National
Tereora College revives decade-old flag-raising ceremony, unite students
Friday 14 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, National
Tereora College’s student leaders have started the year on a high note by reviving a significant old practice, the flag-raising ceremony, which was last held about a decade ago.
No delays to solar battery project from NZ funding: MFEM
Friday 14 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) says the funding for the Northern Group Battery Replacement Project was approved in March 2024 and that no delays can be attributed to New Zealand, despite recent discussions in Parliament suggesting otherwise.
Business concerns lead to discharge without conviction in machete case
Friday 14 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
Two 20-year-old men were discharged without conviction for carrying a machete, due to potential impacts on their businesses.
Man disqualified from driving for 18 months
Friday 14 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A man who has been convicted for an excess breath alcohol charge for the third time has been disqualified from driving for 18 months.
EBA and careless driving cases adjourned
Friday 14 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A 42-year-old suspect, who had crashed a car opposite The Islander Hotel colliding into parked vehicles last Saturday morning, has had his case adjourned to April 3.
Concerns rise over fuel quality after contaminated petrol incident
Friday 14 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
In a frustrating turn of events, a woman found herself stranded and facing unexpected high repair costs after purchasing petrol from a convenience store that unintentionally sold contaminated petrol.
Minister Mokoroa stresses need to ‘accommodate’ diverse faiths
Friday 14 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National
Cook Islands needs to consider how to support and accommodate people of other faiths living here, says the Minister for Justice, as a parliamentary committee reviews submissions on a proposal to declare the country a Christian state.
Immigration strengthens workforce resilience and service delivery
Thursday 13 March 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) completed a recruitment round in February 2025 to fill vacancies within the Immigration border team.
Lack of recognition for indigenous women and girls
Thursday 13 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) meets annually to address the widespread inequalities, violence and discrimination women continue to face around the world.
Opposition decries delay cost for battery replacement project
Thursday 13 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands, Parliament
Opposition leader Tina Browne has criticised the delay in the Northern Group Battery Replacement Project, saying it is costing taxpayers as island governments continue to spend large amounts on diesel to keep power running.
Court news
Thursday 13 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A businesswoman charged for failing to pay contributions to the Cook Islands National Superannuation Fund (CINSF) has pleaded guilty.
Defence lawyer calls for cannabis decriminalisation
Thursday 13 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
A defence lawyer is calling on the government to consider decriminalising cannabis.
Ministry of Education warns public of fake scholarship scam on Facebook
Thursday 13 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, National
The Ministry of Education is warning the public about fraudulent social media posts claiming the Ministry is offering free scholarships to people aged 18-65.
$72k land reform trips hit by poor attendance, late notice
Thursday 13 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
Taxpayer-funded land reform consultation trips to New Zealand and Australia, costing over $72,000, suffered from poor attendance due to late notice distribution, according to a report submitted to Parliament.
Cook Islands voyagers share skills, strengthen ties in Hawai’i
Wednesday 12 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands Voyaging Society crew members are visiting Hawai’i to enhance, teach and explore their navigational skills and seafaring techniques, as well as to strengthen ties with the Polynesian voyaging community.
Crown Law Office on track for record number of lawyers
Wednesday 12 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, Local, National
The Crown Law Office is on course to have its highest number of lawyers ever, a significant improvement from just five lawyers in August last year.
Former NZ police prosecutor joins Cook Islands Crown Law
Wednesday 12 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, National
A 44-year-old former New Zealand police prosecutor of Samoan ethnicity is the newest addition to the Cook Islands Crown Law Office
Court news
Wednesday 12 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
The case of Poe Poila, who is co-accused in the matter involving sporting executive Romani Katoa, has been adjourned to April 14.
$12.9m approved for solar battery project, NZ confirms
Wednesday 12 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National, Outer Islands, Technology
New Zealand says it approved $12.9 million for the Northern Group Battery Replacement Project a year ago, after Prime Minister Mark Brown told Parliament they were still working with the NZ government to start the project.
Four students head to Japan for cultural exchange
Tuesday 11 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Education, Local, National, Outer Islands
Four Cook Islands students are heading to Japan for a cultural exchange programme, where they will immerse themselves in Japanese culture while sharing their knowledge of Cook Islands culture.
