National
Apii Nikao students showcase culture in Maori Week performances
Thursday 18 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education, National
Apii Nikao students celebrated Cook Islands Maori Week with a hive of activities before heading into their school break for the end of term two, which begins tomorrow.
Cook Islands and ADB discuss continued partnership for development goals
Wednesday 17 July 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
Public Service Commissioner Carl Hunter and Asian Development Bank (ADB) representative James Webb met last month in Rarotonga to discuss forward co-operation between the Cook Islands and the ADB in the public sector.
Tapaitau appeal dismissed
Wednesday 17 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
Former deputy prime minister Robert Tapaitau will continue serving his two-year-and-nine-months sentence after an appeal against it was dismissed this week by the Court of Appeal.
Minister to make history as first female chair of WHO meeting
Wednesday 17 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, National
Minister for Health Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown is set to become the first female to chair the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for the Western Pacific meeting in Manila, Philippines, this October.
Public input sought on Sovereign Wealth Fund
Wednesday 17 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Local, National, Technology
Public consultations on establishing a Sovereign Wealth Fund, “a long-term savings account for future generations of the Cook Islands”, begin this evening at 6pm in Vaka Takitumu at the Matavera CICC Sunday School Hall.
Family business builds on legacy: Wichman children lead Cook Islands Building Supplies expansion
Wednesday 17 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National
The Wichman family-built Cook Islands Building Supplies has grown from a small store to a leading supplier with a new fleet, bigger warehouse and expansion plans.
Ex-top cop gets leeway on vehicle
Wednesday 17 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Local, National
Despite his retirement, Cook Islands’ former police commissioner is allowed temporary use of a police vehicle while he moves his belongings and a permanent replacement is being chosen.
Love and reconciliation: Retired Bishop calls for renewal in farewell sermon
Tuesday 16 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National
Retired Bishop Paul Donoghue delivered a farewell sermon emphasising the importance of good leadership and the need for love and reconciliation within the Catholic Diocese of Rarotonga.
Training aims to combat plant pests
Tuesday 16 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, Local, National
The Plant Health Clinic Training, held for the first time at the Ministry of Agriculture, aims to enhance the skills of the ministry’s extension officers and identify potential plant threats to bolster Cook Islands’ farming sector.
New Public Health Act not implemented for upcoming Tutaka programme
Tuesday 16 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, Local, National
The upcoming Tutaka programme will proceed as planned without utilising any provisions of the new Public Health Act, says Te Marae Ora (TMO) health secretary Bob Williams.
Herrmann to remain acting MFAI Secretary
Tuesday 16 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
The Office of the Public Service Commissioner (OPSC) says incumbent Tepaeru Herrmann will continue as the acting Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI).
Police suspect ‘same culprit’ in multiple Avarua break-ins
Tuesday 16 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Crime, National
The Cook Islands Library and Museum and the University of the South Pacific Cook Islands Campus reported break-ins yesterday, with police suspecting the same culprit.
Sober drivers lead to crash-free weekend, gunshots reported
Tuesday 16 July 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Crime, National
A police traffic enforcement check in Rarotonga over weekend found that most drivers were sober, leading to a crash-free weekend.
Boost for Aitutaki healthcare
Monday 15 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, Local, National, Outer Islands
Aitutaki’s newly opened oxygen plant is expected to provide a significant boost to the island’s healthcare services, while expert technicians work to ensure its smooth operation.
Young Aitutaki mariners set sail for global qualifications
Monday 15 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National, Outer Islands
Young men from Aitutaki are on a pathway to further their maritime knowledge and skills by attending a Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) course, a globally recognised set of standards for sailors, in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Fukofuka-Murare takes up deputy high comm role
Monday 15 July 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, Local, National
The Cook Islands High Commission in New Zealand has welcomed Deputy High Commissioner Amelia Fukofuka-Murare.
Ombudsman cites privacy in refusal to discuss police complaint matters
Monday 15 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Local, National
The Office of the Ombudsman says it is difficult and improper to discuss cases that are referred to them as they are private matters.
Known offender appears in court for multiple burglaries
Monday 15 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
A man in his 20s has been given time to seek legal advice after he was arrested and remanded in custody for burglary charges.
Court news
Monday 15 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A repeat offender was back in court for a common assault charge last week. Okirua Manuela was charged with common assault, accused of assaulting a man in Avatiu on May 1.
Govt to acquire cargo ships, plans to take control of domestic shipping
Monday 15 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands
Cook Islands government is awaiting confirmation from Japan that a cargo-passenger ship meeting their specific requirements will arrive before the end of the year, while also negotiating with China for a second ship.
