National
Second HIV case in five years, Te Marae Ora to probe origin
Tuesday 2 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, Local, National, Tourism
Cook Islands recorded a new HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) case this year, bringing the total to two in the past five years, and health officials are investigating the origin of the infection.
Cook Islands Language Week kicks off with focus on youth and schools
Monday 1 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Today marks the beginning of the annual ‘Epetoma ō te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani – Cook Islands Language Week, which celebrates the languages of the Cook Islands.
Ama awarded NZ Museum Medal for her contributions to preserving culture
Monday 1 July 2024 | Written by RNZ | Published in Local, National
Cook Islander Mary Ama has been awarded a prestigious Museum Medal (Companion of Auckland War Memorial Museum) recognising her contributions to Pacific arts and preserving cultural heritage.
New minimum wage comes into effect, employers told to adhere
Monday 1 July 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
Employers are required to adhere to the new minimum wage rate that comes into effect today.
Court briefs
Monday 1 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
John Solomona had pleaded guilty to a charge of excess blood alcohol but has denied the charge of careless driving.
Vape ban pushed to August to allow businesses to clear stock
Monday 1 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Health, Local, National
The ban on e-cigarettes comprising of vapes has now been extended to August 1, 2024, to give businesses more time to sell off their existing stock.
Elderly visitor dies in suspected drowning
Monday 1 July 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Crime, Local, National
Police are investigating a suspected drowning incident that claimed the life of an elderly visitor in Muri yesterday.
Strong candidate pool for MFAI Secretary position
Saturday 29 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
The Office of the Public Service Commissioner (OPSC) has received a ‘significant number’ of applications, including overseas applicants, for the role of the Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI).
Court News
Saturday 29 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A man who is accused of raping a minor has been remanded in custody.
Power outages ‘resolved’
Saturday 29 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Technology
Rarotonga’s power supplier Te Aponga Uira (TAU) acknowledged recent power outages were caused by issues with load control and a connection between their two powerhouses, assuring the public they have identified the problems and fixed them.
Te Ipukarea Society: Nature is there to be protected for human benefits
Saturday 29 June 2024 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
The International Union of Conservation on Nature (IUCN) recently hosted an Africa, Pacific Learning Exchange Programme on Protected and Conserved Areas in Malindi, Kenya.
Ex police officer brings back private investigation services
Saturday 29 June 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, Features, Go Local, Local, National, Weekend
A 51-year-old former police intelligence officer of 15 years, Allan Rua, is transitioning his skills and abilities to a private investigation service, a first on the island after many years.
Unplanned power outages disrupt businesses, tourism in Rarotonga
Saturday 29 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Economy, Features, In Depth, Local, National, Technology, Weekend
Unexpected power outages in Rarotonga caused frustration and disruption to businesses and residents, raising questions about the reliability of the power grid despite recent upgrades. By Losirene Lacanivalu, Talaia Mika and Melina Etches.
Patience wearing thin: Residents demand answers after third night of power outage
Friday 28 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Technology
Rarotonga residents and businesses endured a third consecutive night of darkness as another island-wide power outage hit last night, lasting over two hours.
Govt considers up to 400 litres per person daily free water allocation
Friday 28 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Local, National
Domestic users in Rarotonga won’t be charged for water until July 2026, when water meter installation is complete, and the government is considering a free water allocation of up to 400 litres per person per day in each household.
Breast Cancer Foundation hosts fundraising dinner with Kiwi media stars
Friday 28 June 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Education, Health, Local, National, New Zealand, Regional
The Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation is hosting a fundraising event next weekend in a bid to help local women with breast cancer detection.
To Tatou Vai staff faces action for misusing vehicle
Friday 28 June 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Local, National
Rarotonga water agency To Tatou Vai (TTV) will take disciplinary action against the staff member who was pictured delivering coconuts for personal use in a company vehicle.
Honouring the forgotten: Cook Islands coastwatchers to receive recognition
Thursday 27 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National
Cook Islanders are among the 25 Pacific Islands coastwatchers who will be recognised by New Zealand’s Governor-General for their service during World War II.
Niue community hostel fundraiser raises $325,000
Thursday 27 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Niue, Regional, Weekend
The Cook Islands Niue Community and Friends (CINCF) monster raffle fundraiser raised $325,000.
Man found guilty of theft for selling 40-foot container without ownership
Thursday 27 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A man has been found guilty of theft for selling a 40-foot container to another person.