National
Schools close as high seas hit the Pa Enua
Tuesday 6 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Weather
High seas surged over the shore, washing in around Tetautua School on the eastern rim of Penrhyn Island, restricting safe access for children to their classrooms.
TC Nat set to hit the Southern Cooks now cancelled
Tuesday 6 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Weather
The weather warning that was in force for the northern waters of the Southern Cooks is now cancelled. The public is advised to remain vigilant as the Southern Cook Islands was set to feel the brunt of Tropical Cyclone Nat (N-E-T) as it was expected to have affected Aitutaki and Mauke last night.
Tapping into more tourism plans for the Pa Enua
Tuesday 6 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands, Tourism
Through destination development, Cook Islands Tourism Corporation is looking at opportunities, stating that “an opportunity exists to expand the tourism offering and amplify community-led tourism in the Pa Enua”.
PM confirms additional $400k to ‘maintain the pace of roadworks’
Tuesday 6 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Rarotonga’s long-awaited road improvement projects will receive an additional $400,000 with Prime Minister Mark Brown confirming government is appropriating it in the supplementary budget to “main the pace of roadworks to the end of the financial year”.
Mangaia 200 years of Gospel celebrations embraces island
Tuesday 6 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National, Outer Islands
The colossal amount of around $1 million has been raised for the island of Mangaia’s Te Arikianga o te Evangelia, the Arrival of the Gospel Bicentennial commemoration festivities that will be held this coming June.
More alleged brawlers expected in court this week
Monday 5 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
More alleged brawlers are expected to appear in court on Thursday after facing charges of fighting in a public place and assault with intent.
Island girls fly to big smoke and carve out their careers in tourism
Monday 5 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Tourism is the key driver for economic development in the Cook Islands and Tereora College graduates Kubethreana Taripo and Rakiki Brown are both “excited” to be the first scholarship students to be awarded the Cook Islands Tourism Leadership Programme scholarship.
Defended hearing for reckless and drink-driving accused two years on
Monday 5 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A reckless and drink driving case which has dragged on for two years, has been set down for a defended hearing.
Ngati Tangiiau akataoanga Rangatira
Monday 5 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
The Ngati Tangiiau chiefly tribe of Takitumu have gathered at Te Tu’ukura Marae in Turangi, Ngatangiia for the peaceful “akataoanga” traditional investiture of Maui Rangatira – Justine Matatoa Flanagan and Te Pa’u Tangi o Tangiiau Rangatira – Teremoana Peter Tamariki Monga.
Judge refuses Crown Law recommendations and spares cannabis convicted man jail time
Monday 5 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A Judge has refused to jail a man on cannabis charges despite calls from Crown Law for a custodial sentence.
Cyclone warnings issued as low pressure system hits the Cooks
Sunday 4 February 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in National, Weather
Official cyclone warnings have been issued as the Cook Islands braces for a bumpy ride with the weather.
Combating crime: Youth programme connects to community and culture
Saturday 3 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Crime, Education, Local, National
Kōrero o te ‘Ōrau’s ‘Ātui’anga ki te Tango (AKTT) youth programme offers year-long holistic learning activities for youth and families to combat recent youth crime and promote cultural connection. Candice Luke reports.
Apii Takitumu welcomes new prefects for 2024
Saturday 3 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National
Just over a week after starting back at school, Apii Takitumu welcomed in the month of February by hosting their prefect’s induction day at the Holy Spirit Revival Church yesterday morning.
Te Ipukarea Society: Keeping our waterways in check
Saturday 3 February 2024 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
Monitoring the quality of our stream water is a useful way to inform us whether some of our land use practices are impacting the health of our freshwater stream ecosystems and eventually our lagoon.
18-year-old seeks help for urgent medical treatment
Saturday 3 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Fiji, Health, Local, National, Regional
Fundraising efforts are underway to help 18-year-old Valyla Hickes get the medical treatment she needs in Fiji.
Maungaroa Valley inches closer to UNESCO world heritage status
Saturday 3 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Environment, Features, Local, National, Weekend
The Maungaroa Valley in the Cook Islands is one step closer to becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognising its cultural significance and prompting calls for wider protection of cultural and natural heritage sites in the region.
We were all young once’: Youth social worker encourages calm and kindness
Saturday 3 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Education, Local, National
On the final day of Te Kainga O Pa Taunga mental health workshop at Sinai Hall yesterday, practising councillor Sandra Cowen addressed children and adolescents’ emotional problems and preventative strategies for frontline workers.
Driver escapes injury but not conviction after crash in Aroa
Saturday 3 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A 24-year-old motorist who escaped serious injury when his van veered off the road in Aroa and tumbled into a stream has not escaped conviction.
No person is above the law: Brown
Saturday 3 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Economy, Local, National, Politics
Prime Minister Mark Brown confirmed Tongareva seat is vacant after former deputy prime minister Robert Tapaitau’s conviction, triggering a by-election within 60 days.
Filipino community welcomes changes to immigration policy
Friday 2 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
The Rarotonga Filipino community has welcomed the recent change in immigration policy allowing foreign workers to have a secondary job.
