Outer Islands
Service and sacrifice: Puna keeps an ‘open mind’
Saturday 18 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, In Depth, Local, Memory Lane, National, Outer Islands, Pacific Islands, Regional, Weekend
Former Cook Islands prime minister Henry Puna, who ends his term as Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General later this month, is planning to retire to his island home of Manihiki. But the 75-year-old is keeping an open mind and hasn’t ruled out a return to local political scene just yet. Losirene Lacanivalu reports.
$4 million investment aims to end Aitutaki’s water supply struggles
Monday 13 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, Local, National, Outer Islands
An Aitutaki resident believes government investment in water management alongside responsible water usage by residents is key to solving the island’s water supply issues.
Ra’ui placed in lagoon for Tongareva’s ‘homecoming’
Saturday 11 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, Local, National, Outer Islands
A ra’ui has been placed in the southern part of the lagoon for Tongareva’s homecoming event to be held in December 2025.
Pukapuka’s Niua School celebrates 60th anniversary
Friday 3 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
On the isolated and tranquil paradise of Pukapuka, the community came together to celebrate a milestone – the 60th anniversary of Niua School, the island’s only school, which has provided education to generations of students.
Penrhyn/Tongareva celebrates first tertiary graduates
Wednesday 1 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National, Outer Islands
In a historic celebration for Penrhyn/Tongareva Island, the community came together to witness their first-ever graduates from a tertiary programme.
Vodafone Cook Islands plans power upgrade after backup system failure
Tuesday 23 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Technology
A power supply issue at Vodafone Cook Islands’ Aroa Station disrupted the telecommunication company’s services in the country on Saturday morning.
Solar power battery repairs ‘could take up to 12 months’
Monday 15 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, Local, National, Outer Islands, Technology
Repairs to the solar power system in the northern group islands could take up to a year and residents need to conserve their power useage, says the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).
Penrhyn faces power cuts due to failing solar system batteries
Wednesday 10 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Outer Islands
Penrhyn residents are facing reduced power hours due to failing batteries in their solar-diesel hybrid system, with replacements expected to arrive in June.
Penrhyn seeks government help to transport diaspora for CICC Mission House opening
Monday 8 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Outer Islands
Penrhyn Island will be seeking government assistance to transport over 1000 guests expected to attend the opening of the Cook Islands Christian Mission (CICC) House next year.
Rare treat for Penrhyn
Monday 8 April 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in National, Outer Islands, Weather
Northern group island of Penrhyn is one of the first places to have witnessed a solar eclipse early this morning at around 6.39am.
Marine biologist says El Nino may be behind Penrhyn Island fish kill
Thursday 4 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Outer Islands, Weather
Hundreds of milkfish were found dead in a pond in Penrhyn Island, possibly due to a combination of low pressure, heat and lack of oxygen in the water caused by El Nino, says a marine biologist.
Mass milkfish die-off in Penrhyn raises concerns
Wednesday 3 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, Local, National, Outer Islands, Weather
Residents of Penrhyn island are investigating the cause of a large die-off of milkfish in a local fish pond, suspecting it is related to recent extreme heat and low oxygen levels in the water.
AKTT Atiu youths to host fishing competition this Easter
Tuesday 26 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education, Local, National, Outer Islands
The Atiu branch of Kōrero o te ‘Ōrau’s ‘Ātui’anga ki te Tango (AKTT) programme has already begun the year activating their community and assisting around the island whenever and wherever they can.
Fish, feast, and fun: Traditional event brings Pukapuka together
Saturday 16 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
A two-day traditional fishing competition on Pukapuka island saw villagers compete and celebrate with a community feast.
Sarakura declared new Penrhyn MP
Saturday 16 March 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in National, Outer Islands, Politics
The wife of the former deputy prime minister, recently convicted of corruption charges and awaiting sentencing, is the new Member of Parliament for Penrhyn.
Tapaitau tops preliminary count
Wednesday 13 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Outer Islands, Politics
The preliminary results of the Penrhyn by-election held yesterday shows a close race between Sarakura Tapaitau, wife of the former MP, and Cook Islands Party candidate Vaine Wichman.
Fishing vessel Zambucca hauled out of water for inspection
Wednesday 13 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Curious onlookers gathered at Avatiu Harbour yesterday to watch the precarious operation of fishing vessel FV Zambucca being lifted out of the water by two cranes.
Penrhyn ‘ready to vote’
Tuesday 12 March 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Politics
Voters in the Cook Islands’ northern group island of Penrhyn head to the polls today for a by-election.
Cook Islands secures $20m grant to build climate-resilient nation
Thursday 7 March 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Environment, Health, National, Outer Islands
A project aiming to build a healthy and resilient nation in the context of climate change and set to benefit more than 15,000 Cook Islanders, will start to be implemented in the coming months, thanks to an estimated US 12.5 million (NZ$20.3m) Green Climate Fund (GCF) grant.
Government, private sector team up for successful business training in Mangaia
Wednesday 6 March 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
A team of six individuals from different government agencies and the private sector in Rarotonga visited Mangaia last week to conduct a comprehensive three-day business training session.
