Local
Pacific drug highway threatens Cook Islands, cops on high alert
Monday 9 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, Economy, Local, National
Police say they are actively combating the growing drug trafficking threat in the region, following new reports of drug cartels trafficking crystal meth through the ‘Pacific drug highway’, including Cook Islands waters.
Powerful vocals and dazzling performances at Cook Islands Has Talent
Monday 9 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Big vocals hitting high notes and radiating great confidence captivated the audience at the “Cook Islands Has Talent” stage on Saturday night.
Talent for a cause: Stellar performances prove Cook Islands Has Talent
Friday 6 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Sweet songs, strumming ukelele strings, lip-syncing and guitar playing were showcased on stage during the first round of the Cook Islands’ Has Talent competition, celebrating local talent.
Water conference opens door to solutions
Friday 6 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, Local, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
Cook Islands, hosting the 15th Pacific Water and Wastewater Conference and Expo, has opened the door to various opportunities and solutions, which have proven timely given its current water crisis.
Tourism calls for fair water tariffs
Friday 6 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Tourism
Cook Islands tourism industry has raised concerns about the incoming water tariffs for commercial users and has emphasised the importance of fair and equitable pricing for both businesses and residents.
Superfund bolsters governance with two female board members
Thursday 5 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands National Superannuation Fund (CINSF) has welcomed two new women to its board to help guide its strategic direction and enrich its governance.
Wrecked vehicles pose challenge for Tutaka campaign, says Williams
Thursday 5 September 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, Health, Local, National
Te Marae Ora (TMO) Ministry of Health has noted that old vehicles continue to be a challenge during home inspections for the Tutaka campaign around Rarotonga.
Local gas supplier considers legal action against regional competitor
Thursday 5 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
A Cook Islands LPG supplier is considering legal action against a regional company based in Rarotonga, which refused to sell them gas, leading to supply shortages due to delays in shipping services.
Cook Islands marks Merchant Navy Day, honours fallen heroes
Wednesday 4 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
As the Cook Islands Returned Services (CIRSA) came together to commemorate Merchant Navy Day on Tuesday, they also paid tribute to 91-year-old sailor Mervin Charles Martin, who passed away last month.
William Framhein elected as new Pu Tapere for Maraerenga
Tuesday 3 September 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
William Framhein was elected the new Pu Tapere (leader of the village) for Maraerenga at a village meeting last month.
PM Brown, Cook Islands delegation pay their respects to Māori Kīngi Tūhetia
Tuesday 3 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National, New Zealand, Regional
Prime Minister Mark Brown arrived at Tūrangawaewae Marae yesterday for the tangihanga (tangi) of Kīngi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII, the seventh Māori king, and to pay his respect to the Kīngitanga.
Helmet safety concerns raised amid enforcement challenges
Monday 2 September 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands Police say that while certain German style helmets may comply with safety standards, the variation in these helmets has made enforcement difficult.
‘A fair game for all’: No return to ranking at Te Maeva Nui, says Culture
Saturday 31 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Cook Islands Ministry of Cultural Development has ruled out the possibility of reintroducing the ranking system for Te Maeva Nui unless all participating teams agree, citing concerns about fairness and the preservation of cultural diversity.
Living off the land and sea
Saturday 31 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National
A 69-year-old father, Nato Temu Junior, and his 80-year-old sister, Fever Teira Tana, who live alone at their family home in Tupapa, are living happily and unbothered by the ongoing rise in inflation, which has increased by 2.8 per cent this year.
Paikea unveils new star compass and oe
Friday 30 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation welcomed onboard Vaka Paikea outgoing New Zealand High Commissioner to the Cook Islands, Tui Dewes, for the blessing of their new carved etu marama star compass and the naming of their oe “inuinutai”.
‘His legacy is one of unity and strength’: Cook Islands mourn the loss of Māori King
Friday 30 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, New Zealand, Regional
The Cook Islands community is deeply saddened by the passing of Kīngi Tūheitia Paki, the Māori King, who was a frequent and cherished visitor to the islands.
A father’s wish: Naea’s unfulfilled dream
Thursday 29 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
Okirua Naea’s greatest wish is that his children had met the man who raised him into the father he is today.
Tararo’s commitment to God and family
Thursday 29 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
A 29-year-old father of two, Bernard Tararo, is setting an example for all young fathers in the Cook Islands that commitment and faith are key to building a successful family.
The General’s greatest gift
Thursday 29 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
A former Cook Islands rugby star and grandfather of 11, reflects on his journey as a father and husband, emphasising the importance of love, support and equality in family relationships
Sand build-up hampers Vaka Paikea’s return
Thursday 29 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Vaka Paikea arrived in Avana Harbour earlier this week after departing Aitutaki earlier than expected due to unfavourable weather conditions.
