National
Cyclone on our horizon
Saturday 9 February 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Weather
A tropical depression in the path of the Cook Islands could turn into a tropical cyclone this weekend.
Creating vibrant art from everyday trash
Saturday 9 February 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local
Weaving vibrant intricate art pieces from every day trash, is a passion for Sabine Janneck, a staunch advocator of waste management.
DAY 11: Talbot in Queenstown
Saturday 9 February 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local
Creative Trail hiker James Talbot has made it to his first major stop on his 3200- kilometre walk in New Zealand, the tourist mecca of Queenstown.
Probe into bunker vessel
Saturday 9 February 2019 | Published in Local
The Ministry of Marine Resources has started an investigation into an incident involving a Cook Islands-flagged bunker vessel that provided assistance to a fish factory vessel on a list of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing vessels. Director of Offshore Fisheries Tim Costelloe says the ministry was notified in December by the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO) that the bunker vessel had breached regulations. He says the Cook Islands has been working closely with the organisation to resolve the issue, as one of its 15 member countries. The bunker vessel, Hai Soon 26 – an oil tanker that refuels other vessels at sea - is one of only six of the Singaporean Hai Soon company’s large fleet registered to the Cook Islands. “We were advised of the breach of SPRFMO regulations resulting from the transfer of fuel to the fishing vessel. As a result, the ministry undertook an investigation into the matter, and must now provide a compliance plan to SPRFMO outlining how it will ensure this breach does not occur again.” The ministry has advised the Hai Soon company of updated requirements to ensure incidents of this type do not re-occur. “Hai Soon followed procedure in providing prior notification to MMR of the fuel transfer which took place just outside Peru’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in July last year. “It appears the Hai Soon company may have been unaware of the fishing vessel’s IUU listing at the time the fuel order was made. A vessel name change also appears to have added to the operator’s confusion. “As far as the ministry is aware, the vessel is operating under a new name and new ownership and had applied to be removed from the IUU list.” The refuelling event took place during a trip where the fishing vessel was not conducting any fishing activities, but navigating with a skeleton crew from Peru to China, after being cleared by the USA, Belize and Peruvian authorities through due legal process. MMR Secretary, Pamela Maru, welcomes the requirement to submit a plan to SPRFMO using it as “an opportunity to review management measures we have in place, and to identify how we can further strengthen these. “The Cook Islands has a robust regulatory framework for managing offshore fishery resources, including a highly skilled and dedicated fisheries monitoring, surveillance and enforcement team to track and control fishing vessel activities and ensure compliance.” The ministry uses a suite of tools and technology such as the satellite-based vessel monitoring system, electronic reporting of catch, fisheries observers, boarding and inspections as well as a network of compliance officers around the region that aid in the management of fishing vessels. - MMR
4.4pc jump in visitors
Saturday 9 February 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
Visitor arrivals to the country have set another record, but Cook Islands Tourism says well balanced numbers spread throughout the year enables modest growth without placing undue stress on infrastructure.
Resort gets behind the climb
Friday 8 February 2019 | Written by Richard Moore | Published in Local
The new owners of Magic Reef Beach Bungalows in Arorangi have got behind their local Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade by sponsoring their Sky Tower Stair Climb challenge.
Warning as thieves pick on scooters
Friday 8 February 2019 | Published in Crime
Police are concerned over an increase in thefts as criminals look for soft targets.
Leading the way in UAE
Friday 8 February 2019 | Published in Politics
Prime minister Henry Puna will be attending the World Government Congress in Abu Dhabi this week after an invitation by His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ruler of Abu Dhabi and president of the United Arab Emirates.
Day 10.5: So far 87 donors for Creative Centre
Friday 8 February 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local
James Talbot continues his 3200 kilometre walk in New Zealand along the Te Araroa Trail aiming to raise $300,000 for the Creative Centre in Rarotonga.
Date set for by-election
Friday 8 February 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Chief electoral officer Taggy Tangimetua has set March 18 as the by-election date for the vacant Tengatangi-Areora-Ngatiarua seat.
Fundraiser for Lotu
Thursday 7 February 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health
Sadly, 9-year-old Lotu Vaevae Pare has been recently diagnosed with leukaemia.
Gallery launches fine-art auction
Thursday 7 February 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Culture
Bergman Gallery is introducing a new project by the Print Room at Beachcomber Pearl Market.
Day 10: Talbot adjusts to nature, walk continues
Thursday 7 February 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local
James Talbot says he is now adjusting to nature and the groove of things as he continues his Creative Trail Feb 2019 walk in New Zealand.
Apii Mauke roll steady
Thursday 7 February 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education
It’s a great start for Apii Mauke this year with a steady school roll number of 64 students.
Nicholas enters not guilty plea in NZ
Thursday 7 February 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Politics
Member of Parliament Albert Nicholas entered a plea of “not guilty” in the Manukau District Court this week, to the charge of unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.
Writing competition for students now open
Thursday 7 February 2019 | Published in Education
A love story and poetry writing competition has been organised by the Ministry of Education.
Te-Hani quits Demos
Thursday 7 February 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Te-Hani Brown has quit the Democratic Party and will stand as an independent candidate for her current seat in the upcoming by-election.
Traditional No'oanga in memory of fallen soldier
Thursday 7 February 2019 | Published in Local
A Cook Islands traditional chair was presented to the In Flanders Fields Museum in Belgium in remembrance of Kiro Luke Adam, the only Cook islander to be buried in Belgium during World War I.
Rebuilding an icon
Wednesday 6 February 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture
A small team of hard-working volunteers are putting in a great deal of time and effort to rebuild Vaka Marumaru Atua in Auckland, New Zealand.
Composers contest being held tomorrow
Wednesday 6 February 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture
There have been seven registrations confirmed for the anticipated Te Mire ‘Atu composers competition to be held tomorrow at the National Auditorium.
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