More Top Stories
Top cop position advertised
7 December 2024
Police need numbers and bigger budget
9 December 2024
Niki Rattle: A call for stronger human rights protections
10 December 2024
Solid and Hazardous Waste Bill referred to Parliament committee
10 December 2024
DPM defends CIIC finance and travel policies
6 December 2024
Cook Islands has its first mosque
14 November 2024
CI Muslim opens up about her faith and journey
16 November 2024
RAC to address mosque legality
19 November 2024
I don’t expect much change: PM Brown on US Elections
6 November 2024
Fifth weekly Sydney flight to Rarotonga announced
23 October 2024
CIIC directors seek $350,000 in damages over defamatory claims
21 October 2024
Man found guilty of rape, burglary
24 September 2024
Tenants face water bill burden
8 October 2024
Concerns over Minister’s role in inmate work releases: PAC
5 October 2024
Tourism contribution set to surpass half-billion dollar mark
25 September 2024
Parliament Clerk sparks outrage over deep sea mining statement
23 September 2024
Deep sea dilemma: Cook Islanders weigh the cost of mineral riches
21 September 2024
Anxiety on the rise: Cook Islands faces mental health challenge
7 September 2024
Cook Islands deep sea mining poll sparks controversy
7 September 2024
MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
3 August 2024
Rising seas, rising costs: Climate impacts on Cook Islands economy
2 September 2024
Inflation eases but concerns remain
31 August 2024
Prime Minister defends $659,000 MPs travel bill
23 August 2024
Taxpayers foot $659,000 bill for MPs travel and allowance
22 August 2024
Corruption report exposes ‘bribe and sexual favours’
17 January 2023
PM Brown eager to hand over Forum chair role to Tonga
13 August 2024
ICI explains road works delay in front of old Sheraton site
10 August 2024
Housing crisis hits tourism industry
27 July 2024
MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
3 August 2024
Challenging ‘rape culture’
8 July 2024
Pacific
Fears for families as Vanuatu reels from deadly earthquake
The devastating 7.3-magnitude earthquake that struck Vanuatu on Monday, claiming the lives of at least 14 people and injuring more than 200, has sent shockwaves around the world, with Ni-Vanuatuans residing in Rarotonga praying for the safety of their loved ones at home.
Emotional groundbreaking for Fale Niue
The Niue Community and Friends Inc, Society were overwhelmed to finally host their Groundbreaking ceremony for their Fale Niue Kūki ʻĀirani hostel in Tupapa.
Nauru deports security officers
NAURU – The Nauruan government has detained two Wilson Security officers who were employed at the Australian-run centre on the island.
Tongan teachers still hitting students
TONGA – A children’s advocacy group in Tonga says there needs to be more training for teachers about appropriate disciplinary techniques after an 11-year-old student was severely beaten and hospitalised.
Verbal abuse started brawl
PAPUA NEW GUINEA – A refugee on Papua New Guinea’s Manus Island says the fight that broke out between detainees and guards in one of the detention centre’s mess halls was sparked by verbal abuse from security personnel. The detainees objected to a barrier erected around the serving area which they say caused them to queue for up to an hour to receive their meals.
New Zealand cities going underwater
New Zealand cities including Christchurch and Wellington could be inundated by global warming-induced rising sea levels, according to data from a National Geographic documentary.
Low expectations for small town kids
The head girl of a Kaikohe college says a local approach is needed to tackle destructive youth behaviour in her home town.
Poll shows preference for Chinese
A group representing Maori economic interests is concerned about a poll showing a preference for schoolchildren to learn Chinese.
Labour's Maori MPs to go 'electorate only'
In a surprise move Labour’s Maori seat MPs have opted to stand as electorate MPs only, and not go on the party list.
Caution on use of Maori words
Iwi leaders have raised concerns about the risks of using Māori words in legislation without proper context.
Tonga appoints first ombudsman
TONGA – Tonga can finally say it has an Ombudsman after years of legislative preparation.
Resettlement deal appears underway
PAPUA NEW GUINEA – Officials from the US Department of Homeland Security are set to begin fingerprinting refugees on Manus Island and Nauru in preparation for resettlement in America under the US-Australia refugee deal.
Students living in tents as rental crises deepens
A graduate student spent a night sheltering in Victoria University's library with her partner, amid reports of students couch-surfing, sleeping on floors and living in tents while they struggle to find homes.
Govt hit by backlash on CYF breach
A Child, Youth and Family privacy breach is being brandished as proof the government cannot be trusted with people's private information.
Auckland council in for a shake-up
Auckland mayor Phil Goff is embarking on a major shake-up of council functions, including water and stormwater, which have been in the spotlight following last week's devastating downpours.
Silver medalist on her way to Samoa
SAMOA – The moment Samoa has been waiting for is only a few days away now.
Fostered independent view
FRENCH POLYNESIA – The founder of Tahiti-Pacifique magazine Alex du Prel has died on Moorea after an illness at the age of 73.
Beehive thefts rife in New Zealand
NEW ZEALAND – New Zealand’s bees are being stolen and traded by organised crime syndicates seeking to profit from skyrocketing honey prices thanks to surging demand in China, police and beekeepers say.
State broadcaster is 'government enemy'
TONGA – A Noble Representative in Tonga’s parliament says closing down the nation’s state broadcaster would be unconstitutional.
Leaked cables shed colourful light on 1975 New Zealand
Secret diplomatic cables describe a frustrated country filled with testosterone-fuelled working-class men clamouring for a new populist leader.
Councils push Health to make fluoride decisions
Councils vulnerable to activist lobbying are pushing for the Ministry of Health to take over decision-making powers on the future of water fluoridation.
King Kong not wanted
VIETNAM – Hanoi’s municipal government has rejected a plan by Vietnam’s culture ministry to erect a “life-size” King Kong statue by an iconic lake in the city.