National

Driver escapes injury

Monday 11 April 2022 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Local, National

Drink driving offences and motor vehicle crashes dominate the complaints Police have received so far this month after dealing with record breaking dog complaints in March.

Local

Telco launches new internet service, extends reach

Monday 11 April 2022 | Written by Sian Solomon | Published in Business, National

Customers residing in areas that have very limited or no access to Vodafone Cook Islands’ infrastructure that delivers their broadband service will benefit the most from their new product.

Business

‘Few jobs’ remain to fully complete Empire Bridge

Monday 11 April 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, National

Rarotonga’s Empire Bridge has been used by traffic for the last week and only a few jobs remain until it's fully complete.

Economy

Rakahanga ‘vax crossing’ on hold, says Opposition leader

Monday 11 April 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in National, Outer Islands

People on Rakahanga will likely no longer need to travel to Manihiki for their Covid-19 vaccines, after a meeting last week held between Rakahanga Member of Parliament Tina Browne, the Ministry of Transport and Crown Law to discuss the matter.

National

Freight support for local exporters

Monday 11 April 2022 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Economy, National

Cook Islands exporters have the opportunity to apply for Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia’s Covid-19 Freight Assistance Package.

Economy

Cook Islands pole club fetches $72,000

Monday 11 April 2022 | Written by Cameron Scott | Published in Culture, National

An early Cook Islands ironwood pole club (akatara) with an estimated price of £30-40 ($57-$76), sold for a whopping £38,000 ($NZ72,123) when it was auctioned in England early this month.

Culture

Otara Scorpions share the love

Saturday 9 April 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National

Since 2012, the visiting Otara Scorpions 8 Ball Pool members who are associated with the Otara Scorpions Rugby League have built up a special relationship with the Cook Islands, writes Melina Etches.

Local

School battles Covid absenteeism

Saturday 9 April 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National

Keeping parents informed and updated on Covid-19 cases appears to have worked wonders for Apii Avarua resulting in a large increase of students returning to school.

Education

Visitors make generous donation to Autism Cook Islands

Saturday 9 April 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National

The visiting Otara Scorpions 8-ball Pool team yesterday donated $400 cash to Autism Cook Islands in celebration of the “Blue Day” which promotes awareness of autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Local

Kiwi tourist charged with indecent assault

Saturday 9 April 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Court, National

A New Zealand tourist appeared in the Criminal Court at Avarua charged with indecent assault on Friday.

Court

Govt to ease restrictions in ‘next few weeks or month’

Saturday 9 April 2022 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Economy, National

Negative household contacts choosing to remain in isolation at home continue to put pressure on private and public sectors. However the launch of the essential workers pass has provided some relief.

Economy

Cooks to receive labour boost

Saturday 9 April 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National

Labour shortages are still affecting the Cook Islands, with estimates that as many as 900 new workers are needed in the island nation as the Government announces it will be opening up the country to migrant workers.

Economy

Gone but not forgotten

Friday 8 April 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National

A former carer, teacher, Girl Guider, youth leader, composer, and Corrective Services probations officer, Naomi Iro Sr, who passed away last month, had a great passion for her beloved village of Titikaveka.

Local

Aitutaki expected to cross 1000 Covid-19 cases: Lush

Friday 8 April 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in National, Outer Islands

A public health advisor is predicting Aitutaki will reach more than 1000 Covid-19 cases as the pandemic makes its way through the island.

National

TMO responds to Rakahanga vax issue

Friday 8 April 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in National, Outer Islands

Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health says the “cold chain management timing for the vaccine” is the reason behind their inability to take the Covid-19 vaccine to Rakahanga.

National

Recidivist sentenced to probation

Friday 8 April 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National

A man with a history of domestic violence has been sentenced to 12 months of probation and three-months community service.

Court

Covid puts pressure on road projects

Friday 8 April 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National

The Cook Islands government will be embarking on an extensive capital roading project over the next 12 months, but Covid-19 has led to significant delays.