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Economy

Immigration reconsiders expat work permit limits

Cook Islands Immigration wants to reintroduce mandatory breaks and permit limitations for expat workers, which have been criticised as unfair and a step backwards.

The final that was never played

When Takuva’ine and Arorangi premier netball teams meet on Saturday, it will be eight years since the two sides were last drawn to play each other in a Rarotonga club knockout final.

Domestic shipping warns of rising costs for Pa Enua as freight rates increase

Local shipping company Taio Shipping says the recent freight rate increases introduced by international carrier Matson South Pacific are placing added pressure on their operating costs, with the ripple effects likely to be felt by Cook Islands consumers in the Pa Enua.

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Environment

Let’s lead with wisdom: Opposition calls for national pause on seabed mining

Opposition leader Tina Browne is calling for a “national pause” on the Cook Islands’ deep sea mining ambitions, warning that the country is risking its oceanic heritage and identity by charging ahead with a decision that could have irreversible consequences.

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Crime

New Zealand Police open to supporting Cook Islands in combating gang influence

The New Zealand Police Commissioner has pledged continued support to help build the capabilities of the Cook Islands Police Service and to address growing concerns around transnational gang activity involving gang members with Cook Islands heritage based in New Zealand.

National

Environment

Rarotonga’s Southern Passages Plan open for public feedback

Health

Breast Cancer Foundation launches logo competition to Mark 60th Anniversary Year

Culture

Public invited to special feast following Makea Nui investiture

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Local

Manihiki residents relieved as barge arrives to dismantle MV Grinna II wreck

Health

World Blood Donor Day strong community support

The Cook Islands Red Cross Society celebrated a successful World Blood Donor Day this week, drawing strong support from donors and the local community.

Business

Young innovative business stars

The Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) programme pitch event recently welcomed 11 teams from Tereora College's Level 2 business class, giving them the opportunity to present their innovative ideas and showcase their products after months of planning and creation.

Sports

Rugby league

‘Injured’ Blues wary of Maroons

Despite a string of injuries following last week’s bruising encounter, Town Blues head coach Clive Nicholas says his side is ready and confident for today’s second leg of the Cook Islands Rugby League (CIRL) State of Origin series against the Country Maroons.

Cricket

Sharks sink Wolves to claim T20 Super Slam Cricket title

The Tiger Sharks have been crowned the new champions of the Cook Islands Cricket Association 2025 T20 Super Slam Cricket Competition.

Netball

The final that was never played

When Takuva’ine and Arorangi premier netball teams meet on Saturday, it will be eight years since the two sides were last drawn to play each other in a Rarotonga club knockout final.

Netball

Netball Comp final showdown

Takuvaine Netball Club has three teams competing in the Rarotonga Club Competition final showdown at the Sports Arena today.

Handball

Historic debut, Olympic dreams: Cook Islands represents Oceania on global beach handball stage

History is in the making as the Cook Islands Under-17 Beach Handball squad departed Rarotonga on Wednesday, en route to Hammamet, Tunisia, for their debut appearance at the 2025 IHF U17 Men’s Beach Handball World Championship, set for June 17 to 22, 2025.

Badminton

Autism Cook Islands hosts first Badminton class

Autism Cook Islands recently conducted their inaugural training session in collaboration with Badminton Cook Islands late last month.

Opinion

Editorials

Te Ipukarea Society: The ocean is our life

As Oceans Week draws to a close, we celebrate that nearly 40 countries are now calling for a moratorium on Deep-sea Mining (DSM).

Letters to the Editor

Letter: Cannabis research

With the announcement in the Cook Islands News that a freight hike is set to drive up Cook Islands prices possibly by 30 per cent, there has never been a better time to legalise the personal cultivation of medicinal pakalolo by patients in order to treat their illnesses and save them heaps of money.

Letters to the Editor

Letter: Booze tax

So, Police are “investigating” alleged after hours liquor sales at the Golf Club? Why waste ink and newsprint on telling the sober public of this allegation?

Editorials

Thomas Wynne: Why a Rā‘ui must be meaningful consultation

In recent weeks, the Cook Islands declared a rā‘ui toroa — a national whale sanctuary — expanding protection across vast swathes of our moana and Ocean, Thomas Wynne writes.

Letters to the Editor

Letter: A call for cultural protocols to protect our traditional titles

Kia Orana Editor, As Cook Islands Māori, our traditional leadership system—consisting of Ariki, Mataiapo, and Rangatira titles—is not just a cultural institution; it is the foundation of our identity, unity, and genealogical history.

Features

Te Tua o Papa Tere Tarapu

I anau ia a Papa Tere Tarapu i te ra taingauru ma varu (18) o Mati, mataiti tai mano, iva anere e toru ngauru ma varu (1938). E varu ngauru ma itu (87) ona mataiti.

Entertainment

Mama Rauti Para: A celebration of Cook Islands matriarchs and culture

She’s a beauty pageant queen and the first Cook Islander to walk the Miss Universe stage, but Carmena Wong has taken those 80s memories and flipped them into a 2025 pageant walk celebrating the flair, fashion and x-factor of Cook Islands women over 55.

Features

Resort group invests in leadership

A leading Cook Islands resort group celebrated the graduation of 42 staff members who participated in a programme designed to enhance leadership potential and skills within the hospitality industry.

Features

The strong-willed Tutakimoa Pu Tapere

With her strong desire and enthusiasm to continue supporting the people of Tutakimoa and their land, Mareana Papera-Howard was elected as the new Pu Tapere.

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Art

Lone female drummer helps Anau Maungaroa win Tangi Kaara title

Tereora College teams made a clean sweep, winning the top three prizes at the CITC Pump the Beats Te Emo’anga Tangi Kaara 2025 secondary schools drumming competition on Thursday night.

Church Talk

Church Talk: ‘Kindness begins with me’

Kindness and faith are not measured by what we have, but by what we are willing to give – even in scarcity, writes Kayla Kaimarama Willie of the Latter-day Saints.