National
PAC report criticises former Culture secretary’s financial oversight
Monday 7 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
The former secretary for the Ministry of Cultural Development “did not ensure” that there were strong controls in place and that careful judgment was applied when authorising six financial transactions of more than $12,000 of taxpayers’ money, states the recent Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report.
Minister Mokoroa defends Brisbane trip, emphasises youth commitment
Monday 7 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Politics
Minister Vaine “Mac” Mokoroa has defended his recent trip to Brisbane, Australia, to attend a church youth conference, emphasising the government’s commitment to Cook Islands youth.
Deep Ocean symposium free to locals
Monday 7 October 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, National
Te Puna Vai Marama, the Cook Islands Centre for Research, and Te Ipukarea Society are co-hosting a research symposium focussed on the deep sea at the end of this month.
Environmentalists slam ‘premature’ seabed minerals harvesting regulations
Monday 7 October 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Environment, National
Cook Islands has enacted seabed minerals harvesting regulations despite concerns about the lack of ‘meaningful consultation’ and the premature nature of the legislation, given that the exploration phase is still ongoing.
Concerns over Minister’s role in inmate work releases: PAC
Saturday 5 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National, Parliament
The Public Accounts Committee is concerned with the Minister for Corrective Services’ authority to ‘influence or directly manage’ the release of inmates from prison, while the Minister denies these claims and maintains that all work release protocols are being followed.
Taste of the Cook Islands at biennial Games
Saturday 5 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Other Sports, Sports
Hundreds gathered at the National Stadium for the official opening of the 2024 Cook Islands Games last night.
Brown shares Vanuatu experience
Saturday 5 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
Associate Minister for Health Te-Hani Brown recently attended a meeting in Vanuatu which she said was beneficial for Members of Parliaments from the Pa Enua as it provided exposure to medical equipment suitable for the outer islands.
‘We have achieved a lot with the little we've'
Saturday 5 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Technology
The Cook Islands’ FIRST Global Robotics team, the Cocobots, achieved a historic gold medal in the 2024 Alliance category, despite facing limited resources and competing against teams with years of experience.
Students dig deep into cultural roots
Saturday 5 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Education, Features, Food, National
Students of Nukutere College who participated in the traditional umu making and string band competitions this week were grateful for the opportunities to connect more deeply with the lifestyles of their ancestors.
Education ‘got some problems’ but new initiatives offer hope
Saturday 5 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
The active participation and commitment of all stakeholders, from government, principals, teachers, parents and the community, is needed for the growth and advancement of education in the Cook Islands, says the Minister for Education.
Small-time drug dealer gets two years in prison
Saturday 5 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A drug related case that’s been ongoing for three years has come to an end after Justice Colin Doherty sentenced the convicted ‘small time drug dealer’ to two years in jail.
Nukutere College students string together tradition and competition
Friday 4 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, National
Close to 200 Nukutere College students ended this school term on a high note, reviving some traditional practices and celebrating their culture.
Lewis calls for recognition of teachers’ role
Friday 4 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, National
The Ministry of Education is calling on the public to come together to celebrate World Teachers’ Day, acknowledging the pivotal role of teachers in shaping the nation’s future.
Rising bike thefts prompt rental company’s call for return of community policing
Friday 4 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, National
One of the most affected victims of the trending bike and scooter thefts across the island, who has lost six bikes through thefts, is calling for voluntary community policing to be re-introduced.
Rapist jailed for 10 years
Friday 4 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A 33-year-old man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for raping and indecently assaulting a girl who was between the ages of 12 and 16.
Muri Environment Care Expo highlights ecological restoration progress
Friday 4 October 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, National
The inaugural Muri Environment Care Expo, concluding tonight, showcases the group’s efforts to preserve and protect their lagoon through ecological restoration activities.
Ministry of Internal Affairs celebrates women leaders in Pa Enua
Thursday 3 October 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has congratulated the female candidates elected as mayor and councillors at the 2024 Island Government Election held in August, saying it is a blueprint for others in the region to learn from and aspire to.
Mitiaro completes Southern Group Island Council swearing-in
Thursday 3 October 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
The last of the Southern Group islands to swear in their Island Council did so in true island style, according to a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister.
Pu Tapere for Maraerenga in dispute after second election
Thursday 3 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The recent election for the Pu Tapere (village leader) for Maraerenga has been marred by controversy and competing claims, with two individuals claiming the position after separate elections with differing outcomes.
Families outraged over scooter and bike thefts
Thursday 3 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, National
Cook Islands Police are investigating recent thefts of scooters and bikes, which they suspect are connected to juveniles, after three separate incidents occurred on the same day this week.
