National
Ombudsman advises to better inform public
Friday 20 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Parliament
Cook Islands Ombudsman Niki Rattle is calling for a public consultation to better inform the public following the Special Select Committee’s initiative to seek public views on the religious controversy around the Constitution and the Religious Organisation Restrictions Act 1975.
Government triples Christmas bonus for welfare beneficiaries
Friday 20 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
The government has tripled the Christmas bonus this year for all beneficiaries of the Cook Islands Welfare Benefit, from young to old, which was normally $50.
‘Christmas in the Park’ brings cheer to celebration
Friday 20 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Entertainment, Local, National
The National Auditorium was filled with Christmas holiday spirit yesterday as families gathered for the annual Rotaract Christmas in the Park.
Mother jailed for stealing thousands from elderly
Friday 20 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, Court, National
A former employee of the Bank of South Pacific has been sentenced to 17 months in prison after admitting to eight charges of theft.
Search for family of WWI hero John Tuaine Apa
Thursday 19 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National
The New Zealand Remembrance Army is searching for the family of John Tuaine Apa, a Cook Islander who served as a Corporal in the New Zealand Pioneer (Māori) Battalion, Rarotongan Company, during World War I.
Apii Rutaki celebrates diamond jubilee
Thursday 19 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National
Once threatened with closure, Rarotonga’s smallest primary school celebrated its 60th anniversary yesterday, highlighting its resilience and dedication to nurturing young minds.
Court finds man guilty of threats and trespass, sentencing pending
Thursday 19 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, National
A man was found guilty of threatening to kill and wilful trespass after a confrontation with his neighbour and will be sentenced on Friday.
Rarotonga residents urged to prepare for continued rain
Thursday 19 December 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Local, National, Weather
The rainy spell currently affecting Rarotonga is expected to continue throughout the weekend, according to the Cook Islands Meteorological Service.
Trust industry booms in Cook Islands
Thursday 19 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, National, Parliament
The trust industry has proven to be resilient, robust and growing over the past four years from 2020 to 2023, according to the Cook Islands Financial Services Development Authority Report 2023-2024.
Shell-ebrating creativity: Pensioner promotes local culture through handicrafts
Thursday 19 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, Culture, Local, National
A retired Cook Islander is making use of the abundant resources from the sea to create unique and culturally inspired handicrafts.
Ombudsman slams police for negligence in fatal crash probe
Thursday 19 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
The Cook Islands Ombudsman’s office handled 52 complaints and inquiries between 2022 and 2024, highlighting issues with police investigations and noise pollution.
Te Marae Ora prepares for potential whooping cough outbreak
Wednesday 18 December 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Health, Local, National, Tourism
Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health is in ‘preparation phase’ as it continues to monitor the status of pertussis (whooping cough) in New Zealand.
Rotaract Rarotonga hosts annual Christmas in the Park
Wednesday 18 December 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Entertainment, Local, National
The stage is set for the annual Rotaract Rarotonga Christmas in the Park event which will be held tomorrow at the National Auditorium and Domes from 4.30pm to 8.30pm.
Retired man sentenced for careless driving causing injury
Wednesday 18 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, Crime, National
A retired man, Ariiva Setephano, was sentenced for careless driving causing injury this week, following an incident which left a 16-year-old female with injuries, including a broken toe and grazes to her limbs.
Court commutes prison sentence to probation for drunken assault
Wednesday 18 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, Crime, National
A 22-year-old first-time offender was sentenced to two years of probation after he pleaded guilty to charges of injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and entering a premises with intent.
Kōrero o te ‘Ōrau’s youth programme fosters cultural connection
Wednesday 18 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Education, Local, National
Kōrero o te ‘Ōrau’s ‘Ātui’anga ki te Tango (AKTT) youth programme continues its holistic learning activities for youth and families, immersing them in learning about Cook Islands culture, its values and natural environment, to promote cultural connection.
Heavy rainfall brings relief to water crisis but cleanup efforts underway
Wednesday 18 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National, Weather
The week of December 9 to December 15 saw significant rainfall across several islands in the Cook Islands, providing much-needed relief to the ongoing water crisis in Rarotonga.
Fears for families as Vanuatu reels from deadly earthquake
Wednesday 18 December 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in National, Regional, Vanuatu
The devastating 7.3-magnitude earthquake that struck Vanuatu on Monday, claiming the lives of at least 14 people and injuring more than 200, has sent shockwaves around the world, with Ni-Vanuatuans residing in Rarotonga praying for the safety of their loved ones at home.
Cook Islander completes prestigious research programme
Tuesday 17 December 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Education, National
A policy and research officer from the Central Policy and Planning division in the Office of the Prime Minister was among 20 recipients of a 10-day intensive research course in Australia.
Aitutaki beauty Maoate crowned Maine Kūki ʻAirani Aotearoa 2024
Tuesday 17 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Education, Entertainment, National
In a celebration of beauty, culture and empowering young women, Ngatepaeru Maoate of Araura Enua (Aitutaki) was crowned Maine Kūki ʻAirani Aotearoa 2024 in Auckland, New Zealand.
