National
Cook Islands sees surge in suspicious activity reports
Thursday 12 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, National, Parliament
The Cook Islands Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) received 72 suspected activity reports (SARs) in the 2023-2024 financial year, the majority of which were domestic.
Carrying on the tradition: Mitiaro’s new Ariki pledges to strengthen community ties
Wednesday 11 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National, Outer Islands
Mii Tungane Kauvai has been invested with the traditional title of Te Maeu O Te Rangi Teikamata Ariki of Nukuroa/Mitiaro, continuing the legacy of her late mother.
TMO launches initiative to combat ‘underdiagnosed’ sleep apnoea
Wednesday 11 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National
Cook Islands is addressing the underdiagnosed issue of sleep apnoea through a new sleep clinic initiative, with the aim of improving public health and reducing related health complications.
Building resilience against trafficking in fishing sector
Wednesday 11 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) participated in a two-day introductory workshop on Identifying and Referring Victims of Trafficking and Labour Exploitation in the Context of the Fishing Industry.
Public input sought on proposal to make Cook Islands a Christian nation
Wednesday 11 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Parliament
A proposal to amend the Constitution and declare the Cook Islands a Christian nation is being considered by a Special Select Committee established by Parliament a week ago to address the ongoing debate on religious organisations.
Climate crisis erodes Cook Islands’ cultural identity, Wichman tells ICJ
Wednesday 11 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National
Cook Islands has highlighted the impact of climate change on cultural heritage, particularly for women, during its historic participation at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearings in a landmark climate change case.
Penrhyn’s Omoka School hosts annual prizegiving for first time
Tuesday 10 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
In a historic first, Tetautua School students in Penrhyn travelled across their lagoon highway to Omoka School who hosted their annual prizegiving day event for the first time ever.
Solid and Hazardous Waste Bill referred to Parliament committee
Tuesday 10 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National, Parliament
The Solid and Hazardous Waste Bill 2024 that has been referred to the Bills, Petitions and Papers Committee is a culmination of many years of hard work of the current and previous heads of the Ministry of Infrastructure Cook Islands, says Deputy Prime Minister Albert Nicholas.
Judge alone trial begins for man accused of violent domestic abuse
Tuesday 10 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
The judge-alone trial of a man who faces eight counts of assault on a female by punching her began at the Cook Islands High Court yesterday.
Cook Islands participate in inaugural ASEAN maritime and connectivity conference
Tuesday 10 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in National
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) director of International and Trade Division, Mackenzi Wichman, participated in the inaugural Maritime Cooperation and Connectivity Conference, an implementation project of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Ministry of Health launches new policy to promote breastfeeding
Tuesday 10 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National
Breastfeeding is a vital component of infant health and development, providing essential nutrients that are crucial during the first months of life.
Government fends off cyberattacks, passes Bill to strengthen financial transparency
Tuesday 10 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament, Technology
Significant attempts were made from overseas to hack into the government’s central network a few weeks ago, revealed Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Launch of late Sir Gaven Donne biography
Monday 9 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National
On Saturday morning, Nick Donne launched the self-published biography of his father the late Sir Gaven Donne “No man is an Island” at the Bounty Bookshop in downtown Avarua, Rarotonga.
Police need numbers and bigger budget
Monday 9 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands Police Services media and strategic advisor Trevor Pitt says police have not suffered from a leadership vacuum or mismanagement but the issues they face are the inadequate appropriation of their annual budget and staff shortages.
Government agencies fail to submit reports: PAC chair calls for action
Monday 9 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Parliament
Nearly half of Cook Islands government agencies have failed to submit their mandatory reports to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), and majority of those submitted are deemed substandard, according to PAC Chair Teokotai Herman.
Cook Islands at the International Court of Justice
Monday 9 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands has made history by concluding its participation in the oral hearings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the request for an advisory opinion on the obligations of States in relation to climate change.
Parliament briefs:
Monday 9 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
Government has not made any considerations to re-establish the Vaka Council, says Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Man hospitalised after crashing into a power pole
Monday 9 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Crime, National
A 34-year-old man was admitted to the Rarotonga Hospital after he crashed in Muri on Sunday morning. It is a suspected alcohol-related incident.
Emotional groundbreaking for Fale Niue
Saturday 7 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Niue, Regional
The Niue Community and Friends Inc, Society were overwhelmed to finally host their Groundbreaking ceremony for their Fale Niue Kūki ʻĀirani hostel in Tupapa.
Top cop position advertised
Saturday 7 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
Opposition Leader Tina Browne says it is a relief to see a critical position in the police service finally advertised despite the delay—months after the previous Police Commissioner’s resignation left a leadership vacuum that has undermined the effectiveness of the Police Services and compromised public safety.