National
Vaping ban takes effect July 1
Tuesday 4 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Editor's Pick, Health, Local, National
The sale of e-cigarettes, including vapes, is expected to be banned by July 1, 2024, the proposed commencement date of the new Tobacco Products Control Amendment Act 2024.
Local students participate in Chinese comp
Saturday 1 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Education, Features, National
A Chinese Bridge Competition held at the University of the South Pacific (USP) Cook Islands Campus this week saw students participating in Chinese language and proficiency and discussing their understanding of the Chinese culture.
Te Ipukarea Society: Students raise awareness for the Kōiti habitat
Saturday 1 June 2024 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
This week’s Environmental Column is written by Gabriella Napa, a budding journalist and writer of Youth Media Cook Islands.
Tourism operators commit to safety with annual water safety programme
Saturday 1 June 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in National, Tourism
Fifty marine tourism operators from Rarotonga are currently taking part in an annual water safety programme, delivered by Te Mato Manava Turoto Cook Islands Tourism (CIT), in partnership with Water Safety & Surf Lifesaving Cook Islands.
Public input sought on draft plan for turtles and marine life
Saturday 1 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National
Cook Islands National Environment Service’s draft Environment Management Plan for the southern sea passages of Rarotonga, which focuses on addressing matters such as turtle conservation, is expected to be released by the end of June.
Court briefs
Saturday 1 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
The case of a juvenile alleged of unlawfully taking a government vehicle has been adjourned to July 4.
TB cases detected
Saturday 1 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Editor's Pick, Health, National
Cook Islands confirmed one new tuberculosis (TB) case after four cases were reported in 2023, with all but one from last year completing treatment.
Smile and sweat for a cause
Friday 31 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Apii Nikao Parents Teachers Association has launched the “Walk a Mile with A Smile” initiative to bring the school and the wider community together in a positive and healthy experience.
Local chefs get culinary boost
Friday 31 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Food, Local, National
The first CITC Culinary Workshop Series drew around 40 food professionals from the hospitality industry on the island.
Government agencies team up to streamline building permit process
Friday 31 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
In a move aimed at streamlining the building permit approval process, new homeowners will no longer need to submit four copies of their building plans.
Opposition MPs walk out of PAC over chair appointment
Friday 31 May 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Features, National, Parliament, Politics
The three Opposition Members of Parliament have quit the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) over the appointment of the new chair, leaving four Government MPs reviewing the Appropriation Bill 2024-25.
Atiu’s passionate guardian: Jim revives culture and connects youth to heritage
Thursday 30 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local, National, Outer Islands
A humble, unassuming and skillful young man, Joshua Jim is a passionate guardian of his home island Atiu’s cultural heritage.
Man accused of raping minors face more charges
Thursday 30 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A man in remand accused of raping minors aged under 14 has had additional charges of indecent assault and inducing indecent act added.
Local bank steps up as gold sponsor for 2024 Careers Expo
Thursday 30 May 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Business, Local, National
In a move to support the future workforce of the Cook Islands, the Bank of the Cook Islands (BCI) announced last Friday its support as a gold sponsor for this year’s Careers Expo to be held next month.
Community celebrates as Pepeu Makirai Aliki takes the helm in Pukapuka
Thursday 30 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National, Outer Islands
Pepeu Makirai Aliki, Makirai Henry, was invested as the new Aliki of Pukapuka/Te Ulu o Te Watu yesterday morning, with the support of the entire community including neighbouring Nassau.
Direct flights from Honolulu show ‘steady improvements’
Thursday 30 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Tourism
Cook Islands celebrated the first anniversary of their direct flights from Honolulu, hoping to attract more North American tourists despite a slow start.
Cook Islanders advised to check extended wait times for passports
Wednesday 29 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Tourism
The New Zealand High Commission in the Cook Islands has advised applicants to check the extended processing time (up to 8 weeks) before applying for a New Zealand passport due to system upgrades.
Three-year driving ban
Wednesday 29 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A man with a medical health condition has been ordered not to drive for three years due to health concerns raised at the Criminal Court in Avarua yesterday.
Woman gets probation for assaulting 69-year-old man
Wednesday 29 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A woman was sentenced to 12 months’ probation supervision, including attending counselling, for assaulting a 69-year-old man in front of his grandchild.
Decades of dedication: Ngametua pledges continued service to women’s fellowship
Wednesday 29 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National
Mata o te au Orometua Vaine Ngateitei, Akevai Ngametua, president of the Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) Women’s Fellowship, has been “serving God” alongside her husband Orometua Ngateitei Reverend Moutaiki Ngametua for over four decades.
