National

Storm slams west coast

Friday 3 January 2020 | Published in National

A massive clean-up was underway yesterday after the tail end of ex-tropical Cyclone Sarai smashed the western side of Rarotonga on New Year’s Day.

National

Obey rules or it's jail, say police

Tuesday 31 December 2019 | Written by Cameron Scott | Published in Local

Non-cooperative motorists are creating problems at safety checkpoints around the island, prompting yet another warning from police.

Local

At sea for the New Year

Tuesday 31 December 2019 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in National

Tongan cargo vessel Taka-I-Pomana may be the only hope left for 200-plus Northern Group islanders waiting to travel to their home islands. The ship was due to arrive at Rarotonga last night, and yesterday harbour master John Jessie said he expected it would berth at around 10pm.

National

Countdown to big night out on Raro

Tuesday 31 December 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National

Fireworks, dance parties, great food – and something for the children too. It’s all go on the island tonight, as Rarotonga counts down from 2019 into the New Year.

National

Tajiya aims to inspire

Tuesday 31 December 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Local

Helping inspire others to chase and achieve their dreams is one of Tajiya Sahay’s goals for 2020. The Miss World Oceania and Miss Cook Islands is on holiday in Europe with her family before she embarks on a journey to raise funds for charity projects around the world.

Local

Police warns against cybercrime

Monday 30 December 2019 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in National

Cook Islanders are not exempt from facing the legal consequences of cybercrime committed on the world wide web. Katrina Tanirau reports A Facebook spat between a Cook Islands resident and business has highlighted the dangers of social media and posting information and allegations about an individual, their family or business in a public forum of cyberspace. Cook Islands Police has a warning for those committing cybercrimes here or abroad, which impacts on Cook Islands. Normal laws apply when it comes to online scams and hacking, harassment and stalking, sex cases, identity theft and fraud, it says.

National

Palmerston among world's most unexplored places

Monday 30 December 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Outer Islands

Palmerston Island has been named one of the 12 world’s most unexplored places by an American online media company. Insider, which is known for publishing the financial news website Business Insider and other news and media website, says Palmerston is a remote island in the South Pacific that’s visited by a supply ship only a couple times a year.

Outer Islands

Library receives consolidated law books

Monday 30 December 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local

The Cook Islands Parliament has donated the ten volumes of “Consolidated laws of the Cook Islands” from 1965 to 1994 to the Cook Islands National Library – Te Runanga Puka. Acting Library manager Odile Urirau said the donation would help to support the core function of the national library.

Local

Economic growth expected to drop to 2.4 per cent

Monday 30 December 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy

Cook Islands’ economic growth is expected to plummet to an average of 2.4 per cent over the next four years, estimates the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management. According to a report in the 2019/20 Half-Year Economic and Fiscal Update, the downturn is due to the capacity constraints experienced by the economy.

Economy

Fireworks warning

Monday 30 December 2019 | Published in Local

As we reach the peak of our holiday season celebrations, it is important that pet owners are cautionary and extra mindful of their furry companions. Hereiti File reports. Pet owners are being reminded to safely tie or lock up their pets during the festivities, especially on New Year’s Eve tomorrow. Cook Islands SPCA says the noise from the fireworks tomorrow may terrify dogs and prompt them from running away from their homes.

Local

Assault case deferred to Friday

Monday 30 December 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime

A man who has been charged with two counts of assault on a female will have his case heard again this Friday. Patrick Luma represented by defense counsel Mark Short is charged for assaulting his partner and a family member.

Crime

Siblings meet their long lost brother

Monday 30 December 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local

Meeting their long lost brother Ngatokoa Mairaro for the first time was an emotional for the rest of Mama Tara Vavia Tereroa’s children at the family’s first reunion on Aitutaki.

Local

New fishing charter promises jobs

Monday 30 December 2019 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Economy

By Cook Islands, for the Cook Islands, is the philosophy behind Sakula Charters, a new fishing charter to enter the country’s pool of fishing businesses.