National
STI cases on the rise
Monday 2 September 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National
The top five laboratory-confirmed cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the Cook Islands in the last 10 years are chlamydia, candidiasis, gonorrhoea, syphilis and hepatitis B.
Apii Nikao prioritises inclusive learning with new sensory rooms
Saturday 31 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Apii Nikao is excited to announce the opening of two new sensory rooms designed to support students with additional needs providing comfortable spaces where students can feel at ease.
‘A fair game for all’: No return to ranking at Te Maeva Nui, says Culture
Saturday 31 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Cook Islands Ministry of Cultural Development has ruled out the possibility of reintroducing the ranking system for Te Maeva Nui unless all participating teams agree, citing concerns about fairness and the preservation of cultural diversity.
Carr elected new president of Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council
Saturday 31 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council has elected Tere Carr, owner of Lagoon Breeze Villas, as its new president for 2024-2025 financial year.
Accused rapist admits to 47 charges, suppression lifted
Saturday 31 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
Interim name suppression on a man who was charged with allegations of rape, indecent assault and inducing an indecent act on minors has been lifted.
Theft matter adjourned to October 25
Saturday 31 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
The theft matter against Sina Daniel was adjourned to October 25 at the High Court call over before Chief Justice Patrick Keane on Friday.
Inflation eases but concerns remain
Saturday 31 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National
The inflation rate in the Cook Islands has begun to ease, currently at 2.8 per cent annually, but concerns persist over the ongoing increase in prices, albeit at a slower pace.
Living off the land and sea
Saturday 31 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National
A 69-year-old father, Nato Temu Junior, and his 80-year-old sister, Fever Teira Tana, who live alone at their family home in Tupapa, are living happily and unbothered by the ongoing rise in inflation, which has increased by 2.8 per cent this year.
Te Ipukarea Society: Ī’oi project takes flight
Saturday 31 August 2024 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
This week marked an exciting milestone for the Ī’oi project led by Te Ipukarea Society, as researchers successfully captured and tagged the first ī’oi in the Takitumu Conservation Area.
NES reviews national biodiversity strategy
Friday 30 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National
The National Environment Service (NES) will be seeking the public’s, government agencies and non-governmental organisations’ perspectives on plans to update the Cook Islands National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP).
Paikea unveils new star compass and oe
Friday 30 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation welcomed onboard Vaka Paikea outgoing New Zealand High Commissioner to the Cook Islands, Tui Dewes, for the blessing of their new carved etu marama star compass and the naming of their oe “inuinutai”.
Woman fined for drunk driving
Friday 30 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Culture, National
A woman who has been convicted and ordered to pay a fine of $218 for excess blood alcohol and careless driving charges has also been disqualified from driving for 12 months.
Accused burglar denied bail
Friday 30 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, National
Nineteen-year-old Melvin Eli, one of the accused alleged to have been involved in the recent break-in reported around Avarua, has been denied bail as police prosecution revealed he could face up to nine burglary charges.
‘His legacy is one of unity and strength’: Cook Islands mourn the loss of Māori King
Friday 30 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, New Zealand, Regional
The Cook Islands community is deeply saddened by the passing of Kīngi Tūheitia Paki, the Māori King, who was a frequent and cherished visitor to the islands.
MoE committed to supporting students amid NCEA concerns
Friday 30 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Cook Islands students are ‘outperforming’ the Pacific and Māori cohorts in New Zealand in the new National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) literacy and numeracy tests.
A father’s wish: Naea’s unfulfilled dream
Thursday 29 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
Okirua Naea’s greatest wish is that his children had met the man who raised him into the father he is today.
Tararo’s commitment to God and family
Thursday 29 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
A 29-year-old father of two, Bernard Tararo, is setting an example for all young fathers in the Cook Islands that commitment and faith are key to building a successful family.
The General’s greatest gift
Thursday 29 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
A former Cook Islands rugby star and grandfather of 11, reflects on his journey as a father and husband, emphasising the importance of love, support and equality in family relationships
Dr Nio honoured for dental excellence
Thursday 29 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Health, In Depth, National
A proud dentist from Tai-Ote-Papa on the island of Pukapuka, Dr Kirianu ‘Dash’ Nio, has made history by becoming the first Cook Islander and the eighth in the Pacific region to be recognised as a Fellow of The International College of Dentists (ICD).
PM Brown pushes for more funding for Pacific Resilience Facility
Thursday 29 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
The Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) which was initiated under Prime Minister Mark Brown’s leadership as the chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, is currently sitting at approximately US$200 million (NZ$317.84m), only 13 per cent of the initial US$1.5 billion target.
