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
Pukapuka ferry trip for diaspora costs $640,000
Tuesday 12 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands, Regional, Samoa
A Samoan passenger ferry chartered by the Cook Islands government for $640,000 is scheduled to arrive in Rarotonga today and take 160 New Zealand and Australia based people of Pukapuka descent to the northern island. Al Williams reports.
Cooks warms to cannabis debate
Monday 11 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Health, Local, National, Politics
‘Hemp could have a commercial benefit for Cook Islands’
Jury reaches verdict in Aitutaki cannabis case
Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A jury of nine women and two men have found an Aitutaki man guilty of supplying cannabis following a two-day trial on Rarotonga.
Defendant denies supplying cannabis,
Friday 8 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A jury of nine women and two men will decide if an Aitutaki man is guilty of supplying cannabis following a two-day trial on Rarotonga.
Aitutaki drug trial delayed over witness incrimination
Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
The jury trial of an Aitutaki man facing a supply of cannabis charge has been hampered by multiple delays on its first day, including a call by the Judge to adjourn on the grounds of a witness incriminating themselves.
‘It’s all down to the attitude’: Rarotonga motorists still not getting the message
Tuesday 5 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Crime, National
Police say motorists are missing the point in displaying attitudes that are ‘overly casual’, following another disappointing weekend on Rarotonga roads.
Jury trial thrown out following two days of delays
Tuesday 5 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
The jury trial of a man facing charges of threatening to kill and threatening to cause grievous bodily harm has been thrown out following two days of hold ups.
Electric vehicles hit the road for WCPFC20 meeting on Rarotonga
Monday 4 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in
Half a dozen cars bought by Cook Islands Government for $1.7 million, and used during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting held last month, will be again used to transport dignitaries at next week’s Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC20) meeting on Rarotonga.
Former staffer makes claim of sexual assault at TMO
Monday 4 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Health, National
A former staffer has jumped in with claims of sexual assault following allegations of a toxic workplace culture at Te Marae Ora.
National Environment Service staffers travel to Aitutaki for causeway inspection at Lagoon Private Island Resort
Monday 4 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, National, Outer Islands
National Environment Service staffers head to Aitutaki this week to assess the state of a temporary causeway at the redevelopment of upmarket Lagoon Private Island Resort.
Cook Islands national dies in traffic incident in Honiara
Monday 4 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in National
A Cook Islands national has died in a traffic incident in Honiara. Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) and the Pacific Games organising committee both released statements over the weekend.
Disqualified driver considers Australia return to continue supporting family
Tuesday 28 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A convicted drink driver is considering leaving the Cook Islands because losing his driver’s licence for 12 months renders him unable to work to support his grandparents.
Curfew imposed on woman for violating probation terms
Monday 27 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A woman who has been repeatedly warned she will go to jail, has been now given a curfew, as authorities struggle to keep track of her whereabouts.
Teen spared conviction for careless driving fined for cannabis offences
Monday 27 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A teen motorist who had an epileptic fit, leading to a crash, has escaped a conviction for careless driving, but picked up convictions for possessing a bong and cannabis.
Man fined for parole breaches
Saturday 25 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A 20-year-old man has been fined $80 for breaching his parole conditions by entering a licensed premises and consuming alcohol.
‘Careless driver’ retains licence, picks up $3395 in fines and costs
Saturday 25 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A man charged with careless driving causing injury has avoided losing his driver licence, but has been landed with more than $3000 in fines and reparation costs.
Kiwi vaka crew rescued during choppy conditions in lead up to canoeing comp
Saturday 25 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Paddling, Sports
Choppy conditions on the water led to a spill for six members of a Kiwi Vaka Eiva team, who had to be assisted by diver operators and Police, yesterday morning.
Date set for ‘final submissions’ in high profile trial
Friday 24 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
The ongoing dishonesty charges faced by recently reinstated 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 will again be heard in court.
Nightclub brawl accused told to remain in the Cook Islands
Friday 24 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
One of eight visitors from Australia allegedly involved in a brawl at a Rarotonga nightclub has been told to remain in the Cook Islands.
Nightclub brawler fined $2250
Friday 24 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
One of 11 men involved in a brawl on Rarotonga has been convicted and fined more than $2000 for his part in the incident.