National
Fee-ling unwelcome: Canadian visitor calls out immigration fees
Friday 12 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Local, National, Tourism
Canadian Terry Snutch fell in love with the Cook Islands 34 years-ago - staying for extended periods across the decades and happily paying for the privilege – that has now changed.
New era for Manihiki: Fred Tangi Napara crowned Faingahitu Ariki
Thursday 11 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
A traditional ceremony in Manihiki has established a new Faingahitu Ariki, bringing an end to community disquiet surrounding the prestigious title.
Customs welcomes new team members to bolster border management
Thursday 11 January 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
Six new recruits have joined the Cook Islands Customs Service’s airport team to bolster its border management service.
CCTV cameras mandatory for high-value stores, says Cook Islands Police
Thursday 11 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Crime, Local, National
Cook Islands Police says CCTV security cameras are a standard requirement in this day and age.
Raro retailer readies for expansion despite delays and spiralling costs
Thursday 11 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Business, Local, National
A Rarotonga retailer is pressing forward with a $1 million plus development in spite of delays and spiralling costs.
Lights, camera, action! Young Cook Islanders craft TV show at creative camp
Thursday 11 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Eighteen youth from the ages of eight through to 16 have booked into an intensive three-day camp for performing arts, dance and film television production at the Pa Ariki Palace in Ngatangiia.
Grounded: Newly installed $600k elevator out of action
Thursday 11 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
The Cook Islands’ first and newly installed $600,000 passenger lift has already broken down, just over a month after opening. Al Williams reports.
No charges against Ex-NZ MP: Daughter speaks following explosive family feud on Aitutaki
Wednesday 10 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Politics
Cook Islands Police will not pursue charges against former New Zealand National Party government minister who was alleged to have assaulted his sister at their mother’s funeral in Aitutaki. Candice Luke reports.
Police notebook
Wednesday 10 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, National
A female motorist has had her blood specimen taken by police after crashing into the TEM Store last week.
Cooks academics lead the way in climate research
Wednesday 10 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Environment, National
Two Cook Islanders are at the helm of new Pacific research into population dynamics of the Pacific - home to a population of 13 million – projected to become 20 million by 2050.
Giving back to our people: Airport to celebrate 50th anniversary with public tours
Tuesday 9 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The community can look forward to public access to the Rarotonga International Airport terminals during the week leading up to the 50th anniversary celebrations later this month on Monday, January 29.
Piho’s turtle photo captures nature prize at Tokyo International Foto Awards
Tuesday 9 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Entertainment, Environment, Features, Local, National
Cook Islands photographer Charlotte Piho has reached another peak in her career, capturing first place in the Tokyo International Foto Awards 2023 for the Nature-Underwater category.
Family feud explodes at mother’s funeral in Aitutaki
Tuesday 9 January 2024 | Written by RNZ | Published in Local, National, New Zealand, Outer Islands, Politics, Regional
A former New Zealand National Party government minister has been interviewed by Cook Islands Police after a family feud turned violent as the coffin of his late mother was being carried into her Aitutaki home last week.
Quick thinking averts disaster in Takuvaine LPG heater fire
Tuesday 9 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Local, National
A minor fire at a missionary couple’s rental, caused by an improperly installed LPG water heater, was quickly extinguished by neighbours thanks to a young boy’s alert action.
Staycations on offer during quiet period for large operators
Tuesday 9 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, Features, Go Local, National, Tourism
Staycation offers are assisting visitor accommodation providers to get through the quiet months on Rarotonga.
Public Service Commissioner slams immigration processes
Tuesday 9 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands Public Service Commissioner Carl Hunter has stepped in and vented frustration over the waiting times returning Cook Islanders are dealing with over immigration processes. Al Williams reports.
‘Home where the heart is’: Beloved broadcaster laid to rest in Matavera
Monday 8 January 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
Flamboyant personality, passionate advocate for the Cook Islands language, broadcaster, and producer Bernard (Bernice) Tairea, affectionately known as “Poepoe”, was laid to rest in Matavera on Saturday.
Ma’uke’s Mii Tua, 78, finds joy in quiet life and community
Monday 8 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
On the island of Ma’uke, also known as Akatokamanava, 78-year-old Mii Tua (née Tairea) cherishes her quiet, simple life on the land where she was born.
Government to manage new inter-island vessel, says PM
Monday 8 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands
The Cook Islands government will manage the operations of an inter-island vessel that it hopes to receive this year.
Select Committee prepares for public consultations on Amendment Bills
Monday 8 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
The Special Select Committee reviewing the three Constitutional Amendment Bills will convene next month.
