More Top Stories
Solar power battery repairs ‘could take up to 12 months’
15 April 2024
Cook Islands poised for highest Pacific growth
29 April 2024
Alleged rapist in remand
27 April 2024
Ex-DPM appeals ‘excessive sentence’, hearing date set
26 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
Alleged brawlers told to clean their act up in court
Friday 2 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
Multiple men have appeared in court charged with fighting in a public place following an incident at Super Brown in Nikao on Sunday January 28.
Construction of new multi-million dollar five star resort is underway
Thursday 1 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Construction of a $20 million resort is underway in what is understood to be Rarotonga’s first five- star operation. Al Williams reports.
Trio found guilty in high profile corruption case
Thursday 1 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
Deputy Prime Minister Robert Tapaitau, former National Environment Service (NES) director Nga Puna, and his wife and former Secretary of Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI), Diane Charlie-Puna have been found guilty of “all or most offences” following a judgement given by Chief Justice Patrick Keane.
Trio guilty in high-profile corruption case
Wednesday 31 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in BREAKING NEWS, Court, Crime, National
Deputy Prime Minister Robert Tapaitau, former National Environment Service (NES) director Nga Puna, and his wife and former Secretary of Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI), Diane Charlie-Puna have been found guilty of “all or most offences” following a judgement given by Chief Justice Patrick Keane.
Cops cagey about China visit
Wednesday 31 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Crime, National
Cook Islands Police are keeping quiet about the visit of a senior officer to the People’s Republic of China.
Cops urge motorists to make the change
Tuesday 30 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Crime, National
Last year ended with December recording the highest number of monthly road incidents on Rarotonga, including a fatal in Aitutaki, for 2023, and cops say they are ‘under-resourced and under-staffed’ in being able to tackle the figures.
Assault accused fails bid for bail
Tuesday 30 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A man charged with multiple assaults on a female has failed in his bid to be released from custody.
Recidivist offender fails in bid for freedom
Monday 29 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A man with a lengthy list of alcohol related offending has pleaded for his freedom without success.
Assault accused granted name suppression
Monday 29 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A man charged with common assault has been given interim name suppression following his first appearance in court.
Feeling the pinch at the checkout
Monday 29 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Food and non-alcoholic beverages have weighed heavily in pushing up annual inflation.
Defence lawyer to appeal interim name suppression decision
Saturday 27 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
Lawyer Norman George will appeal a decision by Justice of the Peace Vania Kenning to deny his client interim name suppression.
Court news
Saturday 27 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
Assault accused to defend himself
Tears in court as man pleads for brother’s freedom
Friday 26 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
The brother of a man facing burglary charges has pleaded through tears with the court to release him, to help care for their wheelchair bound father.
Lewis hands in resignation to CISNOC
Thursday 25 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Education, Local, National, Other Sports, Sports
New Education Secretary Owen Lewis has handed in his resignation to the Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC), while it is understood he will remain in an acting position, unpaid, as secretary general until a suitable replacement is found.
Visitor arrivals jump 26 per cent in 2023
Thursday 25 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National, Travel
Visitor arrivals for 2023 have jumped 26.3 per cent of the number recorded in the year 2022, exceeding the expectations of the Cook Islands tourism industry.
Volunteer fire brigade kicks off 2024 with more resources
Tuesday 23 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade has new resources in the battle against the blaze.
Immigration policy changes on hold awaiting PM approval, says MFAI
Tuesday 23 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
The proposed immigration policy changes considered by the National Labour Advisory Board (NLAB) in September last year are sitting with Prime Minister Mark Brown for his approval, says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI).
$1.7 million govt electric cars not compatible with charging station
Monday 22 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Local, National
A $1.7 million fleet of electric cars bought by the government were not compatible with the intended charging station at Te Aponga Uira (TAU), forcing authorities to install two at the Office of the Prime Minister. Al Williams reports.
Contractors stumped as to what caused $600k lift to break down
Saturday 20 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
The nation’s only public elevator is back in action, but what exactly caused it to fail has contactors stumped.
Opposition questions Education appointment, PM defends choice
Saturday 20 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Education, National
Opposition Leader Tina Browne criticised the government for ignoring a selection panel’s recommendation in appointing the new Education Secretary, while Prime Minister Mark Brown defended the decision. Al Williams reports.
