National
Community group challenges Water Tariff Assessment, raises financial concerns
Tuesday 13 August 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Environment, Local, National
The Rarotonga water authority will lose over a million dollars annually, claims Te Vai Ora Maori (TVOM), after its review of the June 2024 Water Tariff Assessment.
PM Brown eager to hand over Forum chair role to Tonga
Tuesday 13 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Pacific Islands, Pacific Islands Forum, Regional
Prime Minister Mark Brown is looking forward to handing over the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders chairmanship to Tongan PM as he focuses on his roles back home.
11 months jail for man caught smuggling 1.176kg of cannabis
Tuesday 13 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Local, National
A man in his 20s has been convicted and ordered to serve 11-months in jail for charges that include importing 1.176 kilograms of cannabis to Rarotonga.
Cook Islands leads charge in war against invasive species
Tuesday 13 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Features, National, Weekend
Cook Islands is hosting a regional meeting this week to address the significant threat of invasive species to the country’s ecosystems, food security and biodiversity, while sharing knowledge and seeking solutions with other Pacific nations.
Multi-agency approach proposed for trek safety after recent incident
Monday 12 August 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Local, National
A recent rescue of a tourist who slipped off the Needle has reignited debate over safety measures for trekkers in Rarotonga, with authorities considering potential solutions including increased awareness and guided hikes.
Government to claim motorcycle purchased with stolen funds
Monday 12 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
Former civil servants serving time in prison will face a court hearing on Tuesday to determine if a motorbike purchased with stolen government funds will be confiscated.
Government and NGOs collaborate on revised Biodiversity Action Plan
Monday 12 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
The Tu’anga Taporoporo National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) that was endorsed in 2002 has many gaps, is out of date and has not been reviewed or updated for 22 years.
Family’s pride in unsung hero
Monday 12 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The family of Cook Islands coastwatcher Ioaba Tearaia Marsters gathered to unveil a commemorative plaque in his honour, recognising his vital role in providing early warning during World War II.
War of the wings: The Rimatara lorikeet and how I learnt to hate the Atiu mynah
Monday 12 August 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, Features, Local, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
After a seven-year battle using a combination of poisoning, trapping and shooting, the Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust successfully eradicated an initial population of around 6000 mynahs from Ātiu, making it the world’s largest island-based mynah eradication project. Roger Malcolm, a resident hotelier on Ātiu and one of the key people behind the eradication project, shares his own battle with one of the most invasive bird species in the world.
From pest to past: Ātiu’s epic battle against invasive myna
Saturday 10 August 2024 | Written by Gerald McCormack | Published in Environment, Features, National, Outer Islands
After six years of no reported mynas on Ātiu, the Natural Heritage Trust is declaring its Eradication Project a success. The removal of a population of about 6000 mynas made it the world’s largest myna eradication on an island. It dwarfed the second largest island-eradication of 1641 mynas on North Island in the Seychelles completed in February 2019. By Gerald McCormack, Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust.
Cook Islands diaspora keeps culture alive in New Zealand
Saturday 10 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Education, National
Cook Islanders in Aotearoa New Zealand joyfully celebrated Te Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani - Cook Islands Māori Language Week with cultural performances and educational programmes across the country this week.
University highlights local education
Saturday 10 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, National
The University of the South Pacific (USP) Cook Islands opened its doors to 100 final year students of Tereora College during an open day yesterday to highlight various academic opportunities available at the local campus.
Te Ipukarea Society: Plastic free July- Small changes can add up to big differences
Saturday 10 August 2024 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
During the past month of July, Te Ipukarea Society ran a series of posts on how we can minimise the use of single use plastics in our day to day lives.
Runway closure disrupts Air New Zealand flights
Saturday 10 August 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Local, National, Tourism
Air New Zealand cancelled multiple flights between Auckland and Rarotonga this week due to a wheel defect on one aircraft and a runway closure in Auckland.
Winning costume sparks outrage
Saturday 10 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
A week after the 2024 Te Maeva Nui cultural festival, controversy continues over Oire Tupapa Maraerenga’s winning costume, which was originally designed for the CINAT team. The Ministry of Cultural Development has dismissed claims of unfair advantage.
ICI explains road works delay in front of old Sheraton site
Saturday 10 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
Unresolved matters related to the potential diversion of the road around the old Sheraton hotel in Vaimaanga are among the reasons no road work has started on the main road in front of the site.
Journey of Pacific Mothers comes to Rarotonga screen
Friday 9 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features, Health, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
A locally shot documentary feature film exploring the importance of women’s birthing choices through the stories of Pacific mothers reclaiming indigenous practices premieres in Rarotonga tomorrow.
‘Understaffed’ Police to receive timely training from NZ experts
Friday 9 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Economy, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown has met with the acting Police Commissioner Aka Matapo to discuss preparations on the new training initiatives in partnership with New Zealand Police.
Courts briefs
Friday 9 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
Justice of the Peace Nadine Newnham presided over driving-related matters and a single wilful damage matter involving the Mangaia hostel yesterday.
Ready to weather the storm: Three-day conference bolsters cyclone preparedness
Friday 9 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, Local, National, Weather
The Emergency Management Cook Islands (EMCI) hosted a three-day conference to identify areas for improvement in preparation for future cyclones.
