Health

Te Marae Ora launches free whooping cough booster campaign

In response to the recent outbreak of pertussis (whooping cough) in Aotearoa New Zealand, health authorities have initiated the rollout of the free BOOSTRIX booster vaccination.

Former Tereora College principal to head revived teacher training centre

The Ministry of Education is working to strengthen the local education system by reopening the Teacher Development Centre (TDC), which has lacked a formal teacher training institution since 2005.

Cool waters and fast movement cause ex-TC Pita to weaken, says Vaiimene

As the Cook Islands weathered what was initially anticipated to be a more severe storm, Tropical Cyclone Pita, formerly a Category 1 storm, unexpectedly downgraded and spared the islands from major impacts.

National

A gust of laughter: Cook Islands Met Service uses humour to brighten up forecasts

The Cook Islands Meteorological Service has been adding a dash of humour to its weather updates on Facebook, and the strategy is paying off.

Culture

Te Puna Marama collecting knowledge of food preservation in Mauke

Kicking off brand new 2025, Te Puna Marama Voyaging Society is excited to host its first workshop today on Mauke (January 14 – 15, 2025), dedicated to exploring and documenting traditional methods of growing and preserving food.

Rugby Union

Cook Islands 7s team unveils ambitious plan to elevate performance

The Cook Islands men’s sevens team plans to implement a series of initiatives this year to become competitive at international tournaments.

Rugby league

Tokoroa Pacific Sharks honour heritage at League Nines in Paradise

The Tokoroa Pacific Sharks may have finished as runners-up in the Cook Islands Rugby League Nines in Paradise tournament, but the team’s journey to the final was filled with lessons and pride.

Letters to the Editor

Letter: Honouring our young heroes

Dear Editor, May I request through your column for Government to consider and approve the recommendation for an award MBEs, OBEs or something of that nature or higher to be granted, bestowed or given to the team of young Cook Islanders who won the world competition for some robotic or similar thing that was in the newspaper some months ago.

Editorials

Ruta Mave: American drama of the wild wildfires

Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world and home to many of the celebrity elite, is currently starring in an unfolding American drama of the wild wildfires of the west, writes Ruta Mave.

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Environment

Protecting Aitutaki’s ‘beating heart’ using traditional conservation method

Aitutaki residents gathered at their prized lagoon this week to continue the custom of protecting their marine environment through the re-establishment of the traditional ra’ui, a temporary fishing ban within the lagoon.

National

Discover Palmerston: A slice of paradise in the Pacific

Palmerston sits like a delicate necklace in the blue body of the Pacific, its coral reef and white beaches strung with six sandy motu scattered through it and a surrounding vast lagoon.

Entertainment

Overseas contestants to compete for Miss Cook Islands title, announces MCIPA

The two pageant organisations in the Cook Islands are planning to host separate pageant events this year.

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Local

PM Brown confident in Pacific Islands Forum leadership despite political change in Tonga

The sudden resignation of Tonga’s former prime minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni had left a temporary gap in the leadership of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), but Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown remains confident that the situation will soon stabilise.

Education

USP Student body represents 14,000 students

The University of the South Pacific Students’ Association (USPSA) from 14 campuses spanning 12 member countries convened in Rarotonga yesterday representing the voice of 14,000 students.

Sailing

New Caledonia's President Mapou says French territory is at a "turning point"

New Caledonia's President Louis Mapou says the French territory is at a "turning point" after the three-day fact-finding mission, headed by three Pacific leaders wrapped up in Nouméa. RNZ Pacific Presenter/Bulletin Editor Lydia Lewis reports.