National
Experienced leaders take the helm in Pa Enua governments
Friday 13 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
The outgoing Cook Islands Airport Authority board chairman and the director of Island Governance at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) have been announced as new executive officers of Pa Enua governments.
Online immigration system to streamline processes, says Minister Elikana
Thursday 12 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Technology
Minister for Immigration Tingika Elikana has shared insights about the move to transition its services online starting next month, emphasising ongoing efforts to improve efficiency although uncertain about potential changes to application fees.
Imanuela Akatemia honours top students
Thursday 12 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
In the spirit of faith and community, the Imanuela Akatemia (God With Us Academy) gathered yesterday to celebrate their prizegiving day, singing songs of praise and gratitude.
Aitutaki community gets creative with climate change solutions
Thursday 12 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National, Outer Islands
The Climate Change Cook Islands is holding a workshop focusing on climate change proposal writing for stakeholders in Aitutaki.
Internship programme aims to ease transition for new nurses
Thursday 12 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National
Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health has launched a new programme to support newly qualified nurses in transitioning to the clinical setting, providing a structured 12-month programme focusing on clinical competence, practical performance and soft skills across various healthcare settings.
Cook Islands Rugby Union pilots healthy living programme to combat NCDs
Thursday 12 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, Local, National, Rugby Union, Sports
About 50 students of Apii Arorangi participated in a three-week pilot healthy living programme organised by the Cook Islands Rugby Union, which entailed progressive activity built into a tournament.
Tribunal revokes price order, raises fuel costs after ‘error’
Thursday 12 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, Economy, National
The Price Tribunal has issued a new price order for petrol and diesel almost a month after issuing the previous one, increasing wholesale and retail prices across the board.
Cook Islands sees surge in suspicious activity reports
Thursday 12 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, National, Parliament
The Cook Islands Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) received 72 suspected activity reports (SARs) in the 2023-2024 financial year, the majority of which were domestic.
Carrying on the tradition: Mitiaro’s new Ariki pledges to strengthen community ties
Wednesday 11 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National, Outer Islands
Mii Tungane Kauvai has been invested with the traditional title of Te Maeu O Te Rangi Teikamata Ariki of Nukuroa/Mitiaro, continuing the legacy of her late mother.
TMO launches initiative to combat ‘underdiagnosed’ sleep apnoea
Wednesday 11 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National
Cook Islands is addressing the underdiagnosed issue of sleep apnoea through a new sleep clinic initiative, with the aim of improving public health and reducing related health complications.
Building resilience against trafficking in fishing sector
Wednesday 11 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) participated in a two-day introductory workshop on Identifying and Referring Victims of Trafficking and Labour Exploitation in the Context of the Fishing Industry.
Public input sought on proposal to make Cook Islands a Christian nation
Wednesday 11 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Parliament
A proposal to amend the Constitution and declare the Cook Islands a Christian nation is being considered by a Special Select Committee established by Parliament a week ago to address the ongoing debate on religious organisations.
Climate crisis erodes Cook Islands’ cultural identity, Wichman tells ICJ
Wednesday 11 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National
Cook Islands has highlighted the impact of climate change on cultural heritage, particularly for women, during its historic participation at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearings in a landmark climate change case.
Penrhyn’s Omoka School hosts annual prizegiving for first time
Tuesday 10 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
In a historic first, Tetautua School students in Penrhyn travelled across their lagoon highway to Omoka School who hosted their annual prizegiving day event for the first time ever.
Solid and Hazardous Waste Bill referred to Parliament committee
Tuesday 10 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National, Parliament
The Solid and Hazardous Waste Bill 2024 that has been referred to the Bills, Petitions and Papers Committee is a culmination of many years of hard work of the current and previous heads of the Ministry of Infrastructure Cook Islands, says Deputy Prime Minister Albert Nicholas.
Judge alone trial begins for man accused of violent domestic abuse
Tuesday 10 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
The judge-alone trial of a man who faces eight counts of assault on a female by punching her began at the Cook Islands High Court yesterday.
Cook Islands participate in inaugural ASEAN maritime and connectivity conference
Tuesday 10 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in National
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) director of International and Trade Division, Mackenzi Wichman, participated in the inaugural Maritime Cooperation and Connectivity Conference, an implementation project of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Ministry of Health launches new policy to promote breastfeeding
Tuesday 10 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National
Breastfeeding is a vital component of infant health and development, providing essential nutrients that are crucial during the first months of life.
Government fends off cyberattacks, passes Bill to strengthen financial transparency
Tuesday 10 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament, Technology
Significant attempts were made from overseas to hack into the government’s central network a few weeks ago, revealed Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Launch of late Sir Gaven Donne biography
Monday 9 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National
On Saturday morning, Nick Donne launched the self-published biography of his father the late Sir Gaven Donne “No man is an Island” at the Bounty Bookshop in downtown Avarua, Rarotonga.
