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
Highest crash count in four years: Police
Saturday 23 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Crime, Local, National
Road safety and better driving behaviour is dominating the messaging by Police this festive season, as the holiday period gets underway.
‘Peace and love to all’: Santa prepares for tropical Christmas in the Cooks
Saturday 23 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Santa is busy preparing for a long night on December 24 and has a message for Cook Islands kids.
Immigration explains status situation
Friday 22 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Local, National
Cook Islands Foreign Affairs and Immigration has issued a statement in light of returning Cook Islanders voicing frustration with immigration processes as they arrive home to share Christmas with loved ones.
Accused facing indecent assault, contempt charges allowed to travel
Friday 22 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
An expat facing a charge of indecent assault and two charges of contempt has been allowed to travel overseas.
PM welcomes discussions on subsidised public transport
Friday 22 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Business, Economy, Local, National
Government assistance could be on the way for a struggling Cook Islands public service.
Cops deal with three road incidents on Rarotonga in the space of two hours
Thursday 21 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
Three road incidents in the space of two hours on Tuesday have been labelled as “carelessness” by Police.
We’re sick of waiting around: Returning Cook Islanders vent frustration over waiting times
Thursday 21 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Local, National
Returning Cook Islanders have voiced frustration with immigration processes as they arrive home to share Christmas with loved ones.
Long serving public service under strain as rising costs place pressure on sector
Wednesday 20 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Local, National
A long serving Cook Islands public service has been forced to hike its prices as it struggles without government subsidies.
Drug accused DJ allowed to work on Rarotonga
Tuesday 19 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A New Zealand DJ (disc jockey) facing multiple drug charges has had his bail conditions changed so he can work on Rarotonga.
Guilty or not? High profile trial verdict in the new year
Tuesday 19 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
The final submissions were heard in the high-profile corruption case involving the country’s Deputy Prime Minister and ex-ministry heads, with the judge to deliver verdict in the new year.
Accused nightclub brawlers adjourned to February
Monday 18 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
Two men alleged to have been involved in a massive brawl on Rarotonga last month have appeared in court.
Nightclub brawl accused remains in Cook Islands awaiting trial
Monday 18 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
One of eight visitors from Australia allegedly involved in a brawl at a Rarotonga nightclub will remain in the Cook Islands at least until February, 2024.
Bail denied for man facing assault charges on two partners
Saturday 16 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A man facing more than a dozen charges related to assaults on two partners has been remanded in custody again following an application for bail.
Shrinking jury pool puts trial system under strain
Saturday 16 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
There is scepticism among legal eagles about jury trials in the Cook Islands following the release of a judgement in an aborted case.
Woman pleads guilty to child assault in Court
Saturday 16 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A woman has pleaded guilty to assaulting a child.
MFAI offices to close for day as staff get time off following ‘heavy year’
Saturday 16 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Local, National
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) offices will close on Monday as staff take the day off.
Browne struggles to get answers over $640,000 vessel charter
Friday 15 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
Opposition leader and Rakahanga MP Tina Browne has made little progress over the course of two days, in trying to get answers from Pukapuka MP Tingika Elikana about a $640,000 charter vessel which left Rarotonga on Wednesday bound for Pukapuka.
Former bank employee admits to stealing $125,000
Friday 15 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A woman has admitted to stealing $125,000 over a five-year period from Bank South Pacific (BSP) on Rarotonga – entering guilty pleas to eight charges of theft as a servant.
Holidaymakers set sail for Pukapuka
Thursday 14 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Avatiu Harbour was buzzing with activity yesterday morning as passengers bound for Pukapuka boarded the Lady Samoa IV.
‘No guts’: Senior lawyer slams proposed cannabis legislation
Tuesday 12 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Health, National, Politics
A senior lawyer has lambasted proposed legislation supporting availability of cannabis in the Cook Islands, saying it has ‘no guts’.
