National
Shell-abration time: Rescued turtles ready to dive back into the wild
Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Environment, National
Three green sea turtles which were surrendered to a Rarotonga eco-centre after failing to thrive while being kept as pets, have had their shells engraved in preparation for their release into the wild.
Government seeks more Ministers
Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Local, National, Parliament
The Cook Islands government is seeking to increase the number of Cabinet Ministers from six to eight through a proposed amendment to the Constitution, which will be tabled in Parliament next week.
Rarotonga’s first cathedral reopens as Monsignor Bernadin Castanie Centre
Friday 8 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Bishop Paul Donoghue, the head of the Cook Islands Catholic Church, led a joyous celebration yesterday alongside members of the diocese as they marked the restoration of the country’s first cathedral.
Proud parents witness sons’ success at Apii Nikao prize giving
Friday 8 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Apii Nikao held their junior prize-giving awards event yesterday morning, followed by the senior awards later in the evening.
Penrhyn residents still disappointed about lack of timely weather warning
Friday 8 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Weather
Penrhyn Island executive officer Puna Vano remains disappointed at the lack of prior weather warning for the strong winds which damaged eight homes on the island.
Defendant denies supplying cannabis,
Friday 8 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A jury of nine women and two men will decide if an Aitutaki man is guilty of supplying cannabis following a two-day trial on Rarotonga.
Cruise ship makes detour to Palmerston with medical supplies
Friday 8 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
With the next cargo ship visit to Palmerston two months away, a passing cruise ship will be dropping off medical supplies to the island on its way to Tonga.
Mousing around town: Mickey and Minnie jingle all the way in Rarotonga
Friday 8 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Local, National
Disney’s beloved characters, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, brought cheer to the annual Tropical Christmas float parade yesterday, drawing a respectable crowd to the festive event.
Bread prices rise again
Friday 8 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
The Price Tribunal has confirmed an increase in bread prices, effective Sunday, December 10. This new price structure applies only to rectangular, sliced loaves produced by Avarua Bakery and Turoa Bakery.
Fisheries commission meeting ends today, decisions on key proposals expected
Friday 8 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
The 20th Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC20) concludes today at the National Auditorium, with decisions expected on several key proposals.
Santa’s coming to town (and he’s bringing fireworks!)
Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Art, Features, Local, National
Rotaract Rarotonga is gearing up for its annual Christmas in the Park event, which will be held on Thursday, December 14, at the National Auditorium.
Raro bound French Navy ship open to public tours
Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
The French Navy ship Arago is in Rarotonga today offering public tours from 2pm to 5pm daily until Sunday.
Government agencies partner to address traffic congestion and improve safety
Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Police, Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) will be taking actions to better manage traffic in the Avarua town centre to reduce risks, improve pedestrian safety and experience as well as measures for public transport.
Aitutaki drug trial delayed over witness incrimination
Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
The jury trial of an Aitutaki man facing a supply of cannabis charge has been hampered by multiple delays on its first day, including a call by the Judge to adjourn on the grounds of a witness incriminating themselves.
Arrest made in fatal accident of beloved Cook Islands pilot
Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Regional, Samoa, Solomon Islands
The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) has arrested a 20-year-old male suspect in connection with the fatal accident involving a Cook Islands national in Honiara on December 3rd.
‘Overcrowding and sustainability’ fears cloud turtle tourism industry
Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National
A revised Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Cook Islands turtle tour operators and the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation has been proposed as the new guidelines for operations in the Avaavaroa Passage.
Cook Islands youth leaders urged to tap into $16,000 grants
Wednesday 6 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Local, National
Grants of US$10,000 (NZ$16,239) are up for grabs for Cook Islands alumni of a Pacific youth leadership development programme, to design and implement projects which will help address issues in the region.
PM urges global action at COP28
Wednesday 6 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, National
Taking centre stage at the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Climate Change Convention over the weekend in Dubai, Prime Minister Mark Brown called upon world leaders to consider those on the frontlines of an environmental war ‘we did not initiate’.
Pacific police unite to build networks and capability for a safer region
Wednesday 6 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
Fifteen Pacific police agencies are attending the three-day Pacific Community for Law Enforcement Cooperation (PCLEC) meeting to discuss the ongoing development and strengthening of its network.
Tourism launches business survey
Wednesday 6 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
Cook Islands Tourism is seeking the input of businesses across the country to identify the key challenges and opportunities they face.
