Outer Islands
Stephens wins island council by-election
Saturday 12 December 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands, Politics
Joanne Stephens won the Mauke Island Government by-election for the village of Makatea, edging out candidate Arapo Tutai by two votes for the final count of 17 - 15.
Northern group island prepares for worst case Covid-19 scenario
Thursday 3 December 2020 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in National, Outer Islands
Rakahanga is remaining resolute that its borders will be immediately closed and the island will remain isolated from the outside world, if a case of Covid-19 is confirmed on Rarotonga.
Sharing the joy of the season
Thursday 3 December 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in National, Outer Islands
The spirit of Christmas will be well and truly alive on Friday December 11, as the island of Mauke/Akatokamanava holds its first ever Christmas in the Park.
Reaching for the stars and a police uniform
Wednesday 2 December 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Outer Islands
Eleven-year-old Mareva Pierre hopes to one day, wear the uniform of a police officer and make his family proud.
Mitiaro turns focus to domestic tourism
Monday 30 November 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Outer Islands
With visitors from Rarotonga and Aitutaki heading to Mitiaro, the island’s mayor believes domestic tourism is what they need for much-needed economic development.
Giving back to the people of Mitiaro
Monday 23 November 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Outer Islands
Rangi Kimiora enjoyed a comfortable life while growing up in Melbourne. But after spending a decade there, he decided to return home to Mitiaro to help improve the lives of his people on the island.
Rare milkfish harvest carried out in Mitiaro
Monday 23 November 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Outer Islands
On Friday, the Arongamana of Mitiaro agreed to lift the Ra’ui on the lake of Mitiaro to harvest the freshwater milkfish.
Covid-19 stalling Penrhyn cyclone shelter project: Contractor
Saturday 21 November 2020 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in National, Outer Islands
As shipping delays stall a controversial construction project in the outer island of Penrhyn, one local shipping firm is questioning why his company wasn’t approached for their services. Emmanuel Samoglou reports.
Trip of a lifetime to outer islands
Friday 20 November 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in National, Outer Islands
Nine months ago, French national Pauline Belliard moved to Rarotonga to live and work. Today she returns to New Zealand, but before saying goodbye to the Cook Islands, Belliard was one of the first group of passengers who got to travel to and discover more about four of the Southern Pa Enua.
Pa Enua building project embroiled in controversy
Friday 20 November 2020 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in National, Outer Islands
Allegations of conflict of interest and misuse of public funds are the basis of a public complaint over the tendering process for the construction of cyclone shelters on the northern group island of Penrhyn.
Protecting themselves from ‘maki corona’
Tuesday 17 November 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in National, Outer Islands
Although the people of Atiu, Mitiaro, Mauke and Mangaia miss welcoming international visitors to their beautiful islands, as long as Covid-19 continues to have devastating effects around the world, they are happy to keep it that way. Katrina Tanirau reports from the Pa Enua.
Island welcomes Raro guests, despite Covid-19 concerns
Thursday 12 November 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
Residents from the outer island of Mauke have raised concerns about the lifting of quarantine requirements for overseas arrivals.
Water tanks for Mauke
Thursday 12 November 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Outer Islands
Eight concrete tanks will be constructed on Mauke to improve the island’s water storage capacity.
Flight service to Mitiaro resumes
Friday 6 November 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
Air Rarotonga flights to Mitiaro resumed this week with all 30 stranded passengers now returned to the island as of Thursday morning.
‘Smoking hot’ support appreciated
Wednesday 4 November 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
A team from the Aitutaki Volunteer Fire and Rescue Brigade hosted a golf fundraiser to raise funds for the completion of it's new fire station.
Further delays to Mitiaro expected
Tuesday 3 November 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
More rain on Mitiaro this week has further softened its coral airstrip causing additional delays in air travel to the island.
‘Soft’ airstrip leaves 30 grounded
Friday 30 October 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Outer Islands
Mitiaro airstrip needs to completely dry before Air Rarotonga can land on the island again, leaving several residents stranded on Rarotonga.
Islands to appoint new executives
Tuesday 27 October 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
After extending their terms twice, Island Governments are set to appoint their new executive officers.
Smart farming tech for Palmerston and Nassau
Friday 16 October 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Outer Islands
Climate change is having an impact on growing fresh vegetables and fruits on Nassau and Palmerston islands.
Pa Enua project under scrutiny
Thursday 15 October 2020 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Outer Islands
Cook Islands Audit Office is yet to make a decision on whether an investigation into a major government contract is warranted.