National

Chlorine is in the country

Saturday 13 July 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Health

Government is ready to spend $500,000 a year on 100 tonnes of chlorination chemicals. The public has been kept in the dark about chlorination chemicals already shipped into the country for the pipeline project.

Health

From tropical Raro to icy US lakes 'the old-fashioned way'

Friday 12 July 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local

The difference could barely be more stark: from the tropical atolls of the Cook Islands, to the Great Lakes on the border of Canada and the US, that ice over in winter.

Local

Cooks' first woman PM – for one week

Friday 12 July 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Politics

Low-ranked minister Rose Toki-Brown has leap-frogged her more senior colleagues to serve this week as acting prime minister.

Politics

Vigilante threats to car robbers

Friday 12 July 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime

With dozens of smash-and-grabs from cars at Rarotonga’s most popular tourist hotspots, an opposition MP is leading calls for locals to take the law into their own hands.

Crime

Hi-tech lab to protect fruit exports

Friday 12 July 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Technology

After 10 years of planning the Ministry of Agriculture has finally opened its very own first pathology laboratory, an essential biosecurity service to allow the Cooks to export produce to New Zealand and further afield.

Technology

Health plan to respond to addiction

Friday 12 July 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health

The country is urgently working to pull together a health strategy to deal with drug addicts, as part of the Ministry of Health’s plans for next year.

Health

Gangs and meth threaten

Friday 12 July 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime

Six gang members were stopped trying to enter Cook Islands last month, as government prepares drug enforcement strategy.

Crime

Climate change and El Niño coult combine in perfect storm

Friday 12 July 2019 | Written by Anneka Brown | Published in Weather

Scientists warn the Cook Islands and equatorial Pacific region face new extremes of weather.

Weather

'We will forever remember you Raro'

Thursday 11 July 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local

The two-masted Marconi rigged schooner Argo has stopped by in Rarotonga with 17 students from the US and a crew of seven.

Local

Stink! Curing Raro dogs' Raro worms

Thursday 11 July 2019 | Written by Anneka Brown | Published in Local

Because Rarotonga is reliant on visiting volunteer vets, sometimes there is nobody on the island qualified to help sick and injured animal. That’s why Te Are Manu is appealing for public help.

Local

The final straw

Thursday 11 July 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy

Trader Jack’s was the first bar on the island to ban plastic straws, two years ago.

Economy

Tour operators show interest for Environment Certification

Thursday 11 July 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Environment

More tour operators around the island are showing interest in promoting environmentally friendly products and services.

Environment

Cooks goal: The first smoke-free islands

Thursday 11 July 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health

Vivian Inangaro Taia started smoking at the age of 14. She would have to hide with her friends. By the age of 23, the Mitiaro mum had begun to smoke openly.

Health

Safety fears: Islands lose AM radio

Thursday 11 July 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National

Radio Cook Islands has criticised the decision to demolish the 107-metre Matavera AM radio mast, leaving the outer islands with no secure communications with the outside world.