National
Tapaitau challenges prison term for misuse of public funds
Saturday 6 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
The Court of Appeal has reserved its decision on the appeal challenging the sentence of the former deputy prime minister Robert Tapaitau.
Motor vehicle crashes hit record high, traffic safety major concern for Police
Saturday 6 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
Motor vehicle crashes continue to be a concern for police as last month’s figure of 34 crashes marked a record high since September 2018 when the same number was reported.
St Joseph’s Gala Raises $30,000
Saturday 6 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National
Around $30,000 was raised at the St Joseph’s Primary School gala day on Thursday.
Te Ra O Te Ui Ariki focuses on keeping traditional titles out of court
Saturday 6 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Features, National
Te Ra O Te Ui Ariki, a public holiday celebrated on the first Friday of July every year, pays tribute to the Ui Ariki, and Aronga Mana (traditional leaders) of the Cook Islands.
Te Ipukarea Society: Muri shoreline saviours scoop up 52 bags of rubbish
Saturday 6 July 2024 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
The 6th annual Muri Lagoon Beach Cleanup took place last Saturday, marking another successful year for this fantastic community event.
Rarotonga prepares official ceremony for Vaka Marumaru Atua's arrival
Saturday 6 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Tourism, Weather
Rejoicing at the arrival of Vaka Marumaru Atua and their celebrated and prominent son, master navigator Captain Peia Patai, and crew, the community of Akatokamanava Mauke turned out in force to welcome the team ashore.
Vigilance at Ports key to preventing illegal drug importation: Moananu
Thursday 4 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, Local, National
Despite Cook Islands having a relatively low number of drug importation cases compared to other countries in the Pacific, there is no guarantee that it is not coming through, says the country’s ports authority.
17 burglaries recorded in June, residents told to be watchful
Thursday 4 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, National
Last month, 17 burglaries were reported to Police and just a few days into the month of July, a 15 year-old boy was arrested after he was found unlawfully on a Titikaveka property.
NES seeks expert to bolster coastal protections for Rarotonga, Aitutaki
Thursday 4 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, Local, National
The National Environment Service (NES) is looking at boosting the protection for the coastal areas of Rarotonga and Autitaki in a bid to address current and future risks and concerns.
Clash of opinions on Cook Islands Māori language
Thursday 4 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Education, National
The Mapu Taurekareka O Nikao, Pa Enua, Rangiatea Matavera, and Vaka Puaikura teams presented vigorous ‘akatika’ (For) and pātoi (Against) sentiments in the 'Epetoma ō te reo Māori Kūki 'Āirani debate competition on Wednesday.
Farmers’ market in $7.6m Avarua project
Thursday 4 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
Punanga Nui minister George ‘Maggie’ Angene has acknowledged Deputy Prime Minister Albert Nicholas for confirming the construction of the farmers’ market complex.
Tatau, tatā and tuatua Māori - read, write and speak
Wednesday 3 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Education, Features, National
Tauranga Vananga Minister George “Maggie” Angene has called on Members of Parliament to do their part in preserving reo Māori Kūki 'Āirani by speaking the language during Parliament sittings.
Record year for Aussie visitors to the Cook Islands
Wednesday 3 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
It’s anticipated that this financial year will see more Australian visitors to the Cook Islands than ever before, with 32,000 holidaying here.
Recognition for Pacific Coastwatchers ‘bittersweet’
Wednesday 3 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
More than 80 years after their service, Pacific Island Coastwatchers who kept watch for enemy aircraft and ships during World War II – fought between 1939 and 1945 – were formally acknowledged earlier this week in a poignant ceremony.
Medicinal cannabis now permitted in Cook Islands with prescription
Wednesday 3 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, Local, National, Tourism
Cook Islanders and visitors can now bring in medicinal cannabis into the country from New Zealand and Australia provided they meet certain requirements, says Te Marae Ora (TMO), Ministry for Health.
Is our language at risk of disappearing?
Wednesday 3 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
A United Nations agency says te reo Māori Kūki' Āirani is decreasing at an accelerating pace and is at risk of disappearing as more Cook Islanders shift their preference from their native tongue to English.
Low yacht revenue despite ‘booming’ Aitutaki traffic
Tuesday 2 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands Port Authority is facing low yacht revenue in Rarotonga despite the season but expects improvement with Aitutaki harbour development and upgraded equipment.
Education investigates Opposition Leader’s claim of poor Tereora College results
Tuesday 2 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education, National
The Ministry of Education is investigating a statement made by the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament last month in relation to Tereora College results from Literacy and Numeracy exams.
Underlying conditions may have contributed to tourist drowning
Tuesday 2 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National
Police have confirmed that a visitor who died on Sunday likely drowned, possibly due to underlying medical conditions.
11-year-old urges community to embrace reo Māori at Cook Islands Language Week
Tuesday 2 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Education, Local, National
Language starts at home was the powerful message delivered distinctly in reo Māori by 11-year-old Inano Urirau on day one of the 'Epetoma ō te reo Māori Kūki 'Āirani - Cook Islands Language Week yesterday.
