National
Thesis explores island rhythms: Research documents Cook Islands dance traditions and transformations
Tuesday 19 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Education, Local, National
Dance and music have long been cherished as a vital part of Cook Islands cultural expression. Now, a new thesis, “Cook Islands Dance Oral History – Embodied Expressive Culture of the Cook Islands: Encounters, Change and Artistic Mobility”, offers a comprehensive exploration of their creation and performance.
Drug accused DJ allowed to work on Rarotonga
Tuesday 19 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A New Zealand DJ (disc jockey) facing multiple drug charges has had his bail conditions changed so he can work on Rarotonga.
Extra goodies! $50 Christmas bonus sweetens the season for Cook Islands beneficiaries
Tuesday 19 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
All beneficiaries of the Cook Islands Welfare Benefit, including the child benefit, old age pension, destitute, infirm and caregivers, will be receiving a $50 Christmas bonus payment on Thursday.
Guilty or not? High profile trial verdict in the new year
Tuesday 19 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
The final submissions were heard in the high-profile corruption case involving the country’s Deputy Prime Minister and ex-ministry heads, with the judge to deliver verdict in the new year.
An Aitutakian’s guide for returning family
Monday 18 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local, National, Tourism, Weekend
Aitutaki local Linda Ruamoana shares 10 tips for returning Cook Islanders/Aitutakian families visiting the island, urging them to be mindful of the island’s limited resources and customs.
Seabed regulations: Public input ends, future updates planned
Monday 18 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Environment, National, Parliament
Cook Islands concludes public consultation for seabed mineral exploration guidelines, while the Prime Minister emphasises exploration’s potential for future prosperity and responsible resource extraction. Losirene Lacanivalu reports.
Lack of coordination between utility providers ‘putting pressure on our people’
Monday 18 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is expected to be signed by four major utility companies in the coming weeks, confirmed Albert Nicholas, Minister for Infrastructure Cook Islands and Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC).
$300,000 in arrears : 47 businesses lag on Cook Islands Covid loan
Monday 18 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
Local businesses are nearly $300,000 behind on payments of the $6.9 million loan issued by the Cook Islands Government to support them during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic.
Cook Islands’ international profile soars with COP28 and Forum leadership: Brown
Monday 18 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
Cook Islands’ profile on the international stage has never been higher than it is today, says Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Accused nightclub brawlers adjourned to February
Monday 18 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
Two men alleged to have been involved in a massive brawl on Rarotonga last month have appeared in court.
Nightclub brawl accused remains in Cook Islands awaiting trial
Monday 18 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
One of eight visitors from Australia allegedly involved in a brawl at a Rarotonga nightclub will remain in the Cook Islands at least until February, 2024.
Level playing field concerns raised over ‘temporary’ Starlink licence
Monday 18 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Technology
Government cannot restrict local Starlink users from accessing its services despite the provider yet to conclude consideration of a localised service product and corporate presence for the Cook Islands market.
From flycatchers to forests : How the Cook Islands are championing nature
Saturday 16 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, Features, National, Weekend
Home to the Rarotonga flycatcher, Cook Islands fruit-dove and coconut crab, the 15 South Pacific islands that comprise the nation have a rich natural heritage. Around 60 per cent of the nation’s land is still covered by tropical forest, and its lagoons and seas have an abundance of diverse marine life.
Considering the 2023 Tainted Cryptocurrency : Recovery Bill Civil liberties, privacy and due process
Saturday 16 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Features, National, Weekend
This week the 2023 Tainted Cryptocurrency Recovery Bill was tabled in Parliament and referred to a select committee for consideration and report. Cook Islands crypto expert, Ano Tisam says the Bill, making its way through Parliament, raises some serious concerns about civil liberties, privacy and due process. Melina Etches reports.
Te Ipukarea Society: Deep seabed mining and the emerging risk to our tuna fisheries
Saturday 16 December 2023 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
Last week saw the Cook Islands host one of the most significant meetings with respect to the shared tuna stocks in the region.
Bail denied for man facing assault charges on two partners
Saturday 16 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A man facing more than a dozen charges related to assaults on two partners has been remanded in custody again following an application for bail.
Shrinking jury pool puts trial system under strain
Saturday 16 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
There is scepticism among legal eagles about jury trials in the Cook Islands following the release of a judgement in an aborted case.
Woman pleads guilty to child assault in Court
Saturday 16 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A woman has pleaded guilty to assaulting a child.
New Aitutaki crane boosts cargo capacity
Saturday 16 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands
The Cook Islands Ports Authority’s new crane in Aitutaki will lift the current weight restriction of 20 tonne to 25 tonne, allowing importers and the people of the island to add more tonnage of goods to containers.
PAC chair Elikana demands transparency on public funds
Saturday 16 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
The chair of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has called for stricter accountability and transparency in the use of public funds by government entities, state-owned enterprises, and Crown agencies.
