National
US sanctions Cook Islands-flagged ships aiding Iranian drone shipment to Russia
Thursday 2 May 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Local, National
Three Cook Islands-flagged vessels have been sanctioned by the United States for their involvement in the shipment of Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Man sentenced to probation for kicking pregnant niece
Thursday 2 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A court matter that had been ongoing since 2021 involving a man kicking his pregnant niece in the stomach came to an end yesterday after the defendant was sentenced to 22 months of probation.
Inmate pleads not guilty to assault at prison
Thursday 2 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
An inmate accused of assaulting a fellow inmate at the Arorangi Corrective Services facility with intent to injure has pleaded not guilty.
Telco company launches money transfer service to Fiji
Thursday 2 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Fiji, National, Regional, Technology
The launch of Vodafone Cook Islands’ E-Moni transfer service has been welcomed by many who frequently send money to Fiji.
‘There’s fish out there biting’: Rarotonga fishermen hook bumper catches
Thursday 2 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
In the past few weeks, Rarotonga fishermen have been pleased to be returning to shore with decent-sized catches.
Out-of-season threats - Met Office warns of continued weather effects
Thursday 2 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Weather
The Met Office is advising public to stay informed about weather forecasts even though the cyclone season is over, as cyclones can still form outside the season and out-of-season weather effects are expected.
Pick-up truck driver granted bail in fatal motorcycle crash
Thursday 2 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
Alcohol has been ruled out as a contributing factor in the case of a pick-up truck driver who is alleged to have struck a 60-year-old motorcyclist causing her death on April 17.
Cook Islands lead call for stronger ocean science at UN Conference
Wednesday 1 May 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, National
“You cannot manage what you cannot measure,” said Prime Minister Mark Brown at the Ocean Decade Conference held in Barcelona, Spain, last month.
Penrhyn/Tongareva celebrates first tertiary graduates
Wednesday 1 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National, Outer Islands
In a historic celebration for Penrhyn/Tongareva Island, the community came together to witness their first-ever graduates from a tertiary programme.
Former Vodafone employee convicted of stealing $91,000
Wednesday 1 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National, Technology
A woman has been convicted of theft as a servant for making false entries in a telecommunications company’s account, defrauding them of over $91,000.
Driver charged in Cook Islands’ first road fatality
Wednesday 1 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A pick-up truck driver who allegedly struck a 60-year-old motorcyclist on April 17 has been charged with dangerous driving causing death. He is expected to appear in court today.
NZ disc jockey convicted on drug charges after guilty plea
Wednesday 1 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A New Zealand DJ (disc jockey) who was arrested on September 6 last year for bringing cocaine and cannabis to Rarotonga has been convicted after pleading guilty to all charges.
TMO steps up dengue defence following outbreak in Samoa
Wednesday 1 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National
Cook Islands is taking preventative measures to protect the country from dengue fever by fumigating incoming vessels from Pacific Island countries battling with an outbreak.
National Environment Service partners with Monash University to strengthen environmental protections
Tuesday 30 April 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, National
Enhancing Cook Islands capacity and learning opportunities when it comes to science, environment and legal policy is at the core of a partnership between the National Environment Service (NES) and Monash University in Australia.
Puaikura Fire Brigade responds to weekend crash with new equipment
Tuesday 30 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
Apart from attending to fire calls around the island, the Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade attended a crash call over the weekend and is looking forward to improving their response time with the new station.
Court briefs
Tuesday 30 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A number of matters were called before Chief Justice Patrick Keane at the High Court in Rarotonga via an audio-visual link on Friday.
Following in dad’s footsteps: Tamaiti-Phareily ready for Te Mire Ura debut
Tuesday 30 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, National
Captivated by the admiration he draws from his father, seven-year-old Tamaiti-Phareily Samson is participating in Te Mire Ura, Potiki (Junior) section culture competition on Thursday this week.
Vaping among children prompts proposal to raise smoking age
Tuesday 30 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, Local, National
Ministry of Health proposes to raise the smoking age from 18 to 21 and implement new measures on imitation tobacco products like vape and e-cigarettes to reduce smoking rates in the country.
Public invited to discuss Health Bill, medicinal cannabis access
Tuesday 30 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, Local, National
Te Marae Ora (TMO) Health Secretary Bob Williams says it is important for the public to know and understand the Public Health Bill, set for public discussions starting today.
Historic ordination marks new chapter for Catholic Diocese
Monday 29 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National
In a significant and deeply moving ceremony, the Catholic Diocese of Rarotonga, Cook Islands, and guests witnessed an historic event – the Episcopal Ordination of their new coadjutor bishop, Reynaldo Bunyi Getalado, M.S.P., Bishop-elect.
