National
Taking a dive into safety: Turtle tour operators sign MOU to enhance safety and sustainability
Tuesday 27 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National
Most turtle tour operators have signed a voluntary agreement with Cook Islands Tourism to enhance safety and environmental practices, but one operator disagrees, citing concerns about unchecked industry growth and safety gaps.
Uncovering hidden struggle: Pa Enua Dyslexia Programme identifies widespread needs
Monday 26 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National, Outer Islands
The Cook Islands Dyslexia Society’s Pa Enua Dyslexia Programme, including Rarotonga, found that 100 per cent of the students tested were below average and required further support or a full assessment.
‘Greenwashing’: Environment group slams ‘mineral harvesting’ in Seabed Mining Act
Monday 26 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National
The introduction of the term ‘mineral harvesting’ in the legislation governing seabed minerals in the Cook Islands is an attempt to ‘greenwash this destructive industry’, says a local environment group.
Cook Islands weatherman Ngari retires after 40 years
Monday 26 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Weather
Cook Islands weatherman Arona Ngari, who served as the director of the Meteorological Service for 40 years, was celebrated at a special farewell function on Thursday night.
Cook Islands and India deepen ties
Monday 26 February 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
The High Commissioner of the Republic of India to the Cook Islands, Neeta Bhushan is visiting the Cook Islands this week. She arrived in Rarotonga on Thursday, February 22 for a five-day visit.
TMO’s patient referral costs skyrocket amid NCD crisis
Monday 26 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Health, National
Patient referral budgets have skyrocketed in the Cook Islands as the nation grapples with almost half its people suffering noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Al Williams reports.
Mangaia School leaders take charge after weather delays
Monday 26 February 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Education, National, Outer Islands
Rain forced Mangaia School to huddle its students indoors for their leadership induction programme on Friday, but the ceremony went ahead after two weather-related postponements.
‘You need to be strong enough to stand up for what is right’
Saturday 24 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Titikaveka College and Apii Rutaki Primary School held their annual prefect investiture ceremonies, where student leaders were encouraged to be strong, brave, and selfless in their roles.
Staff vote chooses Imanuela Akatemia’s 2024 prefects
Saturday 24 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education, National
Through a staff voting process, Imanuela Akatemia elected their 2024 student leaders.
Te Ipukarea Society: International pressure building against the rush to mine the deep sea
Saturday 24 February 2024 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
Last week, representatives from 133 member states of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) met in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from February 12-17, to discuss measures to protect migratory species on a global scale. The Cook Islands is one of these member states.
Govt grapples with aging buildings
Saturday 24 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
While a $400,000 operation to rid the Old Post Office of asbestos in Avarua gets underway, questions remain around the ageing stock of government-controlled facilities on Rarotonga.
Brawler convicted, sentenced for his part in Nikao scrap
Saturday 24 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A man involved in a mass brawl on Rarotonga has been convicted and sentenced for his part in the fight.
New builds springing back after pandemic slowdown
Saturday 24 February 2024 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Economy, National
The number of new builds in the Cook Islands are approaching pre-pandemic levels after dropping nearly 70 per cent in two years to hit a 10-year low in 2021.
Tourism launches Mana Tiaki programme with Titikaveka College
Saturday 24 February 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
Te Mato Manava Turoto Cook Islands Tourism Corporation’s Jeremy Goodwin and Emma Kainuku-Walsh recently visited Titikaveka College to introduce the concept of Mana Tiaki (sacred guardianship).
Four-way battle for Penrhyn seat
Saturday 24 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Politics
Four candidates, including the wife of the former MP and deputy prime minister, will contest the 2024 Penrhyn by-election to be held next month.
Autism Cook Islands kicks off year with $4000 donation
Friday 23 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National
Autism Cook Islands has gotten off to a great start for this year thanks to a generous $4000 donation from the Rarotonga Growers Association’s special dinner event.
Jonassen steps down as Justice Secretary, citing personal reasons
Friday 23 February 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Court, Local, National
The Secretary for the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), Tamatoa Jonassen, has tendered his resignation to the Public Service Commissioner, Carl Hunter, citing personal reasons.
Japan boosts Rarotonga agriculture with machinery donation
Friday 23 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
Over 1000 hours of tractor services, including slashing and ploughing of farmland in Rarotonga, were provided by the Ministry of Agriculture in the past year.
Parliament appoints ‘expert’ sub-committee to review Land Bills
Friday 23 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
A sub-committee of lawyers with expertise in Cook Islands land matters has been formed for the first time to review key Land Bills for lawmakers.
Man enters pleas to 10 assault charges
Friday 23 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A man charged with 10 counts of assaulting a female has entered guilty pleas to eight of the charges.