National
Festive spirit fills Ma’uke as families reunite for annual Teretere tradition
Saturday 30 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
The Christmas and New Year’s season is a time when many Cook Islands families residing overseas return to Rarotonga and their home islands in the Pa Enua. They come to reconnect with their families and celebrate the festive season together. Cook Islands News senior journalist Melina Etches experienced this firsthand, travelling to Ma’uke for the Christmas break.
Cook Islands to the world : Nations will ‘disappear’ without action on climate change
Saturday 30 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Environment, Features, National, Weekend
Climate change activists from around the world are itching to team up with a Cook Islands film crew to raise awareness about the global crisis after a music video about its impact on the Pacific debuted at a United Nations conference. Joanne Holden reports.
Te Ipukarea Society : My turn as an intern: Discovering passion for the environment at Te Ipukarea Society
Saturday 30 December 2023 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
This week’s Te Ipukarea Society article is written by Dreena Teapa, the recipient of the Dame Margaret Karika Memorial Fellowship in 2023 for topping the Year 12 biology at Tereora College. She would however like it noted that she did not come up with the title!
Resorts gear up for New Year’s celebration
Saturday 30 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
Falling on a Sunday this year, New Year’s Eve presents a unique challenge for resorts. However, restaurants and bars remain hopeful for a lively influx of guests eager to ring in the new year with family and friends over festive meals.
PM Brown hails ‘exceptional’ 2023
Saturday 30 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Pacific Islands Forum
Reflecting on 2023, Prime Minister Mark Brown said it was an exceptional year for the Cook Islands and its ministers.
Market stall owners share stories of resilience and renewal
Saturday 30 December 2023 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Local, National
Small business big dreams: Market stall owners reflects on a year of challenges and celebrations.
Covid-19 strikes back: Rise in reported positive cases, confirms TMO
Saturday 30 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National
Reported Covid-19 cases in the Cook Islands, particularly on Aitutaki and Mangaia, have been on the rise, says Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health.
Rarotonga resort curbs water use amid concerns, eyes groundwater
Friday 29 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, Local, National
Following concerns about water refilling at some resorts, a Rarotonga property says it has taken measures to reduce usage during the ongoing dry spell.
Woman charged for letting teen drive, crash power pole
Friday 29 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A woman who allowed a 14-year-old without a driver’s licence to drive a car and collide with a power pole over the Christmas weekend has been charged.
Mangaia comes under Enviro Act
Friday 29 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Environment, National
The island of Mangaia has come under the Environment Act for the first time, following approval from the Cook Islands Cabinet and Executive Council.
Aitutaki Harbour Project: Environmental watchdog still lacks expertise for monitoring
Friday 29 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Environment, National
With the Arutanga Harbour Project now in its second phase, concerns regarding environmental impact from dredging remain, as the National Environment Service (NES) still lacks the necessary technical expertise for effective monitoring. Rashneel Kumar reports.
Vaka voyaging paddles into the digital world
Thursday 28 December 2023 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Local, National
The history of ocean voyaging across Te Moana Nui a Kiva is embarking on a new era as Marumaru Atua – Cook Island Voyaging Society digitises its video tape archives.
Williams retains helm at health ministry for three more years
Thursday 28 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National
Secretary of Health Bob Williams will continue in his role for another three years following his reappointment this month.
Tourism seeks ‘smaller’ cruise liners to beat weather and infrastructure hurdle
Thursday 28 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Environment, National, Tourism, Weather
The overreliance on favourable weather conditions significantly hinders Cook Islands Tourism’s ability to further develop the cruise market, says the corporation’s director of destination development Brad Kirner.
New shelters take off at Atiu Airport
Thursday 28 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Cook Islands Tourism has successfully concluded another tourism-infrastructure project on Atiu, this one aimed at meeting the needs of both visitors and the local community by upgrading the local airport shelters.
Rarotonga to ship 90,000kg of legacy waste to NZ in record cleanup
Thursday 28 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, National
Over 90,000 kilograms of waste stored in 29 containers, comprising both 20-foot and 40-foot units, are ready to be shipped off to New Zealand.
Resorts face scrutiny over pool refills as water crisis deepens
Thursday 28 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National
The Cook Islands tourism industry is facing calls to conserve water amidst reports of some resorts refilling their pools.
Nukutere’s Year 8 advocates responsible waste disposal
Wednesday 27 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Education, National
Nukutere College’s Year 8 marked the end of their academic year with a resounding statement at the Social Centre in Nikao – a day out that fused fun with purpose a week before the school term closed earlier this month.
Manihiki accused appears via audio visual link
Wednesday 27 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A woman charged with four counts of theft as a servant has appeared in court via audio visual link from Manihiki.
JP asks for more details around power pole costs
Wednesday 27 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A Justice of the Peace has asked Te Aponga Uira (TAU) to provide a further breakdown of costs for a power pole in relation to a careless driving charge.