Local
TePOM expands services to address growing demand
Monday 20 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands men’s counselling centre Te Punanga Ora’anga Matutu (TePOM) is looking at another year of growth and aims to support more men and women through counselling and support services.
Road sealing and drainage works top Infrastructure’s 2025 agenda
Monday 20 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
The Ministry of Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) will prioritise road sealing and drainage works this year.
‘No longer dead Ministry’: Agriculture head Anguna-Kamana plots third term growth
Saturday 18 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Agriculture, Features, Local, National, Weekend
In 2018, on her first day as Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture, Temarama Anguna-Kamana was told that this was a ‘dead ministry’. Now in her third term at the helm, Anguna-Kamana still sees potential in the agriculture sector and envisions leaving the industry in a much better position than she inherited.
Matavera’s new two storey commercial hub to open soon
Friday 17 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Local, National
In Matavera, the smallest district by land size on Rarotonga, a new two storey building “Te Waka” is set to redefine the local landscape with its mix of culinary delights, island apparel and commercial opportunities.
Tereora’s induction day and teachers’ conference to commence next week
Friday 17 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, Local, National
The atmosphere around Rarotonga is buzzing with the back-to-school energy, as parents are spotted shopping for school supplies and uniforms with their children.
Police struggle to attract recruits
Friday 17 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Local, National
Police recruitment for new intakes launched over a month ago has received a disappointing response, with the starting salary at the minimum wage rate considered a major challenge.
Community rallies for Poila family after devastating fire
Thursday 16 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Support surged from the community at the fast-selling fundraiser event for the Poila family of Mangaia whose beloved family home, store and warehouse, was reduced to ashes in a devastating fire just days before Christmas.
Mental health training for frontline workers
Wednesday 15 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, Local, National
Cook Islands mental health organisation, Te Kainga o Pa Taunga, is planning to hold various workshops and training sessions this year. Dates for these events are yet to be confirmed.
Education ministry welcomes new teachers for 2025 school year
Tuesday 14 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, Local, National
The Ministry of Education has welcomed a group of new teachers to the Cook Islands ahead of the start of the 2025 school year.
Te Puna Marama collecting knowledge of food preservation in Mauke
Tuesday 14 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National, Outer Islands
Kicking off brand new 2025, Te Puna Marama Voyaging Society is excited to host its first workshop today on Mauke (January 14 – 15, 2025), dedicated to exploring and documenting traditional methods of growing and preserving food.
ICI begins clean up today
Monday 13 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) will begin reactive work, repairing damage from last week’s storms such as pothole repairs and debris clearance.
Youngsters learn from the best at Junior Rugby League Clinic
Saturday 11 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Rugby league, Sports
More than 100 children gathered at the National Stadium in Nikao yesterday to learn from the best of Cook Islands Rugby League international stars as part of the Cook Islands Athletic Development Junior Rugby League Clinic.
Aitutaki streetlight installation delayed due to aviation safety concerns: Airport
Saturday 11 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
The installation of streetlights along the road parallel to the Aitutaki Runway requires approval from the Director of Civil Aviation due to potential aviation safety concerns.
Protecting Aitutaki’s ‘beating heart’ using traditional conservation method
Saturday 11 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, Features, Local, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
Aitutaki residents gathered at their prized lagoon this week to continue the custom of protecting their marine environment through the re-establishment of the traditional ra’ui, a temporary fishing ban within the lagoon.
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.
