Outer Islands
Aitutaki water crisis: Resident disputes ICI’s claim of well-functioning galleries
Wednesday 12 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
An Aitutaki resident and contractor disputes the claim that most of the island’s water galleries are functioning well, citing ongoing water shortages and criticising the spending priorities of Infrastructure Cook Islands.
Katoa’s contract with Cook Islands Investment Corporation ends
Wednesday 12 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, National, Outer Islands
Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) has confirmed that Romani Katoa’s contract with them for the Arutanga Harbour project in Aitutaki has been terminated.
New pumps installed in Aitutaki water project
Saturday 8 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Aitutaki is prone to water shortages given that it is reliant on rainwater for its potable water supply and the non-potable water supply which is sourced from groundwater infiltration water galleries.
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.
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.
Cummings embrace human-centered design to improve immunisation rates
Tuesday 14 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Health, National, Outer Islands
Hearing about something new can bring about mixed feelings, excitement, the desire to learn more, an opportunity for growth and so many questions!
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.
No charges laid in Aitutaki fatal crash
Saturday 11 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, National, Outer Islands
No charges have yet been laid in a fatal crash in Aitutaki that occurred over a week ago, resulting in the death of an elderly visitor.
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.
Aitutaki community re-establishes traditional ra’ui to protect marine
Friday 10 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National, Outer Islands
The Aitutaki community has re-established a traditional ra’ui, a temporary fishing ban, in their lagoon to protect marine life and ensure sustainable resource management, with support from the National Environment Service.
Aitutaki villages raise over $200,000 at annual Koni Raoni events
Saturday 4 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Culture, National, Outer Islands
The two Aitutaki villages of Vaipeka and Vaipae collected over $200,000 from the Koni Raoni events held on Boxing Day and the New Year’s Day.
Mauke welcomes 2025 with traditional Raoni
Saturday 4 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Culture, Local, National, Outer Islands
The island of Akatokamanava celebrated the last festive event of the year by welcoming the New Year with the traditional Raoni event this week. Nicolea Mateariki reports.
Amuri School alumni celebrate 60th birthday with reunion
Saturday 28 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Aitutaki played host to a heartfelt reunion from December 20 to 26, 2024, as former pupils of Amuri School gathered to commemorate their 60th birthday and relive cherished memories from their school days.
Mauke celebrates Christmas with traditional sports and festive cheer
Saturday 28 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Sports
The people of Mauke celebrated Christmas with a week of festivities, including traditional sports, netball, touch rugby, volleyball, a night market and a string band competition, culminating in a fireworks display last night. Nicolea Mateariki reports.
Boaza family connects with heritage and future generations
Friday 27 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
The Boaza family from Atiu was thrilled to host their first-ever family reunion, bringing together 120 relatives from Atiu, Australia, New Zealand and Rarotonga from December 14th to 17th.
Festive season road safety concerns raised after fatal Aitutaki crash
Tuesday 24 December 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
A 49-year-old man tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident in Aitutaki on Saturday, marking the second road fatality in the Cook Islands this year, as the country enters the festive season.
Christmas stock lost in devastating Mangaia fire
Tuesday 24 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, National, Outer Islands
Over the weekend, a blazing fire in Oneroa, Mangaia, originating from faulty electrical wiring destroyed a shop, a storage building and the neighbouring home.
Social Impact Fund awards $199,825 to 14 community projects
Saturday 21 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
The Cook Islands Social Impact Fund approved 14 proposals totalling $199,825.20 from 21 applications, supporting community initiatives across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, with a focus on sports, wellness and youth development.
Rat eradication restores Palmerston atoll’s ecosystem
Tuesday 17 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, National, Outer Islands
Palmerston atoll has officially been declared rat free following a tremendous eradication effort by the local community, with support from agencies in Rarotonga and New Zealand.
