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Health

NCDs to cost Cook Islands tens of millions, says Te Marae Ora

The economic burden of rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) on the Cook Islands is projected to soar to tens of millions of dollars, according to the Secretary of Health.

Power cuts loom for a quarter of TAU customers with overdue bill

A quarter of Rarotonga’s electricity customers face disconnection for overdue bills over 90 days.

Sports

Roberts misses out on Paris Olympics as universality appeal rejected

Team Cook Islands’ hopes of adding swimmer Wesley Tikiariki Roberts as the third athlete to compete at the Paris Olympic Games has been dashed after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) declined their request.

Economy

Cook Islands Tourism Corporation welcomes new board members

Cook Islands Tourism Corporation yesterday announced the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors.

National

Local

Organic group proposes water- saving solution

Economy

Cook Islands shares progress on gender equality at regional meetings

Crime

Missing teen: Police exhausted efforts to locate him, says Pitt

Education

Former Tereora College students encouraged to attend buffet dinner fundraiser

Economy

Penrhyn seeks airport upgrade for tourism boost

With a population of around 200 people, the residents of Penrhyn always look forward to welcoming yachters who contribute a little to their economy. However, Penrhyn executive officer Puna Vano says the island needs an upgraded airport to contribute more significantly to its tourism economy.

Court

Visitor ordered to pay $28,000 reparation for Titikaveka crash

A visitor to Rarotonga was convicted of excess blood alcohol and careless driving after a car accident, resulting in a $28,000 reparation.

Art

17-year-old artist supports family with stunning pareu paintings

At 17, Jeremiah Tangianau from Rutaki is making life easier for his family, not just with his paintbrush but with his commitment to his parents.

Sports

Football

Defending champions Avatiu to battle Nikao Sokattak in season opener

Defending champions of the Rarotonga Football Senior Women’s Competition, Avatiu will face Nikao Sokattak at the Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA) complex today, as they are eager to start the season with a win.

Rugby Union

Lady Panthers win season opener

The Cook Islands Women’s Rugby Union season kicked off with a thrilling match between the Arorangi Lady Bears and the Tupapa Lady Panthers at Raemaru Park in Arorangi on Saturday.

Sports

Cook Islands Aquatics secures funding to expand life-saving swim programme

Cook Islands Aquatics Federation has secured timely sponsorship from ANZ Cook Islands.

Football

Young talent takes centre stage as Rarotonga Football Season begins

The 2024 Rarotonga Football Season gets officially underway today, marking the start of an exciting new chapter as teams across the island gear up for intense competition.

Sports

Cook Islands swimmer Roberts in last-minute bid for Olympics spot

Team Cook Islands is hoping to add swimmer Wesley Tikiariki Roberts as the third athlete to compete at the Paris Olympic Games, which start this Friday in France.

Opinion

Letters to the Editor

Letter: Mistreatment of cattle

For years I’ve been concerned about the mistreatment of cattle kept around the town end of the runway. A lot of them are kept in areas where there is no grass but mimosa pudica plants that are toxic to cattle.

Letters to the Editor

Letter: Election gimmick or real progress?

Dear Editor, The Sovereign Wealth Fund meetings by Government is a real farce. There is no harvesting, no transportation of minerals to markets, no pricing, no sales, nothing!

Letters to the Editor

Letter: The ‘butchering’ of Toa trees

Dear Editor, Kia Orana. Reading about the major destruction of Toa trees in the Akapuao/Fruits of Raro area, and NES’ comments in the Cook Islands News (20 July, 2024).

Letters to the Editor

Letter: Paris trip: Junket or necessary expense?

Dear Editor, This Olympics thing from CISNOC (Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee) is the biggest junket ever and historically always has been.

Letters to the Editor

Letter: ‘Holes’ in water tariff report

Dear Editor, Regarding proposed water tariffs: the subject of Ruta Mave’s article (15 July); and the subsequent response from the Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council (Letters, 19 July).

Letters to the Editor

Letter: Shipping company’s ‘reckless’ record

Dear Editor, I am shocked by the continued dangerous operations of Taio Shipping.

Letters to the Editor

Letter: Toa trees

You have reported that construction company T&M Heather Ltd appears to admit to an ‘offence’ under the Environment Act 2003 by cutting mature trees on the foreshore at Tikioki, not only without consent, but after being told by National Environment Service (NES) that the cutting was not allowed. Perhaps a legal type can correct the writer, but is ‘offence’ just a nicer word, at law, for ‘crime’?

Features

Church Talk

Church Talk: The price of paradise- Salvation in Jesus is free but aren’t cheap

All things natural are free but aren’t cheap – Te au mea natura ravarai mea oronga ua ia mai tereira, e akatarauanga ngao ra te tiki, writes Bishop Tutai Pere of the Apostolic Church.

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Local

Seafarer dad devastated: This event has changed my relationship with the sea forever

The seafaring father of the 22-year-old crew member who fell overboard during the weekend’s return voyage to Rarotonga of the vessel Lady Moana is devastated as search efforts are ongoing.

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Church Talk

Bishop Paul reflects on 13 years of service in the Cook Islands

Bishop Paul Donoghue, the eighth Bishop of the Cook Islands Catholic Church who served for 13 years, has retired, leaving a legacy of strong faith development, good relationships with other religions and the community, and overcoming administrative challenges.

Entertainment

‘Can’t help falling in love’ with this cause: Elvis tribute to raise funds

Two Elvis impersonators from New Zealand will perform in the Cook Islands to celebrate a local Elvis artist’s 60th birthday and raise money for charity.

Business

Family business builds on legacy: Wichman children lead Cook Islands Building Supplies expansion

The Wichman family-built Cook Islands Building Supplies has grown from a small store to a leading supplier with a new fleet, bigger warehouse and expansion plans.

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Features

Cook Islands sets sights on bringing Traditional Polynesian Games home

Cook Islands’ participation at the Heiva Tū’aro Mā’ohi traditional games in Tahiti has sparked interest in bringing similar events to the country and potentially boosting tourism.

Pacific

New Caledonia

Pacific media in midst of geopolitical rivalry

Geopolitics in the Pacific has become so intense that it permeates the national life of some island countries. Jostling for influence between the United States, China, their allies and partners was one of the hot topics of the recently concluded 2024 Pacific International Media Conference in Suva, Fiji (July 4-6) hosted jointly by the University of the South Pacific Journalism Programme, the Pacific Island News Association (PINA) and the Asia Pacific Media Network (APMN). By Shailendra Bahadur Singh and Amit Sarwal.

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Fiji

Tourism industry, Fijian residents welcome NZ scrapping transit visas

Cook Islands tourism industry and Fijians residing here have welcomed New Zealand’s decision to lift transit visa requirements for Fiji nationals travelling through NZ.

Environment

PM Brown to lead Pacific effort to find peace in New Caledonia

Prime Minister Mark Brown will be part of a high-level delegation to New Caledonia to help resolve the political crisis facing the French territory since May this year.

Papua New Guinea

Support ongoing for landslide survivors in Papua New Guinea

Mounting challenges remain for the authorities and humanitarian groups supporting survivors, including women and children disproportionately, affected by the Papua New Guinea deadly landslide.

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Economy

Expatriate workers urged to review contracts for repatriation coverage

The recent death of an expatriate worker has highlighted the importance of having clear provisions in employment contracts and insurance plans to cover repatriation of human remains in case of unforeseen circumstances.