Outer Islands
New shelters take off at Atiu Airport
Thursday 28 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Cook Islands Tourism has successfully concluded another tourism-infrastructure project on Atiu, this one aimed at meeting the needs of both visitors and the local community by upgrading the local airport shelters.
Police confirm alcohol, speed in fatal motorcycle accident
Wednesday 27 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Crime, Local, National, Outer Islands
Police have determined alcohol and speed were factors in Sunday’s fatal motorcycle accident on Aitutaki.
Star compass to guide navigation centre on Aitutaki
Thursday 21 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Construction of the outdoor star compass for the “Akairo Tuku Kaveinga Māori” project in Aitutaki, spearheaded by Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation, is expected to begin in January.
Atiu resort shares success: $101k dividend boosts island community
Tuesday 19 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands
A resort in the Pa Enua has paid out over $100,000 in dividends to the island residents, demonstrating a commitment to giving back to the local community.
New Aitutaki crane boosts cargo capacity
Saturday 16 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands
The Cook Islands Ports Authority’s new crane in Aitutaki will lift the current weight restriction of 20 tonne to 25 tonne, allowing importers and the people of the island to add more tonnage of goods to containers.
Holidaymakers set sail for Pukapuka
Thursday 14 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Avatiu Harbour was buzzing with activity yesterday morning as passengers bound for Pukapuka boarded the Lady Samoa IV.
Craft to cuisine: Penrhyn schools unite for Enterprise Day
Wednesday 13 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National, Outer Islands
The Penrhyn schools of Tetautua and Omoka united for their respective curriculum enterprise programme which were introduced in both schools last year.
Pukapuka ferry trip for diaspora costs $640,000
Tuesday 12 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands, Regional, Samoa
A Samoan passenger ferry chartered by the Cook Islands government for $640,000 is scheduled to arrive in Rarotonga today and take 160 New Zealand and Australia based people of Pukapuka descent to the northern island. Al Williams reports.
Crew praised for minimising cargo damage in Penrhyn delivery
Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Penrhyn residents have commended Cook Islands General Transport (CIGT) barge crew for ensuring their goods reached the island with minimal damages after storm-like weather had affected them this week.
Penrhyn residents still disappointed about lack of timely weather warning
Friday 8 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Weather
Penrhyn Island executive officer Puna Vano remains disappointed at the lack of prior weather warning for the strong winds which damaged eight homes on the island.
Strong winds ravage Penrhyn: Island calls for urgent weather alert upgrade
Wednesday 6 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands, Weather
Penrhyn residents are reeling after strong winds ripped through their homes early yesterday morning, causing significant damage and raising concerns about the lack of timely warnings.
Aitutaki drug trial hinges on cryptic messages, expert analysis
Wednesday 6 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National, Outer Islands
Text messages, drug analysis, and expert testimony are the Crown’s mainstays in its case against an alleged Aitutaki drug dealer, Gray Ronald Pitomaki Turia.
National Environment Service staffers travel to Aitutaki for causeway inspection at Lagoon Private Island Resort
Monday 4 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, National, Outer Islands
National Environment Service staffers head to Aitutaki this week to assess the state of a temporary causeway at the redevelopment of upmarket Lagoon Private Island Resort.
Pa Enua schools turn trash into treasure in Sanitarium Creative Art Competition
Saturday 2 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Environment, Local, National, Outer Islands
Students in the Pa Enua demonstrated their artistic prowess by designing sculptures from recycled Sanitarium product packaging in the Sanitarium Creative Art Schools Competition, facilitated by the Cook Islands Trading Corporation (CITC).
Pa Enua schools turn trash into treasure in Sanitarium Creative Art Competition
Saturday 2 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National, Outer Islands
Students in the Pa Enua demonstrated their artistic prowess by designing sculptures from recycled Sanitarium product packaging in the Sanitarium Creative Art Schools Competition, facilitated by the Cook Islands Trading Corporation (CITC).
Mangaia celebrates completion of major infrastructure upgrade
Thursday 23 November 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands
A ceremony was held on Mangaia on Tuesday to commemorate the successful completion of a two-year programme of extensive infrastructure improvements and investments in the island’s people, writes Pam Steele on Mangaia.
MV Lady Moana fire investigation underway: Ministry of Transport
Thursday 16 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
An investigation into the fire that broke out onboard cargo vessel MV Lady Moana about 60 nautical miles off Penrhyn over a week ago is underway, says the Ministry of Transport.
Suwarrow guardians return to Rarotonga after six-month mission
Wednesday 15 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
After six months away to carry out necessary monitoring of sailing vessels to the Cook Islands Suwarrow National Park, veteran park ranger Harry Papa’i and assistant park ranger Maarateina Vakapora have safely returned home to Rarotonga on MV Lady Moana.
Forum brings economic boom to Aitutaki
Saturday 11 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, National, Outer Islands, Pacific Islands Forum, Weekend
The stunning island of Aitutaki co-hosted the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting for the second time, their first being in 2012, welcoming regional leaders this week for their retreat in the island’s picturesque lagoon.
Residents of northern group islands lose cargo in ship fire
Saturday 11 November 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Residents of the northern group islands lost some of their cargo when MV Lady Moana caught fire en route to its first stop at Penrhyn.