuru (breadfruit stew) hearty meals prepared with love by our very own home cooks in the Takurua – Taste of the Season Cook Off competition on Saturday at the Punanga Nui Market.
Schools spice up Takurua event with cultural challenges
Saturday 22 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Students, teachers and guests yesterday enjoyed the tender, flavourful vegetables, fish and meat, slow-cooked with the heat of hot river stones and infused with the fragrant sweetness of banana leaves, steam and smoke.
Hunter seeks shorter term as PSC head
Saturday 22 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
Public Service Commissioner, Carl Sean Hunter, recently reappointed to his position, has confirmed that he requested a two-year term.
Seven home cooks vie for kuru crown
Friday 21 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Rarotonga residents are in for a treat tomorrow morning when home cooks in the community battle it out in the Takurua tiopu kuru (breadfruit stew) competition at the Punanga Nui Market.
Decades-old Cook Islands ID cards invalid, says Minister
Friday 21 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National
The decades-old Cook Islands identification card, once used for travel before Cook Islanders gained access to New Zealand passports, are now invalid, confirmed the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration.
Hunter reappointed Public Service Commissioner
Friday 21 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
Public Service Commissioner Carl Sean Hunter has been reappointed to the role for another two years by the King’s Representative Sir Tom Marsters.
Cook Islands and China go halves in $6 million inter-island vessel purchase
Friday 21 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands
Government has allocated $3 million in its supplementary budget to co-fund a new shipping vessel from China, aiming to establish a nationalised shipping service and improve inter-island connectivity, a move that has been met with concern from an existing private shipping operator.
Māori MP draws parallels between Cook Islands protest and Māori concerns
Thursday 20 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, New Zealand, Regional
Aotearoa New Zealand’s Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer says Cook Islanders’ protest against their government over key decisions resonate with the feelings of New Zealand Māori in Aotearoa “with a lot of decisions being made about us, without us”.
Lack of updates frustrates victims in vehicle incident
Thursday 20 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
Visitors left with severe injuries after being struck by a vehicle in Rarotonga in May 2024 is still waiting for answers, with police failing to provide updates despite multiple follow-ups.
