National
Cooks women MPs at Power Forum
Thursday 22 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Parliament, Politics
Cook Islands women parliamentarians are in New Zealand attending a Pacific Women in Power Forum that began this week.
Govt says $1.3m invested in Lady Samoa charter
Thursday 22 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands, Parliament
The Lady Samoa IV vessel chartered by the Cook Islands government prior to Christmas cost $1.3million.
Cashier pockets more than $1000 from till
Thursday 22 February 2024 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Court, National
A mother-of-six who stole more than $1000 while working as a cashier at a Rarotonga supermarket has received a suspended sentence.
Apii Te Uki Ou inducts student leaders
Thursday 22 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Apii Te Uki Ou celebrated and commended their new school leaders for this year who represent the future leaders of the country, in a special school assembly yesterday morning.
Cooks community ‘angry and bitter’ over rise in public fighting
Thursday 22 February 2024 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Court, National
Public fighting is on the rise in the Cook Islands, a Justice of the Peace says.
Opposition leader questions immigration process
Wednesday 21 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
Opposition Leader Tina Browne has raised questions on what the government was doing to protect the main employers of foreign workers.
Couple reconcile after husband attacks wife, wife’s car
Wednesday 21 February 2024 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Court, National
Intoxicated and “full of anger”, a 33-year-old man struck his wife in the head and stomach before inflicting nearly $6000 worth of damage on her car in Rarotonga.
Assault accused denied bail
Wednesday 21 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A man who is facing 13 charges for assaulting a female was denied bail by the Justice of the Peace John Whitta at the Criminal Court in Avarua.
Child bruised, bloodied in assault
Wednesday 21 February 2024 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Court, National
A Rarotonga woman who repeatedly slapped a 9-year-old girl about the head as punishment for stealing has been sentenced for assaulting a child.
‘Pearl of the Pacific’ - Cook Islands tourism needs promotional boost
Wednesday 21 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
Having returned from an Australian Entire Travel Group Roadshow, Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council president Liana Scott says competition is fierce in the marketplace, and promotions need to start now.
Shining brighter in Penrhyn
Wednesday 21 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National, Outer Islands
Penrhyn is shining extra bright thanks to the kind donation of solar lights.
‘I will never return’: New Zealand tourist furious with police response following a brazen robbery
Wednesday 21 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Crime, National
A visitor on his fourth trip to the Cook Islands says his love for Rarotonga has been ruined after a robbery at the accommodation he and his family were holidaying at in Titikaveka, in the early hours of Sunday morning. Candice Luke reports.
Western Australia gifts symbolic tables to Cook Islands Parliament
Tuesday 20 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Australia, National, Parliament, Regional
The two “Table of the House” tables gifted by the Parliament of Western Australia (WA) were officially handed over to Cook Islands Parliament yesterday morning.
JP to deliver reserved decision in reckless and drink-driving case
Tuesday 20 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A decision is soon expected on whether a man accused of reckless and drink driving on Rarotonga more than two years ago, is guilty or not.
Government allocates additional funding for roads, healthcare, and renewable energy
Tuesday 20 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
Infrastructure Cook Islands receives a $400,000 boost to complete road works around Rarotonga, while pharmaceutical needs see an increase of $280,000 in the latest Supplementary Budget.
Parliament approves amendments to Seabed Minerals Act
Tuesday 20 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
A Bill seeking to improve the overall seabed minerals regime was passed in Parliament yesterday.
Heroin suspected in packages found at Rarotonga retailer
Tuesday 20 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, National
Narcotics discovered in the warehouse of a Rarotonga retailer are believed to be heroin. Cook Islands Police media officer Trevor Pitt said preliminary testing done by police, indicated the substance was heroin.
Inflation is a reality: PM encourages homegrown food to combat rising prices
Tuesday 20 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
The Cook Islands Prime Minister acknowledges inflation’s impact on imported goods and suggests growing local food to combat it, while emphasising economic growth and Pa Enua development as long-term solutions.
New trust aims to keep Cook Islanders home and skilled
Monday 19 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National
In a heartwarming story of compassion and dedication, a pilot and his young family opened their home and hearts to a young child, raising her as their own.
Select committee receives three submissions on Amendment Bills
Monday 19 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
The Special Select Committee reviewing the three Constitutional Amendment Bills before Parliament has received three submissions.