National
Faith vs rights: Cook Islands debates declaring itself a Christian nation
Saturday 15 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, National, Parliament
Parliament is considering a constitutional amendment to declare the nation a Christian state, sparking debate about religious freedom, human rights and the separation of church and state, with various religious leaders and legal experts presenting their views to a special committee.
Cook Islands and China ink agreements, details pending
Friday 14 February 2025 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in National
Cook Islands signed a number of bilateral cooperation documents with China following a meeting between Prime Minister Mark Brown and Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Friday in Harbin, China.
SBMA to engage public on deep-sea exploration findings
Friday 14 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National
Seabed Mining Authority (SBMA) says it will be reaching out to the community, especially older generations, to consult with them about their preliminary findings from the ongoing seabed minerals exploration.
ILO reaffirms commitment to Cook Islands
Friday 14 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Martin Wandera presented his credentials to the Minister for Foreign Affairs Tingika Elikana on Monday.
Cook Islands’ century-long plan praised by UN as world-leading
Friday 14 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands and its government have been commended for being one of the few nations in the world to craft a century-long strategic vision by the visiting United Nations Resident Coordinator Themba Kalua.
Court briefs
Friday 14 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A man facing a charge of cannabis possession has been ordered not to purchase or consume alcohol.
Environment groups demand clarity on seabed mineral partnership with China
Friday 14 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National
Local environment groups are calling for clarity and transparency regarding the Cook Islands’ collaboration with China on seabed mineral exploration.
China to aid Cook Islands’ seabed mineral plans
Thursday 13 February 2025 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Economy, National, Technology
Cook Islands is collaborating with China on seabed minerals exploration following discussions led by Prime Minister Mark Brown during his state visit this week.
Cook Islands advocates for development funding reform
Thursday 13 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands officials advocated for fairer development financing mechanisms, emphasising the need for alignment with the Pacific’s 2050 Strategy and consideration of Small Island States’ vulnerabilities, during a meeting with South Korean representatives to review cooperation progress.
Religious groups and CI Law Society weigh in on Christian nation proposal
Thursday 13 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Parliament
A special select committee is reviewing submissions on a proposed constitutional amendment to declare the nation a Christian state.
Bail denied once again for Arorangi fatal hit and run
Thursday 13 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, National
The bail application for the alleged Arorangi fatal hit and run accused has been denied for the third time by the Criminal Court with the Crown emphasising the seriousness of the case.
Prime Minister confident Govt will defeat no confidence motion
Thursday 13 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Politics
Prime Minister Mark Brown remains undeterred by the no-confidence motion filed against him and his Cabinet, despite increasing criticism of the government’s decision-making and initiatives.
Cook Islands, China to sign comprehensive strategic partnership on Friday
Wednesday 12 February 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in BREAKING NEWS, National
The comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between the Cook Islands and China will be signed this Friday (Thursday, Cook Islands time).
Aitutaki water crisis: Resident disputes ICI’s claim of well-functioning galleries
Wednesday 12 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
An Aitutaki resident and contractor disputes the claim that most of the island’s water galleries are functioning well, citing ongoing water shortages and criticising the spending priorities of Infrastructure Cook Islands.
Cook Islands, UN collaborate on sustainable development priorities
Wednesday 12 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National
Cook Islands hosted one-day workshop aimed at enhancing the collaboration between the United Nations (UN) and the country which took place yesterday at the Crown Beach Resort.
Katoa’s contract with Cook Islands Investment Corporation ends
Wednesday 12 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, National, Outer Islands
Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) has confirmed that Romani Katoa’s contract with them for the Arutanga Harbour project in Aitutaki has been terminated.
Opposition files no-confidence motion against Prime Minister
Wednesday 12 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in BREAKING NEWS, National, Parliament, Politics
A vote of no confidence motion has been filed against the Prime Minister and his Cabinet following the recent fiasco involving the now-abandoned Cook Islands passport proposal and the comprehensive strategic partnership the country will sign with China this week.
Hercules, Boeing 757 visit Rarotonga on New Zealand Defence Force missions
Wednesday 12 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National
Three New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) flights are visiting Rarotonga this week as part of pre-planned visits.
Home cooks to battle for Kuru Trophy and $1000 cash prize
Tuesday 11 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Agriculture, National
Home cooks in the community will have the opportunity to display their tiopu kuru (breadfruit stew) culinary skills at Te Mato Manava Turoto/Cook Islands Tourism’s “Takurua – Taste of the Season”, an annual celebration of cuisine that highlights local ingredients and their cultural significance.
PM Brown ‘should be taken at his word’ on China deal: Mahuta
Tuesday 11 February 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, New Zealand, Regional
New Zealand’s former foreign minister Nanaia Mahuta says the Cook Islands Prime Minister “should be taken at his word” that the comprehensive agreement he’s signing with China will not affect the constitutional arrangements with New Zealand.
