National
Woman, 23, escapes conviction, ordered to pay hefty reparations
Wednesday 31 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A 23-year-old woman has been discharged without conviction in a driving related matter by the Criminal Court in Avarua, but has been ordered to pay reparations of more than $2000 for causing the damage to a rental motorcycle.
50 years of service: Ex-chief customs officer honoured
Wednesday 31 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
One of the longest-serving former employees of the Cook Islands Customs Service, Ngapoko Ngatamaine, was recognised for his outstanding service at the opening of the 26th Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) Annual Conference on Monday.
Air NZ Cook Islands flight returns to Auckland after two aborted landings
Tuesday 30 July 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
An Air New Zealand flight from Auckland to Rarotonga returned to Auckland yesterday after two failed landings at Rarotonga International Airport.
Youngsters help police with headquarters cleanup
Tuesday 30 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
A half-day clean-up at the police headquarters last week has laid the groundwork for a training programme to be held in the coming month.
PM calls for stronger Pacific borders
Tuesday 30 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Regional
The 26th Annual Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) Conference began on Monday, with the Prime Minister urging regional customs agencies to innovate and collaborate across the Oceania region.
Te Marae Ora hopeful for increased local health workers in key positions
Tuesday 30 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, National
Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health (TMO) continues to struggle to maintain sufficient staff numbers, leading to ongoing recruitment of overseas specialists. However, the ministry is hopeful this situation will soon improve.
Emo Aito Māori races to kick off Te Maeva Nui 2024
Tuesday 30 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Te Emo Aito Māori fruit-carrying races will be held this afternoon following the official opening of Te Maeva Nui 2024 at 12.30pm at the Avarua Town Centre.
Annual Trade Day to feature record number of vendors
Tuesday 30 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Local, National
More than 90 vendors are expected to showcase their crafts, products as well as a variety of island style delicacies at the 2024 Business Trade and Investment Board (BTIB) Trade Day, starting this Wednesday at the Punanga Nui Market.
‘Get a job’: Victim appeals to thieves after bike stolen
Tuesday 30 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Local, National
Police have confirmed that the number of stolen motorbikes for the month of July has dropped, however, a recent victim is calling on those committing the offence to look for work and purchase a motorbike for themselves.
Cook Islands rep honoured with prestigious maritime award
Monday 29 July 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands permanent representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Captain Ian Finley, has been honoured with the esteemed International Maritime Award.
New dental clinic aims to preserve ‘beautiful, healthy smiles’ in Raro
Monday 29 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, Local, National
A former Ministry of Health head has called for expanded healthcare services as the Rarotonga Medical Centre opened a new dental clinic offering a wider range of treatments.
School holidays boost numbers for Oire Nikao
Monday 29 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, Local, National
It has been challenging for Oire Nikao to prepare for the 2024 Te Maeva Nui due to a shortage of members.
ICI outlines road repair plans, reveals cost of tarsealing 1km
Monday 29 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
Infrastructure Cook Islands says the cost of tar-sealing a kilometre of road in Rarotonga is around $80,000 to $120,000.
Minister to house man accused of burglary
Monday 29 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A man known to the Cook Islands Police was granted bail by Justice of the Peace Vania Kenning after it was confirmed that he would be residing with the Minister for Corrective Services and Tupapa Member of Parliament, George ‘Maggie’ Angene.
‘Dark oxygen’ discovery sparks call for independent seabed mining research
Monday 29 July 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Environment, Local, National
The recent discovery of oxygen production by deep-sea nodules has intensified concerns over the potential environmental impacts of deep-sea mining in the Cook Islands.
‘The greatest celebration’
Saturday 27 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
Te Maeva Nui, as we know it today, is the most important annual festival in the Cook Islands and the best time to experience all aspects of Cook Islands traditional and modern culture.
Star navigators to jet planes: From ancient voyagers to modern arrivals
Saturday 27 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, Go Local, National
The theme for this year’s Te Maeva Nui Festival is “Te au Tauranga Rongonui o taku enua/matakeinanga – The important ports of my island/tribe.”
‘Our culture reminds us of who we are and where we come from’
Saturday 27 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
Kia Orana tatou katoa i te aroa kenakore o to tatou Atu. Te rekareka nei au ite akaaravei ia tatou na roto i teia tataanga; ia tatou e tapapa atu nei no teia tuatau akamaaraanga ite ivangauruanga ma iva mataiti na tatou rai tatou e akaaere.
Cultural groups gear up for spectacular Te Maeva Nui
Saturday 27 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
The annual Te Maeva Nui is Cook Islands’ biggest and greatest cultural performing arts festival that showcases the rich cultural heritage and traditions of its people in commemoration of the country’s self-governance in 1965.
Youngsters ace-ing their holidays
Saturday 27 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, National, Sports, Tennis
While most children are relaxing during their school holidays, a dedicated group of primary school students from Apii Te Uki Ou are taking to the tennis courts to sharpen their skills and revive their passion for the sport.
