National
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.
Mother sentenced to six months in prison for stealing over $90,000
Tuesday 17 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, Court, Crime, National
A former Vodafone Cook Islands employee has been sentenced to six months’ imprisonment and 12 months’ probation after being convicted of theft as a servant.
Local organisation promotes Māori language and literacy
Tuesday 17 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
With Christmas around the corner, Punanga Turuturu Itivaine (PTI), a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing support for women survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, have been spreading festive cheer around Rarotonga schools.
Rat eradication restores Palmerston atoll’s ecosystem
Tuesday 17 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, National, Outer Islands
Palmerston atoll has officially been declared rat free following a tremendous eradication effort by the local community, with support from agencies in Rarotonga and New Zealand.
Police urge responsibility after weekend of mayhem
Tuesday 17 December 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Crime, Local, National
Police are urging individual responsibility after a spate of incidents over the weekend, including a hit-and-run in which a 70-year-old tourist was injured, receiving four stitches in her head and multiple abrasions.
Business valuations: Commercial property and business value
Monday 16 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Business, National
Whether you’re a roadside nu vendor or the proprietor of a million-dollar resort, the fundamentals of business valuation remain consistent.
Court news
Monday 16 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
December 16, 2024
Atiu commits to healthier future
Monday 16 December 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Health, National, Outer Islands
Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health, in partnership with Bank of the South Pacific (BSP), has re-opened the Atiu Dental Clinic and launched the Atiu Ora’anga Tumanava Health Plan 2024+, aiming to improve health outcomes and promote a healthier lifestyle on the island.
Hospital emergency staff treated to Christmas lunch
Monday 16 December 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Health, Local, National
The Rarotonga hospital’s emergency department staff and their partners were treated to a special Christmas lunch by the Crown Beach Resort and Spa a week ago on Sunday.
Bill to fix company re-registration loophole referred to NZ Parliament Counsel Office
Monday 16 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, National, Parliament
The Companies Amendment Bill 2024, aimed at rectifying a legal loophole hindering company re-registrations, has been recommended for review by the New Zealand Parliamentary Counsel Office to identify potential unintended consequences before proceeding.
Local heroes risk lives to save teens caught in stormy seas
Monday 16 December 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Environment, Local, National
Two teenagers, aged 12 and 13, were rescued from Avarua Harbour after they went swimming during the heavy downpour on Saturday afternoon, which caused flash flooding in low-lying areas of Rarotonga.
