National
Opposition leader Browne declines invitation, MPs eye return to PAC
Friday 19 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
The Leader of the Opposition has declined to rejoin the Public Accounts Committee while two Opposition MPs have expressed interest in returning to the committee.
Water petition gains momentum, organising committee meets House of Ariki
Thursday 18 July 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Environment, Local, National
The petition opposing the planned water tariffs in Rarotonga is gaining momentum with over 1500 signatures so far including support from the Pa Enua and Cook Islanders residing overseas.
Chinese province donates equipment to Cook Islands, eyes broader cooperation
Thursday 18 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands
Cook Islands and China’s Guangdong province strengthened ties through equipment donations and discussions on future collaboration in areas like agriculture, fisheries and cultural exchange.
Japan pledges inter island vessel, farm equipment
Thursday 18 July 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands
Cook Islands and Japan discussed strengthening cooperation on climate change, shipping, renewable energy, technology and regional issues like nuclear wastewater discharge and Pacific banking.
Education head Lewis to attend Sports Ministers Meeting in Paris
Thursday 18 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education, Local, National
Secretary of Education Owen Lewis has been granted leave to attend a sports ministers meeting in Paris, France, leading up to the 2024 Olympic Games.
Rarotonga’s winter chill brings flu risk
Thursday 18 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Weather
Ministry of Health is encouraging people to get flu vaccinations and practice good hygiene as the winter season brings colder temperatures.
Apii Nikao students showcase culture in Maori Week performances
Thursday 18 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education, National
Apii Nikao students celebrated Cook Islands Maori Week with a hive of activities before heading into their school break for the end of term two, which begins tomorrow.
Cook Islands and ADB discuss continued partnership for development goals
Wednesday 17 July 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
Public Service Commissioner Carl Hunter and Asian Development Bank (ADB) representative James Webb met last month in Rarotonga to discuss forward co-operation between the Cook Islands and the ADB in the public sector.
Tapaitau appeal dismissed
Wednesday 17 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
Former deputy prime minister Robert Tapaitau will continue serving his two-year-and-nine-months sentence after an appeal against it was dismissed this week by the Court of Appeal.
Minister to make history as first female chair of WHO meeting
Wednesday 17 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, National
Minister for Health Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown is set to become the first female to chair the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for the Western Pacific meeting in Manila, Philippines, this October.
Public input sought on Sovereign Wealth Fund
Wednesday 17 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Local, National, Technology
Public consultations on establishing a Sovereign Wealth Fund, “a long-term savings account for future generations of the Cook Islands”, begin this evening at 6pm in Vaka Takitumu at the Matavera CICC Sunday School Hall.
Family business builds on legacy: Wichman children lead Cook Islands Building Supplies expansion
Wednesday 17 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National
The Wichman family-built Cook Islands Building Supplies has grown from a small store to a leading supplier with a new fleet, bigger warehouse and expansion plans.
Ex-top cop gets leeway on vehicle
Wednesday 17 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Local, National
Despite his retirement, Cook Islands’ former police commissioner is allowed temporary use of a police vehicle while he moves his belongings and a permanent replacement is being chosen.
Love and reconciliation: Retired Bishop calls for renewal in farewell sermon
Tuesday 16 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National
Retired Bishop Paul Donoghue delivered a farewell sermon emphasising the importance of good leadership and the need for love and reconciliation within the Catholic Diocese of Rarotonga.
Training aims to combat plant pests
Tuesday 16 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, Local, National
The Plant Health Clinic Training, held for the first time at the Ministry of Agriculture, aims to enhance the skills of the ministry’s extension officers and identify potential plant threats to bolster Cook Islands’ farming sector.
New Public Health Act not implemented for upcoming Tutaka programme
Tuesday 16 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, Local, National
The upcoming Tutaka programme will proceed as planned without utilising any provisions of the new Public Health Act, says Te Marae Ora (TMO) health secretary Bob Williams.
Herrmann to remain acting MFAI Secretary
Tuesday 16 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
The Office of the Public Service Commissioner (OPSC) says incumbent Tepaeru Herrmann will continue as the acting Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI).
Police suspect ‘same culprit’ in multiple Avarua break-ins
Tuesday 16 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Crime, National
The Cook Islands Library and Museum and the University of the South Pacific Cook Islands Campus reported break-ins yesterday, with police suspecting the same culprit.
Sober drivers lead to crash-free weekend, gunshots reported
Tuesday 16 July 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Crime, National
A police traffic enforcement check in Rarotonga over weekend found that most drivers were sober, leading to a crash-free weekend.
Boost for Aitutaki healthcare
Monday 15 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, Local, National, Outer Islands
Aitutaki’s newly opened oxygen plant is expected to provide a significant boost to the island’s healthcare services, while expert technicians work to ensure its smooth operation.
