National
Government ready to assist Vanuatu community fundraising
Monday 6 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Regional, Vanuatu
Cook Islands Government has expressed its willingness to assist Rarotonga’s Vanuatu community in their fundraising efforts following the recent devastating earthquake in Port Vila.
‘Lack of business’: Opposition slams Govt over Parliament sitting days
Monday 6 January 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in National, Parliament
Cook Islands Parliament has been recommended to sit for 39 days this year, after sitting for only 14 days in 2024 – 28 days less than the number of sitting days originally planned.
Aitutaki tragedy: Tourist dies after being struck by motorcyclist
Saturday 4 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Tourism
An elderly tourist died in Aitutaki after being struck by a motorcycle, marking the second road-related fatality on the island within two weeks, prompting calls for increased road safety measures.
Government takes allegation against Cook Islands-flagged vessel ‘very seriously’
Saturday 4 January 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in National
Government takes the allegations made against a Cook Islands-flagged oil tanker under international investigation ‘very seriously’.
Escaping the summer heat
Saturday 4 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Tourism, Weather
Many believe that the temperature this summer has been hotter than in previous years, leading families, including locals and tourists, to seek relief in the ocean.
Ciguatera poisoning cases reported: Williams
Saturday 4 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, Local, National
Secretary of Health Bob Williams confirmed that three cases of ciguatera poisoning had been recorded in recent weeks.
Crime spree leaves businesses and government offices counting losses
Saturday 4 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, Local, National
The festive season may have brought new hopes for many but the ongoing crime spree continues to hit businesses as well as government offices.
Aitutaki villages raise over $200,000 at annual Koni Raoni events
Saturday 4 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Culture, National, Outer Islands
The two Aitutaki villages of Vaipeka and Vaipae collected over $200,000 from the Koni Raoni events held on Boxing Day and the New Year’s Day.
Mauke welcomes 2025 with traditional Raoni
Saturday 4 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Culture, Local, National, Outer Islands
The island of Akatokamanava celebrated the last festive event of the year by welcoming the New Year with the traditional Raoni event this week. Nicolea Mateariki reports.
‘Love, faith, people’: Emile-Brown honoured for service to Cook Islands community
Saturday 4 January 2025 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in National
Three New Zealand-based Cook Islanders were awarded the King's Service Medal for their dedicated service to the Cook Islands and Pacific communities.
Diaspora concerns addressed in NZ seabed mining talks, says PM
Friday 3 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National
Cook Islands Government’s recent consultation tour in New Zealand was a significant success, effectively addressing numerous concerns held by the diaspora regarding seabed mining, says Prime Minister Mark Brown.
PM urges Cook Islanders to consider passport proposal despite opposition
Friday 3 January 2025 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Culture, Local, National, Politics
Prime Minister Mark Brown is urging Cook Islanders to ‘not be afraid of the discussions that may need to be had’ regarding the proposal for a Cook Islands passport.
Disappointing turnout marks New Year and launch of 60th anniversary celebrations
Friday 3 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Local, National
Despite being a significant event for the Cook Islands, the highly anticipated Te Ipukarea Concert, held on Wednesday, New Year’s Day, failed to attract a large crowd.
‘I know who I am, I have a homeland’: PM unveils 60th anniversary theme
Friday 3 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Local, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown officially launched the theme for the Cook Islands’ 60th anniversary of self-governance, which will be celebrated with the weeklong Te Maeva Nui festival in July this year.
Cook Islands eases import ban on NZ poultry following bird flu outbreak
Tuesday 31 December 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Agriculture, National
Cook Islands temporarily suspended imports of poultry products from New Zealand following a bird flu outbreak on a single farm, but has resumed imports from unaffected regions with additional safety measures.
New Zealand High Commission Fund supports local communities
Tuesday 31 December 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Local, National
The New Zealand High Commission in Cook Islands held a signing ceremony earlier this month with the successful recipients of the 2024/2025 Round of the New Zealand High Commission Fund.
Te Ipukarea Concert to launch 60th anniversary celebrations
Tuesday 31 December 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Culture, Entertainment, National
The Cook Islands’ 60th year of self-governance is set to commence in style with Te Ipukarea Concert, to be held tomorrow night at the National Auditorium.
Business break-ins remain a concern amidst festive season
Tuesday 31 December 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Crime, Local, National
The increase in police presence, supported by community policing, has led to a decrease in traffic infringements, although break-ins at business properties continue to be a concern.
Cook Islands drops bids for United Nations, Commonwealth membership
Tuesday 31 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Politics
Cook Islands will not pursue membership in the United Nations and the Commonwealth due to its inability to meet the criteria for UN membership and existing relationship with New Zealand, which fulfils Commonwealth membership requirements.
Families and businesses reflect on 2024, set New Year resolutions
Tuesday 31 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
As 2024 draws to a close, locals and businesses in the Cook Islands are reflecting on the past year and setting their sights on the future with fresh resolutions and new hopes for the year ahead.
