National
PAC urges NES to waive fees for public projects
Tuesday 22 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National, Parliament
The National Environment Service (NES) has been advised by the Public Accounts Committee to consider waiving permit fees for community projects by adopting a social responsibility approach.
Health minister becomes first female to chair WHO meeting
Tuesday 22 October 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Health, National
Cook Islands made history this week when Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown, the country’s Minister for Health, became the first female to chair a regional World Health Organization (WHO) meeting.
Faster response times expected as Puaikura fire station expands
Monday 21 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
The volunteers and members of the Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade are celebrating the expansion of their fire station, which is expected to boost their response service to fire incidents around the island.
Court briefs
Monday 21 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A man, who was alleged to have been the mastermind behind a major cannabis operation in Rarotonga and sentenced in 2022, appe
Cost-benefit analysis of seabed mining shared at symposium
Monday 21 October 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, National
Professor Christopher Fleming, who specialises in natural resource economics and tourism economics, among other areas of research, at Australia’s Griffith University, will share two cost-benefit analyses of seabed mining at the Deep Ocean Symposium in Rarotonga on October 31.
CIIC to begin tree rehabilitation and beautification work at Panama Reserve
Monday 21 October 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, National
The Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) has announced the tree trimming, pruning and rehabilitation at the Panama Reserve will commence on Monday (today) as part of the Te Tau Papa o Avarua/Avarua Town Plan.
CIIC directors seek $350,000 in damages over defamatory claims
Monday 21 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
Several former and current directors of the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) have filed defamation lawsuits against George Pitt of the Cook Islands Herald and Elijah Communications.
Celebrating food and handmade treasures
Saturday 19 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National
Local produce, handicrafts and hot meals were showcased at the 2024 World Food Day celebration held at Terevete Park in Avarua yesterday.
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.
