National
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.
Health ministry recommends Covid boosters for vulnerable populations
Monday 19 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National
Following new cases of Covid-19 in the Cook Islands, Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health is advising additional doses of the Pfizer vaccine for further protection of vulnerable and high-risk populations.
Tourism seeks additional $3.5m to protect Cook Islands’ ‘golden goose’
Monday 19 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
Cook Islands Tourism is requesting $3.5 million in additional funding to invest in optimising the new flight routes, develop outer island tourism, and create a path for diversification in the tourism sector.
Cook Islands Party picks Wichman for Penrhyn by-election
Monday 19 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in National, Politics
Development economist Vaine Iriano Wichman is the Cook Islands Party candidate for the Penrhyn (Tongareva) by-election to be held next month.
Government seeks $16.5m in Supplementary Budget
Monday 19 February 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in National, Parliament, Politics
The Government seeks an additional $16.5 million through a Supplementary Budget to be tabled in today’s first Parliament sitting of the year.
Nicholas ‘honoured’ to be appointed Deputy Prime Minister
Saturday 17 February 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in National, Politics
Prime Minister Mark Brown yesterday appointed Albert Nicholas as the country’s Deputy Prime Minister (DPM), breaking a longstanding leadership convention. Rashneel Kumar reports.
New building rules proposed in response to climate change
Saturday 17 February 2024 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Local, National
New rules for building in the Cook Islands are expected to be tabled in Parliament this year in an effort to keep up with a “changing climate and technological progress”.
Accused burglar released on bail
Saturday 17 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
An accused burglar who has been in custody since December 2023 appeared before Justice of the Peace John Whitta on Thursday and was granted bail.
Te Ipukarea Society: Tackling waste management challenges
Saturday 17 February 2024 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
Summer intern Itirangi Pennycook recently caught up with the Director of Waste Management for Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI), Claytoncy Taurarii, to get an update on our current waste situation.
Personal trainer fights for a happier, healthier community
Saturday 17 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National
Heart diseases, stroke, and heart attack made up 53 per cent of NCD (non-communicable disease) deaths in the Cook Islands from October to December last year. A new grassroots initiative ‘Gym and Juice Club’ may help to battle the Cook Islands’ increasing NCD diagnoses and waistlines.
Tropical depression brings rain, wind, and minor damage to Southern Cooks
Saturday 17 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands, Weather
Tropical depression brought heavy rain and strong winds to the Southern Cook Islands, causing minor damages and prompting school closures.
Albert Nicholas appointed Deputy Prime Minister
Friday 16 February 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in BREAKING NEWS, National, Politics
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has confirmed the appointment of Albert Nicholas as the country’s Deputy Prime Minister (DPM).
Rarotonga businesses ready to weather the storm
Friday 16 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Business, National, Weather
People, protocols and preparation were a key focus for businesses yesterday as gale force winds lashed the north eastern side of Rarotonga.
Rarotonga on alert, schools closed
Friday 16 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education, Local, National, Outer Islands, Weather
A tropical depression affecting the Cook Islands group was forecast to intensify into a category one cyclone by this morning, triggering advisories from local authorities. This morning the Ministry of Education confirmed that all schools in Rarotonga are closed but it is business as usual for others.
Heed the warnings
Friday 16 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Weather
Police have been asked to conduct regular patrols at the harbours to remove youth swimming around the area, says Emergency Management Cook Islands director John Strickland.
Crackdown on water wasters
Friday 16 February 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, Local, National
The Rarotonga water agency has disconnected supply to ‘unoccupied’ properties on the island for water misuse, urging residents to conserve water.
Four accused plead guilty to brawl charges
Friday 16 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
Four of the accused in the Nikao brawl incident that took place on January 28 this year have pleaded guilty.