National
Drug accused revealed
Thursday 26 May 2011 | Published in Local
Name suppression has been lifted for all Operation Eagle accused. This follows yesterdays Cook Islands High Court hearing before Justice Hugh Williams. The 13 men and women have all now been released from the Arorangi prison on bail. Among those facing criminal charges is Deputy Prime Minister Tom Marsters son, Giovanni Marsters (30), builder, of […]
All smiles for wetlands learning
Thursday 26 May 2011 | Published in Local
National Environment Service education and awareness officer Deyna Marsh (centre) was at St Josephs School this week to promote the importance of wetlands to the students. Wetlands and their importance for healthy islands is the central theme of this years Environment Week programme starting on May 30 and Lagoon Day events on June 1 and […]
Centre ready for new members
Thursday 26 May 2011 | Published in National
Though the Creative Centre in Tupapa already has 23 registered members, its staff of just six is confident it can take on more members. Onsite physiotherapist Ainslie Duncan is also available to see patients. Though she divides her time between the Creative Centre and the Ministry of Health, she can see clients in the centres […]
Accused released on bail conditions
Thursday 26 May 2011 | Published in National
All 13 accused under Operation Eagle are remanded on bail with various conditions, including a 24-hour curfew for those facing the most serious charges. Under 24-hour curfew are Rehab nightclub owner Scott Arlander, suspended Cook Islands police officer Inano Matapo, Matapos de-facto partner and son of the Deputy Prime Minister Giovanni Marsters, former postal worker […]
70 charges laid against 13
Thursday 26 May 2011 | Published in National
A total of 70 charges have been laid against the 13 men and women arrested under Operation Eagle the largest police investigation of any kind in the Cook Islands. The charges all relate to alleged activity on Rarotonga between January 1, 2004 and May 5, 2011. The charges are selling cannabis (27), possession of cannabis […]
Drugs trial will be complex
Thursday 26 May 2011 | Published in Crime
It is unlikely any trial of those accused under Operation Eagle will be held this year. There are logistical difficulties facing any trial of Operation Eagle defendants, due to the number of accused, number of charges, and doubt over whether an impartial jury can be found within the Cook Islands. In total 13 men and […]
Name suppression not a right
Thursday 26 May 2011 | Published in Crime
Issues of name suppression and media coverage for the court case resulting from Operation Eagle were debated at length in the Cook Islands High Court at Avarua yesterday. Bail applications for seven of the 13 accused, media applications for still photography and film, as well as applications for continued interim name suppression of all but […]
Wetland champions
Wednesday 25 May 2011 | Published in Environment
The Matavera Girls Brigade has taken on the role of environment champions. Ten members between the ages of 10 and 14 have spent the past five months learning about the role of wetlands in the Cook Islands. This year the National Environment Service will embark on a campaign to create cultivate wetlands for the Cook […]
Eagle accused face judge
Wednesday 25 May 2011 | Published in Local
Operation Eagle defendants at present remanded in custody will today have their bail applications considered by New Zealand judge Justice Hugh Williams in the Cook Islands High Court at Avarua. Of the 13 men and women arrested in relation to Operation Eagle the largest police investigation of any kind in the Cook Islands seven remain […]
PM foresees police collaboration
Wednesday 25 May 2011 | Published in Local
The prime minister says Operation Eagle is not the end of the road for joint operations between New Zealand and Cook Islands police. Police Minister Henry Puna said yesterday that his police force will continue to collaborate with New Zealand police and to exchange information that will aid both governments in combating drug abuse. He […]
20 new fishing licences approved
Wednesday 25 May 2011 | Published in Local
Cabinet has approved 20 new exploratory fishing licences. Prime Minister Henry Puna announced at a press conference yesterday that cabinet has agreed to administer 10 licences for swordfish and 10 for big-eye, though the ministry of marine resources has not made any concrete arrangements with foreign fishing companies. Minister of marine resources Teina Bishop says […]
Mirage Resort details not known
Wednesday 25 May 2011 | Published in Local
Cabinet has established a committee to manage the Mirage Resort development project, but has not yet received disclosures from the property developers. Mirage is a New Zealand developer proposing to develop the Vaimaanga site of the failed Sheraton and Hilton projects.Prime Minister Henry Puna said yesterday that cabinet has formed a committee which is meeting […]
Kitesurfing clinic promotes competiton
Wednesday 25 May 2011 | Published in National
The Cook Islands Kitesurfing Association (CIKA) is organising an exhibition and coaching clinic to introduce people to the sport and generate hype leading up to Junes Aitutaki kitesurfing competition. The event will kick off at 1pm on Saturday at Muri, next to Sails Restaurant. First on the agenda is a coaching clinic, which will acquaint […]
Japan night raises $1800 for disaster relief
Wednesday 25 May 2011 | Published in National
The Japan Night fundraiser at Staircase Restaurant & Bar at the weekend brought in $1800 for victims of Japans tsunami and earthquake. About 100 people showed up to pay a $7 entry fee in support of the cause. Attendees were treated to performances by dancers of the year Uirangi Bishop and Teariki Mateariki, Club Philipino, […]
Vaka TV swaps frequency
Wednesday 25 May 2011 | Published in National
Matavera residents are being asked to change their television frequency to receive Vaka Television following new infrastructure installed by Telecom Cook Islands. Vaka Television manager Greg Parker says Telecom has asked the television station company to change its frequency in Matavera to avoid signal interference. Parker says Vaka Television has now changed its frequency from […]
Liability insurance demands challenged
Wednesday 25 May 2011 | Published in National
Employer liability insurance legislation requires review and this is being factored into the Ministry of Internal Affairs workload for the next financial year. Internal affairs secretary Bredina Drollet says at present the ministry is legally required to collect premiums as provided under the legislation until such time as an act of parliament repeals or amends […]
Jury convicts man of drunk driving
Wednesday 25 May 2011 | Published in National
Ministry of Marine Resources fisheries officer Koroa Raumea has been convicted of driving with an excess breath alcohol level of 470 micrograms at Atupa on February 26 last year. An 11-person jury yesterday found Raumea guilty of the charge and he was convicted by Justice Hugh Williams. Raumea (43), of Nikao, is bailed at large […]
Problems with government appointments
Wednesday 25 May 2011 | Published in National
Recruitment, appointment and transition of senior government officials in 2009 was inadequate, an audit review determines. The review was prompted by complaints from the public about the appointment of certain heads of ministries (HOM) in June 2009. Complaints called into question the quality of the recruitment and appointment process. Sonny Williams and Anthony Brown were […]
New blood confirmed on cabinet
Wednesday 25 May 2011 | Published in National
The prime minister has appointed three associate ministers to ease pressure on cabinet. Each minister will receive a $5000 salary increase under the Civil List, which Prime Minister Henry Puna called minimal given the payoff. Having had five months in office now we have a good appreciation of the pressures of the workload and I […]
Fuel prices creep up
Wednesday 25 May 2011 | Published in National
The price of fuel continues to rise in the Cook Islands with the latest price order for Triad Pacific Petroleum Ltd. A new order setting maximum prices for Triad fuel came into effect yesterday. It follows the last Triad order which was made on April 18, as well as one more recently setting Toa Petroleum […]
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