National
Apii Avarua students enjoy science excursion
Wednesday 19 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Technology
Close to 40 Apii Avarua Year 8 students went on an enlightening science field trip to the CIC Ocean Science Centre.
Cooks participate in the regional workshop on the Biochemical Weapon Convention
Tuesday 18 March 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration’s (MFAI) participated in the Regional Workshop on the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), hosted by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) in Sydney, Australia.
Tourism engages with European and UK trade
Tuesday 18 March 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in National, Tourism
Cook Islands Tourism strengthened its European partnerships and promoted its destination through strategic business-to-business meetings and incentive programmes, aiming to increase visitor numbers and expenditure.
Cook Islands, Niue undertake immigration collaboration
Tuesday 18 March 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
The Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) hosted visiting Government of Niue senior immigration officer Olive Kapaga recently for a comprehensive study tour.
Tourism expands Kia Orana Ambassador Programme to schools and communities
Tuesday 18 March 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in National, Tourism
Cook Islands Tourism’s Kia Orana Ambassador Programme promotes responsible tourism by educating and engaging various community sectors, including tourism workers, schools and church groups, to uphold cultural and environmental values.
Concerns mount over ‘national security’ amid China’s influence
Tuesday 18 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Politics
Concerns over China’s growing influence in the Pacific, including in the Cook Islands following recent agreements between the two countries, have prompted calls from the Opposition for greater transparency and assurances regarding national security.
Rarotonga residents urged to prepare for Tutaka
Tuesday 18 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, National
Rarotonga residents are being urged to prepare for the upcoming Tutaka, a biannual public health inspection initiative, aimed at ensuring clean and safe living environments.
Man sentenced to additional 10 months for assault charges
Tuesday 18 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, National
A Rarotonga man guilty of assaulting a female has been sentenced to 10 months imprisonment for two assault charges, to be served consecutively with his current sentence.
Solar power project to boost hospital’s sustainability
Tuesday 18 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, Local, National
A new solar power system is set to be installed at Rarotonga Hospital, marking a significant step toward renewable energy use in the Cook Islands’ healthcare sector.
‘All I thought of was my boys’- Father saves sons from blazing house fire
Tuesday 18 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
In the early hours of what seemed to be an ordinary night, a father faced his worst nightmare when a fire broke out in his house in Takuvaine Valley early Sunday morning.
Manihiki residents show resilience amidst isolation and shipping delays
Monday 17 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Outer Islands
Over 200 residents of Manihiki continue to demonstrate resilience as they adapt to a lifestyle shaped by isolation, shipping delays and resource constraints.
Ministry of Transport enhances marine safety investigation capabilities
Monday 17 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Parliament
The Ministry of Transport is participating in a Regional Foundation Course on Marine Casualty Investigation to ensure accurate and accountable marine safety investigation reports.
Donor funds can be redirected for ‘additional activities’ with approval
Monday 17 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands
Government has clarified that while donor funds cannot be used for entirely new projects, adjustments within existing projects are possible with donor approval.
Online scammers impersonate friends, fake banks in Cook Islands
Monday 17 March 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Business, Crime, Local, National, Technology
Vulnerable Cook Islanders are being targeted by online scams involving fake prizes and fraudulent financial documents, leading to financial losses and potential security risks.
Rarotonga crime stats challenged
Saturday 15 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Local, National
Cook Islands Police data shows no increasing crime trend, but the Opposition leader and a road safety advocate argue understaffing and passive policing conceal actual crime and safety issues in Rarotonga.
Australian High Commission accepting applications for community grants
Saturday 15 March 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
The Australian High Commission has announced the opening of the Australia – Cook Islands Community Grants Program.
Sands of Rarotonga opens with new perks
Saturday 15 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National
The former Wellesley Hotel accommodation in Tutakimoa has been rebranded as Sands of Rarotonga, offering a more welcoming experience with new perks like free airport transfers and relaxed pool access for Lazy Trout diners, aiming to attract both tourists and locals.
MMR gains funding to strengthen tuna fisheries and food security
Saturday 15 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
The Cook Islands Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR) use its share of the US$156.8 million (NZ$272.8m) regional grant to assist in logistical and resourcing challenges.
The importance of Property Maintenance: Routine vs. Emergency Maintenance.
Friday 14 March 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Business, National
Maintaining your property, whether residential or commercial is essential for several reasons. Regular upkeep not only preserves the property’s value but also ensures tenant satisfaction and safety. There are benefits of both routine maintenance and emergency maintenance.
Cook Islands contribute to immigration regional governance discussions
Friday 14 March 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) participated in the 58th Pacific Immigration Development Community (PIDC) board meeting and strategic planning workshop held in Samoa from March 3 to 6.
