National
Parliament forms committee to examine religious restrictions
Wednesday 4 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, National, Parliament
A special select committee has been formed to examine the Religious Organisations Restrictions Act 1975 and address issues related to the introduction of new religious organisations in the Cook Islands.
Stage set for White Ribbon events
Wednesday 4 December 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Entertainment, Local, National
The White Ribbon’s Free Family Concert and Motorbike Rally, which were postponed last week due to wet weather conditions, will be held today and tomorrow, respectively.
Whooping cough alert: Ministry of Health increases border vigilance against illness
Wednesday 4 December 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Health, National
Cook Islands has increased border vigilance against pertussis (whooping cough) following outbreaks in New Zealand and Samoa.
Fishermen question fairness of Port Authority’s $50 monthly water fees
Wednesday 4 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
For the first time, fishermen operating out of the Avatiu harbour will be required to pay for water usage, a move driven by the newly established water tariffs set by the local water authority, To Tatou Vai.
Cook Islands strengthens maritime capacity at regional workshop
Tuesday 3 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in National, Regional
A multi-agency Cook Islands delegation participated in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) SMART-C Leadership Programme: Regional Workshop on the Implementation of IMO Instruments.
Ei katu helps cancer survivor shield loved ones
Tuesday 3 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Health, National
A New Zealand cancer survivor used the traditional Cook Islands headwear, ei katu, to conceal her illness from her elderly mother for 18 months, highlighting the emotional toll of cancer and the importance of support systems.
Police strengthen force amidst staffing challenges
Tuesday 3 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, Local, National
Despite continuing to deal with challenging staff numbers, the Cook Islands Police are upskilling more officers.
Environment groups demand proper public survey on seabed mining
Tuesday 3 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National
Local environmental groups are urging the Government to conduct a comprehensive survey to determine public support for seabed mining before further action is taken.
Committee reviewing water petition: Vainerere
Tuesday 3 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
The Bills, Petitions and Papers Committee is still working on its final report on the Keep Our Water Free Petition.
Minister Elikana cautions against limiting religious organisations
Tuesday 3 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Parliament
Minister of Foreign Affairs Tingika Elikana fired back at the Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) for Matavera, Vaitoti Tupa, on his suggestion to revisit the Religious Organisation Restrictions Act 1975 to further limit religious organisations in the country.
Cook Islands Government withdraws controversial Cryptocurrency Bill for ‘redrafting’
Tuesday 3 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Parliament, Politics
Cook Islands Government has withdrawn the Tainted Cryptocurrency Recovery Bill 2023 following widespread criticism and a recommendation from the special select committee to remove the controversial bill.
Aitutaki water crisis: Government and contractor clash over solutions
Monday 2 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands, Technology
A local contractor and the government disagree on the best solution to Aitutaki’s water shortage, with the government favouring pump upgrades and the contractor advocating for additional water galleries.
Parliament to set 2025 sitting days amidst 2024 shortfall
Monday 2 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament, Politics
The final Parliamentary sitting of the year will begin today with the presentation of several reports and public bills.
Mosque pin removed from Google Maps after ‘amicable’ dialogue with landowners
Monday 2 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National
A Google Maps pin identifying a private home as a mosque in Rarotonga has been removed after an ‘amicable resolution’ between the landowners and the occupiers of the property.
New mammogram machine arrives next week, confirms Prime Minister
Monday 2 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, National, Technology
A new state-of-the-art mammogram machine is set to arrive in Rarotonga by next Friday, Prime Minister Mark Brown announced this at a Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation event on Saturday night.
Land and Lease: Unlocking subtle value drivers in the Cook Islands
Saturday 30 November 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Business, National
Understanding the key factors that influence land values is essential for making informed decisions. By Jeff Tikitau Elite Management.
‘Rogue’ operator puts lives at risk
Saturday 30 November 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
A group of tourists were put at risk by a turtle tour operator who took them out to Avaavaroa Passage in adverse weather conditions, prompted calls from stakeholders for stricter regulations on ‘rogue operators’.
Wearing soars to the top
Saturday 30 November 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, National
It was an emotional roller coaster for 17-year-old Katee Wearing, who was named Tereora College Dux 2024 at the annual prize-giving ceremony on Thursday evening, held in the school hall packed with families and loved ones.
Court brief
Saturday 30 November 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, National
The case of a man accused of raping a girl under the age of 12 has been adjourned to January 31, 2025, as he did not appear in the Criminals Court for his call over on Thursday due to extreme mobility issues.
SBMA commissioner resigns
Saturday 30 November 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) has announced the resignation of Alex Herman as Seabed Minerals Commissioner, ending a significant chapter in the authority’s history.
