National
Te Marae Ora on alert amid XEC surge in NZ
Saturday 19 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National
Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health has encouraged anyone with flu-like symptoms to practice good public health measures after a new, highly transmissible Covid-19 subvariant, XEC, has been detected in New Zealand.
Cook Islander named manager of country’s largest department store
Saturday 19 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Features, National, Weekend
A former sales assistant, who has worked diligently for a decade, has been promoted to the manager position of the country’s largest department store.
Fire brigade strained by fires and water shortage
Saturday 19 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
The Teimurimotia Volunteer Fire Brigade has responded to five fire incidents on the island within two weeks, amid low water pressure that raises concerns for the brigade.
Court briefs
Saturday 19 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A man who was sentenced a week ago for driving related charges, was before the Court on Thursday for breaching community service and his probationary licence.
Transport ministry, BTIB partner to streamline business licensing process
Friday 18 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, National
In an effort to further economic growth and improve the efficiency of business operations, Te Mana Tumotu o te Kūki ʻĀirani/ Ministry of Transport (MOT) and the Business Trade Investment Board (BTIB) are pleased to announce the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MoA).
Low water pressure to affect high-ground residents again
Friday 18 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai (TTV), has once again warned members of the public that the water pressure will be low as a result of the low-rainfall affecting mostly residents living in higher ground.
Cook Islands delegation heads to Niue for 50th anniversary
Friday 18 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown is leading a delegation of Parliament members and representatives of the Cook Islands Niuean community, to Niue for its 50th self-governance celebration this Saturday.
Cooks PM assures new passport won’t affect constitutional ties with New Zealand
Friday 18 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown has defended the proposal of a Cook Islands passport, addressing concerns about its potential impact on New Zealand citizenships and responding to comments made by New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters.
Island Govt By-election candidates confirmed
Friday 18 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Candidates for the Island Government By-Election 2024 for Ivirua and Tetautua have been confirmed by chief electoral officer Taggy Tangimetua.
Public invited to shape the future of tourism
Thursday 17 October 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in National, Tourism
Cook Islands Tourism Corporation is inviting the community to a public information session to discuss the responsible management of tourism in the country.
Minister Toki-Brown heads to Philippines for WHO meeting
Thursday 17 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, National
Minister for Health Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown is on her way to Philippines to chair the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for the Western Pacific meeting next week.
Ponia returns from Harvard Fellowship in United States
Thursday 17 October 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Education, Local, National
Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) chief of staff Ben Ponia has returned to the Cook Islands following an enriching three-week experience in the United States, a statement from OPM said.
International speakers to address alcoholism in Rarotonga
Thursday 17 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, Local, National
An international convention focusing on alcohol abuse victims will be held in Rarotonga for the first time, featuring international speakers who will raise awareness and provide support for individuals seeking to overcome alcohol addiction.
Education ministry launches new teacher training centre
Thursday 17 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Cook Islands Ministry of Education has announced plans to establish a teacher development centre in partnership with the University of Waikato, aiming to improve teacher quality and align the curriculum with the country’s language, culture and heritage.
Cook Islands Police struggle with helmet enforcement
Thursday 17 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Local, National
Helmet infringements are and have generally been lower on the list of fines issued by the Cook Islands Police Service, according to Police strategic and media advisor Trevor Pitt.
Browne questions government’s response to increasing insecurity
Thursday 17 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, National, Politics
The Leader of the Opposition has questioned the government’s role in addressing the growing insecurity in the country due to increasing crime rate, while also calling for a review of the legislation that governs the treatment of minors.
Breast Cancer Foundation disappointed over mammogram machine delays
Thursday 17 October 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Health, National
Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation is disappointed with the ongoing delays in procuring and getting operational a new mammogram machine following the revelation that an estimated 1900 women are waiting for mammography screening.
Pacific voices harmonise in Rarotonga
Wednesday 16 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, National
Against the alluring backdrop of sky and ocean blue, the Tamarind House lawn came alive with the incredible Opera in Rarotonga event, offering a unique fusion of combined artistry and nature, to local audience over the weekend.
‘Understaffed’ Cook Islands Police assist Samoa with CHOGM security
Wednesday 16 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Regional, Samoa
The “understaffed” Cook Islands Police have sent two of their senior officers to Samoa to assist the country with hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) next week.
Koutu Nui swears in new leaders, addresses land issues and other challenges
Wednesday 16 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
Holders of taoanga Māori titles were sworn in at the Koutu Nui annual general meeting (AGM) this week.
