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Health

$35.7 million budget for Cook Islands National Health Plan

The Cook Islands Ministry of Health, Te Marae Ora (TMO), has revealed that the total projected cost to implement the National Health Strategic Plan 2023-2027 is approximately $35.7 million.


Donald Trump’s deep-sea mining order condemned as ‘militarisation’ of Pacific

United States President Donald Trump’s latest executive order aimed at boosting the deep-sea mining industry is a ‘contemporary militarisation of the Pacific region yet again’, says an advocate for ocean conservation and protection.


Pa Enua strains under influx of mental health patients without local support

The growing number of Cook Islands patients with mental illness returning from overseas without adequate local support systems presents a significant challenge for frontline healthcare workers and volunteers in the Pa Enua.

Rugby league

Bears one win away from league double

Arorangi Bears premier men are a win away from a rare double in the Cook Islands Rugby League domestic competition.

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Crime

Minister dismisses funding concerns over deportation of foreign offenders

Foreign nationals convicted of certain offences will be deported following a court order, with funding secured by either the Ministry of Justice or Immigration, according to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, who dismissed concerns about a lack of resources hindering deportations.

National

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Education

Articulate education dream, ex-NZ minister tells Cook Islands

A former New Zealand minister urged the Cook Islands to develop a focused action plan for culturally rooted education, emphasising community involvement and language preservation, at the inaugural education symposium last week.


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Features

Manuae landowners voice concerns, question Trust’s motives and control

Division among Manuae landowners over the Manuae Enua Conservation Trust’s management and claims of a lack of transparency has led to calls for action and legal challenges, while the parent body, Proprietors of Manuae Incorporated (PMI), defends its conservation efforts and future plans.

Sports

Rugby Union

Te Uki Ou and Papaaroa triumph at Takitumu Quick Rip Tournament

The annual U13 Vaka Takitumu Quick Rip Tournament for boys and girls saw Te Uki Ou and Papaaroa schools emerge victorious on Thursday last week at Teimurimotia Park in Titikaveka.


Football

Tupapa Maraerenga bow out of OFC Women’s Champions League after second loss

Tupapa Maraerenga FC lost to Ba Women FC 1-3 at Stade Fautua, allowing the Fijian side to seal its place in the semi-finals of the OFC Women’s Champions League 2025.

Rugby league

Bears one win away from league double

Arorangi Bears premier men are a win away from a rare double in the Cook Islands Rugby League domestic competition.

Athletics

‘Future of athletics is bright’

Athletics Cook Islands hosted young children aged 5-13 at the National Stadium in Nikao for the Kids Athletics 2025 event this week.

Opinion

Editorials

Thomas Wynne: The need for leaders who unite, not divide

As we witness the recent elections in Australia and Canada, it is clear that the global political landscape is shifting, writes Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.

Letters to the Editor

Letter: Is Education truly serving all māpū?

Dear Editor, The recent education symposium seems to have ignited passion in the community with calls for action and fighting, specifically to revitalise the culture of the Cook Islands.

Letters to the Editor

Letter: No user pays

Dear Editor, ‘Water petition group frustrated by Minister’s refusal to share report’ misattributes the petition with a Select Committee recommendation.

Editorials

Te Ipukarea Society: Community unites to restore Ngatoe Stream in successful planting day

This past Saturday, over 30 volunteers gathered along the banks of Ngatoe Stream in Vaima’anga to take part in a successful community planting day.


Opinion

Ruta Mave: Reflections on motherhood’s everlasting imprint

Mother’s Day was yesterday and hopefully some of you were able to find some solace in the flowers and homemade breakfast of burnt toast and strong tea spilt on your bed as an endearing demonstration of your children’s love, writes Ruta Mave.

Features

Entertainment

Aotearoa electronic music pioneers to debut in Rarotonga

After 25 years of exploring and expanding the musical landscape, The Nomad, alongside MC Antsman, will bring powerful, bass-driven beats to Rarotonga, for the very first time.


Entertainment

Te Mire Ura Senior dancers hit the stage tomorrow

The highly anticipated Tauranga Vananga Te Mire Ura Seniors dance competition kicks off tomorrow, May 1, with 10 dancers.


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Features

Jackie Rongo: Guided by love, grounded in purpose

For Jackie Rongo, motherhood is more than a role – it’s a calling, a community effort, and a daily dance of love, leadership and deep responsibility. Though she humbly insists there are many other women more deserving of recognition, Jackie embodies the essence of motherhood in all its forms: biological, chosen, cultural and communal.

Education

‘Become a Māori again’: Rebuilding education the Cook Islands way

A significant national event dedicated to revitalising education through culture, language and identity took place this week, drawing over 100 participants each day from May 5 to 8, at the National Sports Arena in Nikao.

Church Talk

Church Talk: Christ has risen! Alleluia

The Resurrection of Christ is a critical event in Christian theology, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy and the words of Jesus himself, writes Bishop Reynaldo Bunyi Getalado msp of the Catholic Church.

Opinion

Church Talk: Following Jesus Christ even at personal cost

The Heavenly Father sees our potential, and He lovingly invites us to go a little deeper, to sacrifice a little more and to follow Him more completely, writes Kayla Kaimarama Willie of the Latter-day Saints.

Pacific

Australia

Brown congratulates Australia’s PM on his re-election

Prime Minister Mark Brown has congratulated Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on his re-election.

Pacific Islands

Pacific editor welcomes US Court ruling in favour of Radio Free Asia

The former head of BenarNews' Pacific Bureau says a United States court ruling this week ordering the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM) to release congressionally approved funding to Radio Free Asia and its subsidiaries "makes us very happy".

Economy

Cook Islands, French Polynesia advance Air Services Agreement

The Cook Islands and French Polynesia continue to deepen cooperation, convening the first technical meeting to review the Air Services Agreement (ASA) and further progress its development.


Pacific Islands

Trump signs 'deeply dangerous' order, fast-track deep sea mining

An ocean conservation non-profit has condemned the United States President's latest executive order aimed at boosting the deep sea mining industry.

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