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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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.