National
Ministry confirms 46 per cent pass rate for NCEA Level 1
Monday 27 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, National
The Secretary for Education, Owen Lewis has confirmed that the NCEA Level 1 pass rate is 46 per cent which can eventually change as the results are only preliminary at the moment.
Cook Islands establishes Destination Stewardship Advisory Group
Monday 27 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in National, Tourism
The Cook Islands Government has taken a bold step towards a sustainable and inclusive future with the establishment of the Destination Stewardship Advisory Group (DSAG).
Nukutere inducts 14 new prefects
Saturday 25 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, National
Families, friends and loved ones of 14 Nukutere College students gathered together yesterday to celebrate their induction as newly-selected prefects for this academic year.
Te Ipukarea Society: ‘Embarrassing’ push from Cook Islands venture for deep sea mining regulation
Saturday 25 January 2025 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
Last week a group of eight deep seabed mining companies with exploration contracts in the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ) sent a letter to the President of the International Seabed Authority.
‘Generational curse’ of violence – Calls for action to protect children
Saturday 25 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, Features, In Depth, National, Weekend
A recent 14-year prison sentence for a convicted paedophile has prompted calls for increased community vigilance, parental responsibility and stricter measures to protect children from sexual abuse.
Community invited to celebrate Cook Islands’ 60 years with special airport events
Saturday 25 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The Cook Islands Airport Authority is thrilled to invite the public to a series of special events next week as we celebrate the nation’s journey of 60 years of self-governance.
Proposed passport to be discussed during NZ Foreign Affairs Secretary’s visit
Saturday 25 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
The proposed Cook Islands passport will be one of the issues that Government officials will be discussing with New Zealand’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Bede Corry, in Rarotonga next week.
$541.7m tourism earnings
Saturday 25 January 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
Visitor arrivals reached 170,315 last year, the second-highest number on record, just behind the 2019 peak of 171,550, contributing over half a billion dollars to the economy.
The gap between selling and buying prices
Saturday 25 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Business
Sometimes there is a significant gap between what we believe our house or business is worth and what an investor or buyer is willing to pay. Why does this happen?
‘Experienced candidates’ apply for Cook Islands top cop role
Friday 24 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Economy, Local, National
A selection panel chaired by the Public Service Commissioner Carl Hunter is expected to be finalised to look into the recruitment of the new Police Commissioner.
NGO exceeds target, removes 15k crown-of-thorns starfish
Friday 24 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
Cook Islands non-governmental organisation Te Kōrero O Te ‘Ōrau has surged past its target of removing 10,000 taramea (crown-of-thorns starfish), a notorious coral predator, from the deep blue of Rarotonga.
Court news
Friday 24 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
Details of a man charged with indecent assault has been suppressed by the Cook Islands High Court.
Kiwi traveller robbed in Rarotonga has insurance claim denied
Friday 24 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in National, Tourism
A New Zealand tourist’s beachside holiday in Rarotonga took a turn for the worse after his belongings were stolen and his travel insurance claim was denied.
Secondment on the table as Police struggle to fill roles
Friday 24 January 2025 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in National
Seconding officers from other jurisdictions could be an option for the Cook Islands Police, who are facing recruitment challenges.
NES launches seabed minerals factsheet
Thursday 23 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, National
The National Environment Service (NES) says it plays a crucial role in assessing and reviewing environmental matters associated with seabed mineral activities.
First 2025 cruise ship - tourists explore Rarotonga’s beauty
Thursday 23 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Tourism
The first cruise ship for the year, Viking Sky arrived safely on Rarotonga’s shores yesterday, bringing over 800 tourists excluding the crew members to explore the island. Tour operators and businesses were seen lining up around the Avatiu wharf welcoming the tourists.
Trump’s climate pact withdraw no surprise, says Cook Islands Climate Change director
Thursday 23 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National, Politics
United States president Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement is no surprise, says Cook Islands Climate Change director Wayne King.
New Christian Movement plans to challenge Government
Thursday 23 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The recently established incorporated Cook Islands Christian Movement Inc (CICM) intends to challenge the government on the Crimes (Sexual Offences) Amendment Bill 2023, viewing it as a departure from the moral foundations that have guided society.
Cook Islands Catholic women to host World Day of Prayer pilgrims
Wednesday 22 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
The Catholic Women of the Cook Islands are geared up to host the visit of the World Day of Prayer (WDP) pilgrims on Sunday, January 26.
Young father on probation supervision
Wednesday 22 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A 26-year-old father has avoided prison after he was sentenced to 18 months’ probation supervision for a domestic violence charge.