National
PM calls for defence and security arrangement with Australia and NZ
Friday 2 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Australia, Economy, Local, National, New Zealand, Regional
Prime Minister Mark Brown has proposed a trilateral defence and security co-operation arrangement between the Cook Islands, New Zealand, and Australia.
Tourism rebound strong, despite challenges
Thursday 1 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
The Cook Islands Tourism Corporation had highlighted some of its key challenges and mitigation strategies in its annual report for the year ending June 30, 2023, submitted to Parliament last December.
Cook Islands to celebrate first anniversary of decriminalisation with Anuanua festival
Thursday 1 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
A week-long celebration of ‘love, acceptance and unity’ will mark the first anniversary of the Cook Islands decriminalising same-sex relations.
Construction of new multi-million dollar five star resort is underway
Thursday 1 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Construction of a $20 million resort is underway in what is understood to be Rarotonga’s first five- star operation. Al Williams reports.
Chamber of Commerce and Tourism welcome immigration policy changes
Thursday 1 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
The Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce welcomes the recent immigration policy changes, though some of their proposed revisions were not adopted.
Frontline workers tackle stress and anxiety
Thursday 1 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Health, Local, National
“Anxiety presents in physical sensations, thoughts and behaviour. It’s something most people will experience at some point in life. Shortness of breath, dizziness, palpitations, and sweating can be signs of anxiety. Thoughts may turn to dread, terror, doom and apprehension. It can disrupt routine and relationships when behaviour changes, causing irritability and difficulty sleeping.”
Trio found guilty in high profile corruption case
Thursday 1 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
Deputy Prime Minister Robert Tapaitau, former National Environment Service (NES) director Nga Puna, and his wife and former Secretary of Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI), Diane Charlie-Puna have been found guilty of “all or most offences” following a judgement given by Chief Justice Patrick Keane.
Trio guilty in high-profile corruption case
Wednesday 31 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in BREAKING NEWS, Court, Crime, National
Deputy Prime Minister Robert Tapaitau, former National Environment Service (NES) director Nga Puna, and his wife and former Secretary of Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI), Diane Charlie-Puna have been found guilty of “all or most offences” following a judgement given by Chief Justice Patrick Keane.
Cook Islands and Japan co-chair Senior Officials Meeting
Wednesday 31 January 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
The Cook Islands, in its capacity as chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), and Japan co-chaired the first Senior Officials Meeting for the upcoming 10th Japan-Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM).
Cook Islanders seek change in mental health attitudes
Wednesday 31 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Health, Local, National
“Neneva, avouvou, ka’a ka’a.” These are some of the terms used towards and about Cook Islanders that experience mental illness.
No health without mental health: Tackling mental health stigma in the Cook Islands
Wednesday 31 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Health, Local, National
A mental health workshop for frontline workers aims to tackle stigma and promote community awareness through cultural integration and improved access to services. Candice Luke reports.
Police probe Nikao brawl, video shows violent attacks on teenager
Wednesday 31 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, National
The Cook Islands Police are investigating a brawl that took place on Sunday outside the Super Brown store in Nikao.
Cops cagey about China visit
Wednesday 31 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Crime, National
Cook Islands Police are keeping quiet about the visit of a senior officer to the People’s Republic of China.
Cruise season kicks off with 500+ visitors on Europa 2, Star Breeze
Wednesday 31 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
More than 500 cruise ship passengers arrived in Rarotonga, with the Europa 2 inaugurating the year’s cruise season on Saturday, followed by the Star Breeze on Monday.
Cabinet approves eight Immigration policy changes
Wednesday 31 January 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
Eight Immigration Policy changes, initially proposed by the National Labour Advisory Board (NLAB) in September, have been approved by the Cook Islands Cabinet, addressing concerns raised by businesses after the new Immigration Regulations were implemented last year.
37 complaints spark environmental action
Tuesday 30 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National
The National Environment Service (NES) received 37 complaints between 2022 and 2023 regarding environmental concerns, according to their annual report for the year ending June 30, 2023.
Cops urge motorists to make the change
Tuesday 30 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Crime, National
Last year ended with December recording the highest number of monthly road incidents on Rarotonga, including a fatal in Aitutaki, for 2023, and cops say they are ‘under-resourced and under-staffed’ in being able to tackle the figures.
Assault accused fails bid for bail
Tuesday 30 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A man charged with multiple assaults on a female has failed in his bid to be released from custody.
JCPC delay frustrates Police as backlog of cases piles up
Tuesday 30 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, Local, National
Police seek swifter activation of the Juvenile Crime Prevention Committee to address a backlog of cases, including a burglary involving a 13-year-old suspect. Losirene Lacanivalu reports.
Brown prepares for busy 2024
Monday 29 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
With parliament’s first sitting set to start on February 19, government is planning to work full on once February commences with the supplementary budget.
