National
Ombudsman reflects on 40 years of advocacy
Saturday 28 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The 40th anniversary of Te Mata Akamoeau/Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday reflected on the four decades of dedicated service, advocacy and commitment to upholding the rights of Cook Islands citizens.
Children electrocuted, MOCD implements safety measures
Saturday 28 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
The Ministry of Cultural Development has investigated and prepared a report on the electrocution of two children who were performing on stage during the opening ceremony of last week’s 52nd Underwater Minerals Conference at the National Auditorium.
Bench warrant remains for absconding defendant
Saturday 28 September 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
The bench warrant issued for a man who was arrested with 71 cannabis plants in July of this year remains in effect until his return to the Cook Islands.
Herrmann reappointed Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Immigration
Saturday 28 September 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
Tepaeru Herrmann has been reappointed as the Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) for a fourth consecutive term.
Juvenile crime concerns rise, ‘Parents need to start being parents’: Minister Mokoroa
Saturday 28 September 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Crime, National
A fifth juvenile was arrested this week in Rarotonga, sparking concerns about the increasing rates of juvenile crime and prompting calls for greater parental involvement, community support and cooperation with law enforcement.
Cook Islands Ombudsman Office celebrates 40 years
Friday 27 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National
The Cook Islands Ombudsman Office yesterday celebrated 40 years of serving its responsibility for investigating complaints against Government Ministries and Crown Agencies under the Ombudsman Act 1984.
Eight locals to undergo micro-credential course on transnational organised crime
Friday 27 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, National, Outer Islands
Eight locals will undertake a micro-credential course on transnational organised crime (TNOC), which will be recognised at an Australian university level.
Judge finds foreign national not guilty of indecent assault
Friday 27 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, National
A 55-year-old foreign national has been acquitted of an indecent assault charge by the Cook Islands High Court following a judge-alone trial on Thursday.
Dog attacks on the rise again
Friday 27 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Tourism
Concerns about the rising number of dog attacks are growing after recent incidents in which students fell off their bikes while being chased by dogs and a tourist was bitten on the side of the road.
Cook Islands Clean-Up Day reveals alarming amounts of trash
Friday 27 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
Te Tu’anga Taporoporo/National Environment Service witnessed an “alarming” amount of waste collected during Clean Up Cook Islands Day held earlier this month, which has more than doubled from previous years.
Transportation issues stalling parliamentary consultations in Northern Group
Thursday 26 September 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
The Constitutional Review Special Select Committee is awaiting confirmation from Parliament Services regarding flight arrangements for their consultations on the three Constitutional Amendment Bills in the Northern Pa Enua. This was confirmed by the Committee chair and Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Tingika Elikana yesterday. Presenting a verbal report in Parliament last week, Elikana said […]
Crown alleges indecent touching in judge alone trial, defendant denies
Thursday 26 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, National
The trial of a man accused of indecently assaulting a 13-year-old girl in Rarotonga is underway, with the Crown presenting evidence of the defendant’s alleged inappropriate touching of the victim’s thigh during a car ride.
Cook Islands Government considers electoral reform to allow ‘better representation’
Thursday 26 September 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
The Cook Islands Party coalition government is exploring electoral reforms that could result in larger constituencies divided into two and smaller ones from the Pa Enua merged.
Visiting group Te Mana O Te Rima offers health services to Rarotonga elders
Thursday 26 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Elderly people in Rarotonga will join the world in celebrating the United Nations International Day of Older People on Tuesday next week.
Mangaia youth embrace traditional voyaging skills
Thursday 26 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation has successfully completed their Teretereanga Vaka programme in Mangaia, providing educational opportunities for youth on the island to participate in a course that promotes and preserves the art of traditional voyaging and navigation.
By election date set for vacant councillor seats
Thursday 26 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
A vacancy exists for a council member for the village of Ivirua in Mangaia, and two council members for the village of Tetautua in Penrhyn.
Mauke’s new mayor wants to get the community into planting crops
Wednesday 25 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands
The island of Akatokamanava/Mauke celebrated its elected Island Council members during the swearing-in ceremony yesterday morning at the Government Representative building site.
Tourism contribution set to surpass half-billion dollar mark
Wednesday 25 September 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
Tourism’s contribution to the Cook Islands economy is set to surpass half a billion dollars this year, according to the Cook Islands Visitor Economy Factsheet released today.
Crew overtime leads to Jetstar flight cancellation
Wednesday 25 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Tourism
The strictly regulated operating hours for crew members on the Jetstar JQ130 flight from Rarotonga to Auckland, were exceeded leading to the cancellation of flight on Monday night.
Businessman loses appeal against assault convictions
Wednesday 25 September 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
The Court of Appeal has dismissed a Rarotonga businessman’s application against his conviction for two counts of assault on a female, according to a judgement released last week.