National
Cook Islands voyagers share skills, strengthen ties in Hawai’i
Wednesday 12 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands Voyaging Society crew members are visiting Hawai’i to enhance, teach and explore their navigational skills and seafaring techniques, as well as to strengthen ties with the Polynesian voyaging community.
Crown Law Office on track for record number of lawyers
Wednesday 12 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, Local, National
The Crown Law Office is on course to have its highest number of lawyers ever, a significant improvement from just five lawyers in August last year.
Former NZ police prosecutor joins Cook Islands Crown Law
Wednesday 12 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, National
A 44-year-old former New Zealand police prosecutor of Samoan ethnicity is the newest addition to the Cook Islands Crown Law Office
Court news
Wednesday 12 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
The case of Poe Poila, who is co-accused in the matter involving sporting executive Romani Katoa, has been adjourned to April 14.
$12.9m approved for solar battery project, NZ confirms
Wednesday 12 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National, Outer Islands, Technology
New Zealand says it approved $12.9 million for the Northern Group Battery Replacement Project a year ago, after Prime Minister Mark Brown told Parliament they were still working with the NZ government to start the project.
Four students head to Japan for cultural exchange
Tuesday 11 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Education, Local, National, Outer Islands
Four Cook Islands students are heading to Japan for a cultural exchange programme, where they will immerse themselves in Japanese culture while sharing their knowledge of Cook Islands culture.
Vaka Paikea crew joins Hōkūleʻa’s 50th anniversary celebration
Tuesday 11 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation crew joined thousands of people over the weekend to mark the 50th anniversary celebration of Hōkūleʻa’s voyaging history at Kualoa Regional Park, Oahu, in Hawaiʻi, where the double-hulled canoe was first launched.
Five Cook Islanders awarded counselling scholarships to boost community support
Tuesday 11 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Health, Local, National, Outer Islands
Five individuals from Rarotonga and Atiu received scholarships from Punanga Turuturu Itivaine to study counselling and improve community mental health support.
Police investigate burglary, assault and numerous traffic incidents
Tuesday 11 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, Local, National
After having to deal with several car crashes keeping an understaffed police force busy, police later tended a burglary incident in Vaimaanga and an assault incident on Sunday.
Manihiki welcomes government initiative to nationalise shipping
Tuesday 11 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
As the Pa Enua continues to endure the ongoing increase in its cost of living due to shipping challenges and transportation, it was music to their ears to hear that plans are in place for the government to enter shipping service.
Cook Islander describes ‘severe’ impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred in Australia
Tuesday 11 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Australia, National, Regional, Weather
Cook Islander Archie Atiau says the impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which affected South East Queensland and the New South Wales North Coast, Australia, has been severe.
Former security boss cleared of drug charges after unlawful police search
Tuesday 11 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A man was cleared of drug charges after a judge ruled the police search of his property was unlawful, leading to potential legal action for damages.
Visitor behaviour key focus in ensuring travellers engage respectfully with Cook Islands, Tourism tells PAC
Monday 10 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
Cook Islands Tourism says that while managing visitor behaviour is an ongoing effort, success depends on delivering clear messaging across multiple channels, reinforcing expectations through consistent signage, and providing accessible guidance.
Ministry explores new strategies to enhance mathematics education
Monday 10 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, National
The Ministry of Education is exploring new strategies to enhance mathematics education in the Cook Islands, following comments from New Zealand-based academic Professor Jodie Hunter, who emphasised the need for local context in teaching resources.
Celebrating International Women’s Day
Monday 10 March 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
The Ministry of Internal Affairs (INTAFF) hosted International Women’s Day at the Punanga Nui Market on Saturday with the theme “Accelerate Action for Gender Equality- for ALL Women and Girls.”
MPs’ travel expenses exceed $350,000 in six months
Saturday 8 March 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
Cook Islands MPs spent over $350,000 on overseas travel in the first half of the 2024/25 financial year, with a significantly increased budget allowing for further expenditures and calls to upgrade MP travel classes.
Court news
Saturday 8 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
Chief Justice Patrick Keane presided over several criminal matters through an audio-visual link at the Cook Islands High Court yesterday.
‘Ra’ui stays for life’: Traditional leader reminds public of marine protection area
Saturday 8 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National
Komono o Manava Mataipo Nooroa Samuel is calling on the Rarotonga community to respect the ra’ui that was put in place by his late mother in 1995 near The Rarotongan Beach Resort and Lagoonarium.
DPM Nicholas clarifies allegations on contract distribution
Saturday 8 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Parliament
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI), Albert Nicholas, has dismissed allegations made by the leader of the United Party, Teariki Heather regarding the distribution of government contracts, particularly in the construction sector.
CITC Patai promises enhanced shopping experience
Saturday 8 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National
Titikaveka welcomed its newest addition to the local shopping scene this week with the opening of the CITC Patai Store, a facility boasting a $4.2 million investment.
