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 Candice Luke
Beyond the numbers: How tourism benefits everyday life in the Cook Islands
Saturday 2 March 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Business, Economy, Features, Go Local, National, Travel, Weekend
January saw a record breaking 10,368 visitors arrive on our shores. They’re staying longer, and spending more on average. But what do these facts and figures look like in the daily lives of Cook Islanders? Cook Islands News journalist Candice Luke spoke to locals about how the tourist dollar is affecting them, their families, and their businesses right now.
Artist gifts Cook Islands themed collection to university
Saturday 2 March 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Art, Features
University of South Pacific’s Rarotonga campus has received a donation of 11 screen printed original works by New Zealand-based artist Jean Loomis.
Immigration officers shouldn’t advice on employment contracts, says Elikana
Friday 1 March 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in National, Parliament
It is not the place of immigration officers to advise an employment relationship, Immigration Minister Tingika Elikana told Parliament yesterday.
January arrivals best on record
Thursday 29 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Economy, National, Travel
A record total of 10,368 international visitors were welcomed to the Cook Islands last month according to newly released statistics for January 2024.
Visitors enjoy snorkelling, sightseeing and exceptional service
Thursday 29 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in National, Travel
The cruise ship Paul Gauguin was in Rarotonga yesterday with 253 visitors on board, enjoying a south Pacific paradise tour.
Vaka voyage sails to silver screen in fight for ocean health
Thursday 29 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Entertainment, Features
In 2021, a special voyage was taken by three Cook Islands non-government organisations. Cook Islands Voyaging Society, Kōrero o te ‘Ōrau, and Te Ipukarea Society teamed up for a tour to each of the 15 islands, a first for the traditional vaka Marumaru Atua.
Cooks boxer takes another jab at Paris Olympics qualifying dream
Thursday 22 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Boxing, Sports
Cook Islands will be represented in Italy next month as Māori light middleweight boxer Tawhiri Toheriri takes a second shot at securing his spot to compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics this July and August.
‘Pearl of the Pacific’ - Cook Islands tourism needs promotional boost
Wednesday 21 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Economy, National, Travel
Having returned from an Australian Entire Travel Group Roadshow, Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council president Liana Scott says competition is fierce in the marketplace, and promotions need to start now.
‘I will never return’: New Zealand tourist furious with police response following a brazen robbery
Wednesday 21 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Crime, National
A visitor on his fourth trip to the Cook Islands says his love for Rarotonga has been ruined after a robbery at the accommodation he and his family were holidaying at in Titikaveka, in the early hours of Sunday morning. Candice Luke reports.
Tourism seeks additional $3.5m to protect Cook Islands’ ‘golden goose’
Monday 19 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Economy, National, Travel
Cook Islands Tourism is requesting $3.5 million in additional funding to invest in optimising the new flight routes, develop outer island tourism, and create a path for diversification in the tourism sector.
Cook Islands Party picks Wichman for Penrhyn by-election
Monday 19 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in National, Politics
Development economist Vaine Iriano Wichman is the Cook Islands Party candidate for the Penrhyn (Tongareva) by-election to be held next month.
Friends use humour, fun in bid to save Cook Islands language
Saturday 17 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Art, Features
Three friends in Christchurch are using their online platform Kūki Learning to teach Cook Islands Māori language and culture in a fun and engaging way, despite facing challenges with limited time and resources.
Personal trainer fights for a happier, healthier community
Saturday 17 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National
Heart diseases, stroke, and heart attack made up 53 per cent of NCD (non-communicable disease) deaths in the Cook Islands from October to December last year. A new grassroots initiative ‘Gym and Juice Club’ may help to battle the Cook Islands’ increasing NCD diagnoses and waistlines.
Rarotonga businesses ready to weather the storm
Friday 16 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Business, National, Weather
People, protocols and preparation were a key focus for businesses yesterday as gale force winds lashed the north eastern side of Rarotonga.
Nurses cry out for help as NZ pledges millions
Thursday 15 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Health, National
New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters pledged $30 million to the second phase of the Polynesian Health Corridor Programme, during the Pacific Mission last week, aiming to strengthen healthcare systems across the Pacific.
Scam targets Cook Islands accommodations
Thursday 15 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in National, Technology
A new email scam is targeting Cook Islands accommodation businesses.
Young entrepreneur spreads culture and joy through temporary tattoos
Wednesday 14 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Art, Business, Features, Local
A young Cook Islands teen runs a successful temporary tattoo business at the market, connecting with customers through his art and cultural heritage.
Don’t miss the plane: Time to diversify and future proof tourism, says Eggelton
Wednesday 14 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Business, Economy, National, Travel
At Tuesday’s global business update at The Edgewater Resort, Cook Islands Tourism chief executive officer Karla Eggelton told an audience of about 60 people that 2024 is “shaping up to be a positive year” and now is the time to diversify and future-proof the industry.
‘Stick to politics’: Te Ipukarea Society slams Peters’ deep sea mining comments
Tuesday 13 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Environment, National, Politics
Cook Islands environmental organisation Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has slammed comments made by New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters about deep sea mining.
Chinese teacher shares Spring Festival cheer in Rarotonga
Monday 12 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Culture, National
Saturday, February 10, marked the beginning of the most significant date on the Chinese Calendar: Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival.
