Outer Islands
Miss Cook Islands inspires Atiu youth through mentorship programme
Friday 21 March 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Entertainment, Features, National, Outer Islands
Reigning Miss Cook Islands and Maine Kūki ʻAirani Aotearoa 2024, Ngatepaeru Marie Maoate, is visiting the island of Atiu, connecting with youths through a mentorship and community engagement programme.
New tourism venture set to boost Atiu’s appeal
Thursday 20 March 2025 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in National, Outer Islands, Tourism
Cook Islands Tourism is reviewing an exciting new tourism experience that is set to launch in Atiu soon.
Mauke building fire investigated
Thursday 20 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
Three police investigators were dispatched to Mauke last week to look into the Island Government administration building fire on Thursday, March 6.
Police reopen investigation into teen assault case on Mauke
Thursday 20 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in BREAKING NEWS, Crime, National, Outer Islands
More than a year after a shocking assault on a teenage girl with an intellectual disability in Mauke, police have confirmed they are re-investigating the case.
Call for island-wide response to taramea threat in Aitutaki
Wednesday 19 March 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, Local, National, Outer Islands
Concern is growing in Aitutaki over the increasing spread of taramea (crown-of-thorns starfish) in the island’s lagoon, with community leaders calling for an urgent, coordinated response.
MFEM defends plans to nationalise domestic shipping
Wednesday 19 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) has defended the government's plan to take over domestic shipping, citing years of policy development and expertise within the ministry.
Manihiki residents show resilience amidst isolation and shipping delays
Monday 17 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Outer Islands
Over 200 residents of Manihiki continue to demonstrate resilience as they adapt to a lifestyle shaped by isolation, shipping delays and resource constraints.
Ministry of Transport enhances marine safety investigation capabilities
Monday 17 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Parliament
The Ministry of Transport is participating in a Regional Foundation Course on Marine Casualty Investigation to ensure accurate and accountable marine safety investigation reports.
Donor funds can be redirected for ‘additional activities’ with approval
Monday 17 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands
Government has clarified that while donor funds cannot be used for entirely new projects, adjustments within existing projects are possible with donor approval.
No delays to solar battery project from NZ funding: MFEM
Friday 14 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) says the funding for the Northern Group Battery Replacement Project was approved in March 2024 and that no delays can be attributed to New Zealand, despite recent discussions in Parliament suggesting otherwise.
Opposition decries delay cost for battery replacement project
Thursday 13 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands, Parliament
Opposition leader Tina Browne has criticised the delay in the Northern Group Battery Replacement Project, saying it is costing taxpayers as island governments continue to spend large amounts on diesel to keep power running.
$12.9m approved for solar battery project, NZ confirms
Wednesday 12 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National, Outer Islands, Technology
New Zealand says it approved $12.9 million for the Northern Group Battery Replacement Project a year ago, after Prime Minister Mark Brown told Parliament they were still working with the NZ government to start the project.
Four students head to Japan for cultural exchange
Tuesday 11 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Education, Local, National, Outer Islands
Four Cook Islands students are heading to Japan for a cultural exchange programme, where they will immerse themselves in Japanese culture while sharing their knowledge of Cook Islands culture.
Five Cook Islanders awarded counselling scholarships to boost community support
Tuesday 11 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Health, Local, National, Outer Islands
Five individuals from Rarotonga and Atiu received scholarships from Punanga Turuturu Itivaine to study counselling and improve community mental health support.
Manihiki welcomes government initiative to nationalise shipping
Tuesday 11 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
As the Pa Enua continues to endure the ongoing increase in its cost of living due to shipping challenges and transportation, it was music to their ears to hear that plans are in place for the government to enter shipping service.
Mauke developer launches dream e-learning platform GalaxyMaps
Friday 7 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National, Outer Islands
After six years in the making, Vaipunu Ian Tairea, a software developer, digital creator and educator in Mauke, has officially launched his custom-built digital platform, GalaxyMaps.
‘Heartbreaking’: Mauke reeling after fire damages vital administration hub
Friday 7 March 2025 | Written by Nicolea Mateariki | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Mauke residents bravely battled a fire that damaged their administration building, using buckets and bins of water to contain the blaze.
Empty shelves and high prices: Pa Enua residents turn to land and sea amidst shipping delays
Tuesday 4 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands
The residents of a Southern Group Island continue to endure ongoing hardships due to inconsistent shipping, driving up costs and forcing reliance on subsistence living, while awaiting government-promised shipping improvements.
Mangaia acts swiftly to save air link amid funding delays
Tuesday 4 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Outer Islands
Mangaia is undertaking urgent repairs to its rain-damaged runway independently to maintain regular air service, following Air Rarotonga’s warning that it will restrict flights to dry conditions only.
Cook Islands must find new solutions to old gender equality problems, says Tuarae
Monday 3 March 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Despite global efforts, the Cook Islands National Council of Women’s three-day summit this week highlights that the core gender equality issues faced decades ago remain critically urgent today.
