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Rugby league

Avatiu Eels focus on combinations ahead of Bulldogs clash

After a brief break to spend time with loved ones, the Cook Islands Domestic League 13s Competition returns this ANZAC Day, with the highly anticipated clash between Avatiu Eels and the Titikaveka Bulldogs set to be a thrilling match at Victoria Park in Tupapa.

Cooks contributes to regional framework

The Cook Islands joined Pacific governments, civil society, private sector representatives, regional agencies, and development partners for the first in-person regional consultation on the Draft Implementation Plan for the Pacific Regional Framework on Climate Mobility (PRFCM), held in Suva recently.

Eco Centre owner calls on 'urgent action'

The growing number of underweight and dying turtles in Rarotonga has prompted a heartfelt plea from Discover Marine and Wildlife Eco Centre owner Stephanie Jansen, who says “urgent action” is needed to save the struggling marine reptiles.

Local

Tuaati is Head of Corrective Services- Aims for well equipped, fit-for-purpose facilities for inmates, staff

The new secretary for the Ministry of Corrective Services has identified that having correctional facilities that are well equipped and fit-for-purpose both for inmates and for staff to effectively manage populations is a key task that he wants to deliver on.

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Economy

Government defends Eagle S case, reaffirms commitment to maritime compliance

The Ministry of Transport (MoT) and Maritime Cook Islands (MCI) have defended and clarified that the vessel MT Eagle S, which has been at the centre of international scrutiny following an undersea cable incident in the Gulf of Finland, is not, and has never been, under sanctions.

National

Letters to the Editor

Letter: Growth

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Local

CIIC stands by comments against RFC

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Crime

Scriptures and items for lessons allegedly stolen

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Crime

Police investigate alleged liquor licence breach

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Features

Former Audit Director reveals deep-rooted cultural influence behind Cook Islands corruption

Former Director of Audit, Paul Allsworth, claims that cultural ties and environmental factors are strong contributing forces to corruption in the Cook Islands government.

Art

Local artist contributes to ANZAC Day

Local artist Ashley Chaloner is honoured to paint for the Cook Islands Returned Services Association (RSA) a special piece for the upcoming ANZAC Day event.

Sports

Football

U16 OFC Women’s Championship kick-off

The Cook Islands U16 Women’s National Team is ready to compete against top talent from Papua New Guinea and American Samoa on their home ground for the OFC U16 Women’s Championship 2025.

Football

U15 football teams wins first match

Cook Islands U15 Men’s team had their first victory in the OFC U15 Men's Development Tour defeating New Caledonia 1-0 in Auckland, New Zealand.

Sports

43rd Maori Auri Tinman new national champs

The 43rd Maori Auri Tinman - Cook Islands Triathlon Championship new national champions are David Robati and Maya Postrzygacz.

Rugby league

Avatiu Eels focus on combinations ahead of Bulldogs clash

Fishing

Gigantic splash at Don Dorrell Memorial biggest Rarotonga Game Fishing Comp

The inaugural Don Dorrell Memorial Game Fishing Competition sponsored by the Cook Islands Motor Centre and Honda Marine made a fabulous gigantic splash this past weekend, drawing an impressive fleet of over 50 boats to the waters for a day of friendly competition.

Cricket

Unforgettable journey for women’s cricket

Cook Islands women’s cricket coach Dan Vann says coaching the team at the Bali Bash International T20 Tournament in Indonesia has been an unforgettable journey.

Opinion

Letters to the Editor

Letter: Same old--same old?

Dear Editor: Congratulations to the new Commissioner for Police Tai Joseph!

Opinion

Virtues in Paradise: Prayerfulness and accountability

In the weeks leading to Easter, my mind returns to the powerful example of Jesus Christ during His brief ministry. He was only thirty when He was baptized, beginning His ministry, and thirty-three when He was crucified, writes Linda Kavelin-Popov.

Letters to the Editor

Letter: Fuel prices

Fuel prices in the Cook Islands are often higher than in larger or more connected countries, due to several key factors. As a remote island nation in the South Pacific, we face unique challenges when it comes to importing fuel.

Church Talk

Condolences to the Catholic Church

Kia Orana and Greetings, Your Worship, Bishop Renaldo Bunyi Getalado, all Priests, Nuns, Catechists, respective church executives and all members of our Catholic Church throughout our beloved Cook Islands and abroad.

Letters to the Editor

Letter: Growth

The carpark to be built at Terevete Park, if some of your readers are old enough, brings to mind Joni Mitchell's 1970 song "Big Yellow Taxi" and these lines: "They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.

Letters to the Editor

Letter: Take action

Kia Orana Church Leaders and Congregation Members,

Opinion

Pet talk: How Animals Supported ANZAC War Efforts

This Friday we take time to remember those who bravely sacrificed in the efforts of war. In the records of military history, the valour of soldiers often takes centre stage, but the contributions of animals are equally significant, writes Dr Rose Hasegawa, medical director Te Are Manu Vet Clinic.

Features

Church Talk

Church Talk: True strength begins with Christ’s presence within us

Ephesians 3:17 - “…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love…” Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3 reminds us that a life grounded in Christ’s love brings strength, resilience, and purpose, writes Pastor Eric Toleafoa of the Seventh-day Adventists Church.

Features

Recognising the legacy of parliamentarians and staff

The Parliament of the Cook Islands 60th Legacy award presentations brought together families, children and grandchildren into the Chamber to recognise, acknowledge and pay tribute to former as well as present Parliamentarians and Parliamentary Service staff.

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Features

Police Commissioner Joseph’s journey

Applying for the role of Commissioner for Police was never difficult for Teokotai Joseph, as he had prayed over the decision to rise up and lead the Cook Islands Police Service.

Church Talk

Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross is a deeply meaningful Catholic devotion observed on Good Friday, commemorating the final journey of Jesus Christ to His crucifixion.

Art

Gardenia Wearable Arts gown wows audience

Quincy Tikotikoca has once again demonstrated exceptional talent, securing the top honors in the Anuanua 2025 Wearable Arts designers’ competition. The event captivated the audience last Friday at Bergman’s Gallery.

Culture

Pa Enua: Fortress of Korero Māori

The high standard of the Tateni Korero Māori language and culture in the Pa Enua shows the commitment to preserving and promoting their respective linguistic heritage.

Pacific

Local

Troika leaders reaffirm commitment

Prime Minister Mark Brown together with other Pacific Islands Forum Troika leaders gathered in Nadi, Fiji this week for their first in-person meeting of 2025, reaffirming their commitment to collective priorities and navigating the region through a continually evolving geopolitical landscape.