National

Air NZ is to continue one last weekly flight.

Tuesday 7 April 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy

Air New Zealand has now cut back its Auckland-Rarotonga flights to just one a week – but the governments of both countries expect the airline to maintain that last connection.

Economy

Keeping busy and creative in uncertain times

Tuesday 7 April 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Local

For as long as he’s been a builder Reikorangi Ellison, above left, dreamed of moving home to Rarotonga and starting his own construction company.

Local

Lockdown in NZ hospital

Monday 6 April 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local

Tupapa’s Julia Evans flew from Rarotonga to Christchurch to give birth to their baby. By the time she went into labour, Christchurch was going into full lockdown.

Local

Police warning: It's your funeral

Monday 6 April 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Crime

Police were called to two noisy 21st birthday parties this weekend, as the reality of new social distancing rules sink in.

Crime

Land sought for burial ground for migrant workers

Monday 6 April 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local

Government is in talks to provide land for a Fijian community cemetery, as the Covid-19 pandemic and travel bans mean it will not be possible to send bodies home to their families.

Local

Motorcyclist's head injuries at worst time for hospital

Monday 6 April 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Crime

A motorcyclist discovered the hard way that this is a bad time to ride recklessly.

Crime

Seeds of hope: Support package for growers welcomed

Monday 6 April 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Economy

Government support for growers and home gardeners provides first plan for food security and vision for new export revenues.

Economy

Kids page: Kids Club at home

Saturday 4 April 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education

Inalie Loki, 8, and Aaliyah Rogers, 6, have been home for the past two weeks thanks to Covid-19’s early school break.

Education

Sanitiser price hike despite warning

Saturday 4 April 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local

Hand sanitiser is expected to go up in price as demand outstrips supply.

Local

Nurse: 'This is a challenge to all of us'

Saturday 4 April 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local

Twenty-one years’ experience in nursing – but nothing can prepare you for a health response of the scale the world is embarking on this month.

Local

Sick and old 'worryingly' vulnerable

Saturday 4 April 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Local

Door-to-door survey sparks concerns at 15-person homes and unexpectedly high numbers of vulnerable, sick people.

Local

'I hate that I am stranded but I'm glad borders are closed'

Saturday 4 April 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local

It was less than a month ago that Gaylyn Lockington flew to New Zealand for the birth of her grandson Boston Kea Gray.

Local

Stranded in NZ: Up to $650/week

Saturday 4 April 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Local

Cook Islands residents stranded in New Zealand can claim up to $650 a week government support.

Local

The Islander group cuts to 53 core staff

Saturday 4 April 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy

One of the leading tourism businesses in the country is running special deals on meals to clear their stock.

Economy

Downturn at least 6 to 9 months, says govt

Saturday 4 April 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Economy

Finance Minister Mark Brown has spoken candidly about the long months ahead.

Economy

Palm leaves on the doors

Saturday 4 April 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local

Covid-19 has brought Christian worship home in new ways. Since Covid-19 put a paurch on church services on Rarotonga, people have been encouraged to pray in their homes, quarantined away by yellow and orange flags.