National
MFAI offices to close for day as staff get time off following ‘heavy year’
Saturday 16 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Local, National
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) offices will close on Monday as staff take the day off.
High growth, high prices: Economy bounces back, but inflation bites hard
Saturday 16 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
Cook Islands’ resurgent economic growth post-Covid-19 has been overshadowed by an unprecedented surge in inflation, with prices rising by 13 per cent over the past year. Rashneel Kumar and Losirene Lacanivalu reports.
Green light for relief : Parliament passes medicinal cannabis import bill
Friday 15 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National, Parliament
Cook Islanders who require medicinal cannabis for their health’s wellbeing can now import or bring the item into the country, provided the product is being prescribed by an overseas medical practitioner.
Small school, big dreams: Rutaki celebrates success at annual awards
Friday 15 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Apii Rutaki, the small school with a big heart out in the west, celebrated their school prize giving day with a vibrant occasion and a huge turnout of parents and family on Thursday.
Statistics attachment boosts Maritime’s data management
Friday 15 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
The Maritime Safety Authority databases will now be managed and used more effectively, thanks to upskilling attachment training within government agencies.
Browne struggles to get answers over $640,000 vessel charter
Friday 15 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
Opposition leader and Rakahanga MP Tina Browne has made little progress over the course of two days, in trying to get answers from Pukapuka MP Tingika Elikana about a $640,000 charter vessel which left Rarotonga on Wednesday bound for Pukapuka.
Parliament sets 42 sitting days for 2024 session
Friday 15 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
Cook Islands Parliament approved 42 sitting days for 2024 yesterday, having managed to meet just over half the number of days allocated for 2023.
Former bank employee admits to stealing $125,000
Friday 15 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A woman has admitted to stealing $125,000 over a five-year period from Bank South Pacific (BSP) on Rarotonga – entering guilty pleas to eight charges of theft as a servant.
Christmas in the Park spreads joy
Friday 15 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Entertainment, Local, National
Festive spirit and joy took over the National Auditorium last night as Leilani Sadaraka, along with her daughters Vaihere and Hinania, and niece Hereata, joined the crowd at the annual Rotaract Christmas in the Park event.
Tereora students gain valuable work experience
Thursday 14 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
April Mana, the Cook Islands Trading Corporation Ltd (CITC) training manager, is passionate about empowering youth, particularly school leavers, to find employment in the country.
Rarotonga’s annual Christmas at the Park on tonight
Thursday 14 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Entertainment, Features, Local, National
School pupils will be bolstering volunteer numbers at Rarotonga’s annual Christmas at the Park this year as the island community comes together to support the more than $7000 event.
MPs back medicinal cannabis import
Thursday 14 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National, Parliament
Debate on the use and importation of medicinal cannabis in the Cook Islands continues in Parliament today after gaining support from both Government and Opposition MPs.
Holidaymakers set sail for Pukapuka
Thursday 14 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Avatiu Harbour was buzzing with activity yesterday morning as passengers bound for Pukapuka boarded the Lady Samoa IV.
PM suggests flag rethink
Thursday 14 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
Cook Islands Prime Minister has suggested considering a return to the original flag, designed by the nation’s first premier, for stronger reflection of national colours and sovereignty.
Mitchell scoops Dux, Athlete and Reo Māori awards
Wednesday 13 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
A pe’e by student Terry Peua led the formalities of Apii Te Uki Ou prize giving day last Friday, followed by the national anthem, the opening hymn ‘Aue Te Okotai’, a prayer by teacher Sareni Poila and the welcome speech by principal Kim Noovao.
Craft to cuisine: Penrhyn schools unite for Enterprise Day
Wednesday 13 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National, Outer Islands
The Penrhyn schools of Tetautua and Omoka united for their respective curriculum enterprise programme which were introduced in both schools last year.
Cook Islands faces mounting pressure to address diabetes
Wednesday 13 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National
A study in the Cook Islands found high rates of diabetes, particularly among women and those aged 45-64, suggesting a need for earlier screening and increased awareness campaigns.
Cook Islands to crack down on crypto with new Recovery Bill
Wednesday 13 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
A new Bill that will enable Government to seize and forfeit cryptocurrency will be tabled in Parliament this week.
Maritime Cook Islands denies vessels linked to North Korean smuggling networks
Wednesday 13 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
Maritime Cook Islands (MCI) has shot down suggestions that Cook Islands-registered vessels are linked to North Korean “smuggling networks”.
Api Rutaki students gear up for exciting Parents’ Day celebration
Wednesday 13 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
The delightful Grade 1 and 2 students at Api Rutaki took a short break from their dance practice for their upcoming Parents’ Day celebration, which begins at 9am this morning.
