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Ex-DPM appeals ‘excessive sentence’, hearing date set

The appeal against the sentence of former deputy prime minister Robert Tapaitau is scheduled to be heard on July 4.

Crypto Bill threatens anti-money laundering efforts: Ora Partners

While serious concerns over the integrity of the Tainted Cryptocurrency Recovery Bill 2023 remain, “witnessing the wheels of our democracy at play during the select committee hearing was an awe-inspiring experience”, says Puai Wichman.

Veterans reflect on sacrifice and camaraderie at Anzac Dawn Parade

The Anzac Day Dawn Parade, held yesterday morning at the cenotaph by the Ministry of Justice building, drew a large crowd of hundreds including the visiting Vietnam veterans from Aotearoa New Zealand.

Cook Islands to benefit from new climate data project

Cook Islands will be one of the major beneficiaries of a new project, called Digital Earth Pacific, being developed to capture extensive satellite information about climate change and natural disasters in the region.

National

Health

Tupapa Clinic to undergo asbestos removal, dental and health care services to relocate

Court

Five months prison for Aitutaki indecent assault, other charges

Court

Probation for repeat offender

Court

Assault case adjourned, JP warns on witness contact

Local

Two dogs dead in possible poisoning attack

A pet owner feels viciously targeted after their pets were found dead yesterday morning, believing the attack was premeditated.

Crime

Four motorbikes stolen, only one recovered in pieces

The Cook Islands Police reported a generally peaceful weekend, with the exception of an increase in stolen motorbikes and concerning driving behaviour.

Sports

Rugby league

Eels retain Minor Premiership title

The final weekly rounds of the Cook Islands Rugby League Rarotonga 13s competition have concluded with a flourish, leaving fans electrified as the top four premier men’s teams solidified their positions for the upcoming playoff rounds.

Sports

Young tennis stars earn medals

Tennis Cook Islands junior development team returned home this week with two gold and a bronze medal from the East Pacific Qualifiers held in Tahiti last weekend.

Playoffs set for thrilling battles

The Cook Islands Rugby League Rarotonga 13s competition enters knockout rounds this weekend as teams battle for a spot in the finals.

Sports

Swimmer Connolly makes history

Cook Islands swimmer Lanihei Connolly made history over the weekend by winning a medal at the Oceania Championships in Gold Coast, Australia.

Netball

Titikaveka Pearls shine, Avatiu rule in netball battles

The Rarotonga Netball Club competition took off its weekly round with a flurry of thrilling matches that kept fans on the edge of their seats. As clubs battled it out for supremacy on the court, the intensity was real, and the stakes were high.

Opinion

Letters to the Editor

Letter: The perils of Cryptocurrency Bill

Kia orana e te tama Etita, Me ka tika I toou ngateitei - tuku atu I toku manako ariki-kore I te ture tamanako “Tainted Cryptocurrency Recovery Bill 2023” Kia tika kia akakite atu au I toku manako na roto I to tatou reo maori Kuki Airani, kia marama ia mai e to tatou iti tangata rikiriki.

Editorials

Ruta Mave: Broken promise- Government reneges on free water pledge

Residential water meters are not to measure what we use, it is how we will pay for government’s monumental blunders and excuses, writes Ruta Mave.

Letter: CISNOC job- Locals deserve a fair shot

Dear Editor, The notice of eleven applications for the CISNOC (Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee) job seems a lot and very mysterious.

Opinion

Pet Talk: Remembering the animals who went to war

This Thursday we take time to remember those who bravely sacrificed in the efforts of war, writes Dr Rose Hasegawa, medical director Te Are Manu Vet Clinic.

Features

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Economy

Secrecy and legal doubts cloud Tainted Cryptocurrency Recovery Bill 2023

The Tainted Cryptocurrency Recovery Bill 2023 has been the talk of the town since it was revealed a week ago that the proposed Cook Islands legislation, drafted by a US-based company, could validate hacking into any account or system in the world.

Features

Balancing rights and culture: ‘Hard Talks’ panel discusses progress and challenges

Thought-provoking candid conversations on human rights or tika’anga tangata on the evolving relationship of the LGBTQI Anuanua rights in the Cook Islands shed light on the challenges, progress, and aspirations for individuals in the community and abroad.

Veterans reflect on sacrifice and camaraderie at Anzac Dawn Parade

Hundreds gather to honour fallen at Anzac Day Dawn Parade

President for the Cook Islands Boys Brigade Bob Williams (left) leads the uniform organisation representatives for the laying of wreaths during the Anzac Day Dawn Parade service yesterday morning.

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Art

Out and proud: Miss Thunderhips shines in celebration of diversity

In a celebration of Anuanua Week’s talent, diversity, and inclusivity, the electrifying Miss Thunderhips competition took centre stage on Friday night featuring LGBTQ+ contestants, who showcased their talents captivating the enthusiastic full-house audience.