More Top Stories
Solar power battery repairs ‘could take up to 12 months’
15 April 2024
Police shortage leads to drop in checkpoints
9 April 2024
Sarakura declared new Penrhyn MP
16 March 2024
Govt says $1.3m invested in Lady Samoa charter
22 February 2024
Mass milkfish die-off in Penrhyn raises concerns
3 April 2024
Regulator defends Starlink users
9 April 2024
Aitutaki’s heritage preserved in new anthology
4 January 2024
Avatiu Eels retain Nines title
8 January 2024
Beddoes crowned top athlete
8 January 2024
NRL player Dargan dies in Aitutaki motorcycle crash
24 December 2023
‘Please heed the signs’: resident makes plea to tourists
20 December 2023
Cook Islands set to play in new World Series
10 October 2023
Corruption report exposes ‘bribe and sexual favours’
17 January 2023
Corruption in the Cook Islands?
21 January 2023
Moana target 2025 World Cup
11 November 2022
Articles by Al Williams
TMO’s patient referral costs skyrocket amid NCD crisis
Monday 26 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Health, National
Patient referral budgets have skyrocketed in the Cook Islands as the nation grapples with almost half its people suffering noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Al Williams reports.
Govt grapples with aging buildings
Saturday 24 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
While a $400,000 operation to rid the Old Post Office of asbestos in Avarua gets underway, questions remain around the ageing stock of government-controlled facilities on Rarotonga.
Brawler convicted, sentenced for his part in Nikao scrap
Saturday 24 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A man involved in a mass brawl on Rarotonga has been convicted and sentenced for his part in the fight.
Man enters pleas to 10 assault charges
Friday 23 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A man charged with 10 counts of assaulting a female has entered guilty pleas to eight of the charges.
$400k asbestos removal operation gets underway at Old Post Office
Friday 23 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Business, Economy, Local, National
A $400,000 operation to rid the Old Post Office of asbestos in Avarua is about to get underway following the building’s closure in recent months.
Tyre issue forces Air NZ Cooks flight to divert
Thursday 22 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
A busy Air New Zealand service to the Cook Islands was forced to turn back for Auckland two hours into its journey.
JP to deliver reserved decision in reckless and drink-driving case
Tuesday 20 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A decision is soon expected on whether a man accused of reckless and drink driving on Rarotonga more than two years ago, is guilty or not.
Court diary
Wednesday 14 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
An 18-year-old man has been given a two-year suspended sentence for his role in a mass brawl on Rarotonga.
Assault accused gets bail with strict conditions
Tuesday 13 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
Despite facing multiple assault charges, an accused held in custody was granted bail with strict conditions including curfew, contact restrictions, and passport surrender.
Court news in brief
Tuesday 13 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
February 13, 2024
In brief: Court news
Monday 12 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
February 12, 2024
Legacy waste project comes with $700,000 price tag
Monday 12 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, National
A two-year project to clean up legacy waste across Rarotonga has cost taxpayers more than $700,000.
Lagoon resort causeway still under investigation
Monday 12 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, National, Outer Islands
National Environment Service staffers appear to be taking their time in delivering an assessment on a temporary causeway at the redevelopment of upmarket Lagoon Private Island Resort on Aitutaki.
Accused burglar given bail after brother speaks for him in court
Friday 9 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
The brother of a man facing burglary charges has again pleaded with the court to release him, to help care for their wheelchair bound father.
Assault accused fails in second bid for bail
Friday 9 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A man charged with a raft of offences related to the mother of his child, has had another charge added, and again failed in his bid for freedom.
Who paid for what?
Wednesday 7 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Questions remain as to the total cost of a Samoan passenger ferry chartered by the Cook Islands government prior to Christmas and how much revenue was generated from passenger seat sales and cargo to offset taxpayer contributions.
PM confirms additional $400k to ‘maintain the pace of roadworks’
Tuesday 6 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Rarotonga’s long-awaited road improvement projects will receive an additional $400,000 with Prime Minister Mark Brown confirming government is appropriating it in the supplementary budget to “main the pace of roadworks to the end of the financial year”.
Defended hearing for reckless and drink-driving accused two years on
Monday 5 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A reckless and drink driving case which has dragged on for two years, has been set down for a defended hearing.
Judge refuses Crown Law recommendations and spares cannabis convicted man jail time
Monday 5 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A Judge has refused to jail a man on cannabis charges despite calls from Crown Law for a custodial sentence.
Driver escapes injury but not conviction after crash in Aroa
Saturday 3 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A 24-year-old motorist who escaped serious injury when his van veered off the road in Aroa and tumbled into a stream has not escaped conviction.
