National
Seizure of Cook Islands-registered ship over alleged sabotage ‘creates a bad look’ for NZ
Monday 30 December 2024 | Written by RNZ | Published in National, Politics
A Cook Islands-registered ship being seized by Finnish authorities over a suspected incident of sabotage “creates a bad look” for New Zealand, an international law professor says.
Passport plan ‘not the best of the initiatives by the PM’: Government MP
Monday 30 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Politics
Government MPs remain uncertain about the proposed Cook Islands passport, intended to celebrate national pride and identity, with one MP stating that it is not among the Prime Minister’s best initiatives.
Roi appointed vice-chair of Asian Shipowners’ Association
Saturday 28 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
The Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) has acknowledged the recent resignation of Eleanor Roi from the CIIC Board, effective December 1, 2024.
Twelve months’ probation for man who threatened to kill neighbour
Saturday 28 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, Crime, National
A man convicted of threatening to kill his neighbour and wilfully trespassing on his neighbour’s property has been sentenced to 12 months of probation, with special conditions attached.
PM clarifies use of NGO logos in seabed mining consultation
Saturday 28 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, Local, National, Politics
Prime Minister Mark Brown has responded to concerns raised by two environmental groups, Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) and Korero o te Orau, regarding the government’s recent seabed mining consultation in New Zealand.
Amuri School alumni celebrate 60th birthday with reunion
Saturday 28 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Aitutaki played host to a heartfelt reunion from December 20 to 26, 2024, as former pupils of Amuri School gathered to commemorate their 60th birthday and relive cherished memories from their school days.
Mauke celebrates Christmas with traditional sports and festive cheer
Saturday 28 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Sports
The people of Mauke celebrated Christmas with a week of festivities, including traditional sports, netball, touch rugby, volleyball, a night market and a string band competition, culminating in a fireworks display last night. Nicolea Mateariki reports.
Three little miracles: Christmas babies born in Rarotonga
Saturday 28 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, Local, National
A rare and joyful occasion unfolded at the Rarotonga Hospital this Christmas as three babies were born on December 25, bringing extra cheer to the maternity ward.
International concerns grow as Cook Islands-flagged oil tanker seized
Saturday 28 December 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in National
A Cook Islands-flagged oil tanker is at the centre of an international investigation for its suspected role in the damage of an undersea power cable connecting Finland and Estonia, raising concerns about the country’s shipping registry being used by Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ to circumvent sanctions.
Heather opposes Cook Islands passport plan, warns of risks
Friday 27 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Politics
Cook Islands United Party leader Teariki Heather has opposed the Government’s proposal for a Cook Islands passport, stating that what Prime Minister Mark Brown and his team are pursuing for is not important.
Domestic violence accused convicted for multiple assaults
Friday 27 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, Crime, National
A man was convicted of a series of domestic violence offences, including urinating on the victim, following a judge-alone trial earlier this month at the Cook Islands High Court in Avarua.
Children bring joy to Christmas service with handcrafted gifts
Friday 27 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
Pictured is the Sacred Heart Parish “nativity scene”, also known as the Crèche - a beloved Christian holiday tradition celebrated for centuries. Each year, families and churches set up nativity scenes to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Boaza family connects with heritage and future generations
Friday 27 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
The Boaza family from Atiu was thrilled to host their first-ever family reunion, bringing together 120 relatives from Atiu, Australia, New Zealand and Rarotonga from December 14th to 17th.
Bystanders aid driver after truck plunges into stream
Friday 27 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
The driver of a truck that collided with a bridge at Tupapa and entered the stream early yesterday morning is lucky to have escaped more serious injury, police said in a statement.
Government focuses on growth and cost of living in 2025
Friday 27 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National, Politics
Prime Minister Mark Brown has outlined the Cook Islands Government’s key priorities for the upcoming year, focusing on continued economic growth, infrastructure development and addressing the cost of living.
Police seek public cooperation for festive security
Tuesday 24 December 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Crime, Local, National
Cook Islands Police are launching a community policing initiative with volunteer support from each vaka in Rarotonga to enhance safety and security during the festive season.
Families navigate inflation, businesses stock up for festive season
Tuesday 24 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, Economy, Local, National
As Christmas approaches, local families and businesses in Rarotonga are feeling the seasonal buzz. While the island’s shops are busy preparing for the influx of shoppers, families are making sure they have everything needed for the festive season.
Met Service staff on duty through Christmas
Tuesday 24 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Weather
Cook Islands Meteorological Service staff will be at work throughout the Christmas holidays, ensuring that our community stays informed about the ever-changing weather conditions.
Festive season road safety concerns raised after fatal Aitutaki crash
Tuesday 24 December 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
A 49-year-old man tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident in Aitutaki on Saturday, marking the second road fatality in the Cook Islands this year, as the country enters the festive season.
Christmas stock lost in devastating Mangaia fire
Tuesday 24 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, National, Outer Islands
Over the weekend, a blazing fire in Oneroa, Mangaia, originating from faulty electrical wiring destroyed a shop, a storage building and the neighbouring home.
