National
‘Keep Our Water Free’ Petition report presented, Bills, Petitions and Papers Committee agrees Government to fund TTV
Friday 28 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
The ‘Keep Our Water Free' Petition organising committee has welcomed recommendations made by the Bills, Petitions and Papers Committee that has agreed for Rarotonga’s water authority To Tatou Vai (TTV) to be funded by government.
Busy week at Avatiu Harbour
Thursday 27 February 2025 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Local, National
It has been a busy couple of days at the Avatiu Harbour, says Cook Islands Ports Authority Chief Executive Officer Okesene Moananu.
Government to seek update on China’s naval exercises
Thursday 27 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Parliament
As concerns continue to emerge over China’s ‘unusual’ naval exercises in the Tasman Sea raising eyebrows from New Zealand and Australia, the Cook Islands government was questioned for an update in parliament yesterday.
New national security agency to combat transnational crimes
Thursday 27 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, Economy, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown has confirmed that the newly formed National Security Agency is part of the nation’s development and growth in part of the regional network of nations that are working together to combat transnational crimes.
NZ DPM Peters meets China Foreign Minister, discusses Cooks constitutional relationship
Thursday 27 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, New Zealand, Regional
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing this week where they discussed their strong relationships with Pacific countries, including New Zealand's special constitutional relationships with its Realm partners particularly the Cook Islands.
MSC Magnifica brings in hundreds of passengers
Thursday 27 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Tourism
Cruise liner MSC Magnifica, the largest cruise ship to visit the Cook Islands anchored just outside the Avatiu Harbour, Rarotonga bringing more than 2000 passengers yesterday.
Govt explores China’s advanced tech: Potential solutions to aging battery systems in the Pa Enua
Thursday 27 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands, Technology
The Cook Islands government is looking to China for potential solutions to the aging battery systems as part of its effort to maintain renewable energy in the Pa Enua.
New Ruatonga Pu Tapere honoured and humbled
Wednesday 26 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Te Rua O Te Tonga have welcomed their new Pu Tapere/Leader of their sub-district with a special feast at their meeting house celebrated by more than 100 of the tapere’s residents.
Marjorie Crocombe, Tavake of Enuamanu
Wednesday 26 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, Local, Memory Lane, National
Community spirit and literary enthusiasm filled the USP lecture room as a crowd gathered yesterday to celebrate the launch of a new book, Marjorie Crocombe – e va’ine toa, e rangatira, which honours the extraordinary life and contributions of Marjorie Tua’inekore Tere Crocombe (nee Hosking).
Shaping the future of our cultural, creative industry
Wednesday 26 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
Aimed for the ‘Development of the Cook Islands Cultural and Creative Industry Strategy’, artists, performers, cultural practitioners, creative entrepreneurs, community leaders and cultural advocates are invited to a public consultation tomorrow, Thursday, February 27, 9am – 12pm, at Te Are Karioi Nui/National Auditorium.
PM Brown writes to NZ PM Luxon: Time to sit and discuss matters through diplomatic channels
Wednesday 26 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Parliament
Prime Minister Mark Brown says it is time for the New Zealand and Cook Islands government to sit together and discuss matters through their diplomatic channels.
PM Brown and Cabinet survive vote of no confidence
Wednesday 26 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Parliament
Prime Minister Mark Brown has welcomed the democratic process that took place in Parliament yesterday after he and his Cabinet successfully defeated a vote of no confidence by 13 votes to nine.
Aircraft back in air after repair
Tuesday 25 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Tourism
The Hawaiian airline’s Airbus A321, which was grounded for almost two weeks, is finally back in the air and has returned to service after undergoing repairs.
Schools umu competition hailed a success, set to become annual fixture
Tuesday 25 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
The traditional slow steam cooking event not only retains nutrients and enhances taste, it brings together family, friends and the community, nurturing a sense of belonging and celebration while preparing and sharing a meal of soul food.
Northern group to weigh in on proposed constitution changes
Tuesday 25 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
A Parliament committee was expected hold its final public consultations on three proposed constitutional amendment bills in the Northern Group islands later this month.
Opposition demands ‘full disclosure’ of Cooks-China deals
Tuesday 25 February 2025 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in National, Politics
The Opposition demands full disclosure of the agreements Cook Islands government has signed with China, raising concerns about transparency, potential economic dependency and strategic influence.
PM accuses NZ media, experts of thinking ‘we are too dumb’
Tuesday 25 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Parliament
Cook Islands Prime Minister has hit out at the New Zealand media and experts for their ‘ludicrous’ and ‘ignorant’ perspectives on the Cook Islands’ recent deals with China, implying they view the island nation as ‘too dumb’ to understand the implications of its own decisions.
‘Not enough’: Opposition MPs call for more police funding
Tuesday 25 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National
Opposition MPs have strongly criticised allocations in the $68 million Supplementary Budget, calling for greater prioritisation of the police force and less spending on government travel.
Protesters rally for new leadership amid no-confidence delay
Tuesday 25 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Parliament
A small group of women protesters, who supported last week’s rally against the government and its decision-making on key national issues, were out again with their placards, calling for new leadership.
Umu cooking: Embracing our cultural identity
Monday 24 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
Tauranga Vananga secretary Emile Kairua says that in today’s fast-paced world dominated by convenience foods and modern kitchen gadgets there’s something incredibly grounding and culturally enriching about teaching young people the art of cooking using traditional methods like the umu - the underground oven.
