More Top Stories
‘Nothing to worry about’: Prime Minister Brown on China agreement
16 February 2025
‘Serious questions’: Opposition challenges China partnership
15 February 2025
No-confidence motion against PM and his Cabinet faces delays
15 February 2025
Ruta Mave: People’s Republic of China red flag
10 February 2025
No debt in China deal
8 February 2025
Thomas Wynne: Haka with the taniwha or dance with the dragon?
8 February 2025
‘Paedophile’ gets 13 years in prison
22 January 2025
Thomas Wynne: Where were our leaders while children suffered?
25 January 2025
$541.7m tourism earnings
25 January 2025
Cook Islands passport proposal
6 January 2025
Top cop position advertised
7 December 2024
Police need numbers and bigger budget
9 December 2024
Niki Rattle: A call for stronger human rights protections
10 December 2024
Solid and Hazardous Waste Bill referred to Parliament committee
10 December 2024
DPM defends CIIC finance and travel policies
6 December 2024
Cook Islands has its first mosque
14 November 2024
CI Muslim opens up about her faith and journey
16 November 2024
RAC to address mosque legality
19 November 2024
I don’t expect much change: PM Brown on US Elections
6 November 2024
Fifth weekly Sydney flight to Rarotonga announced
23 October 2024
CIIC directors seek $350,000 in damages over defamatory claims
21 October 2024
Man found guilty of rape, burglary
24 September 2024
Tenants face water bill burden
8 October 2024
Concerns over Minister’s role in inmate work releases: PAC
5 October 2024
Tourism contribution set to surpass half-billion dollar mark
25 September 2024
Parliament Clerk sparks outrage over deep sea mining statement
23 September 2024
Deep sea dilemma: Cook Islanders weigh the cost of mineral riches
21 September 2024
Anxiety on the rise: Cook Islands faces mental health challenge
7 September 2024
Cook Islands deep sea mining poll sparks controversy
7 September 2024
MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
3 August 2024
Articles by Losirene Lacanivalu
‘We live in free democracy’: PM welcomes public protest
Monday 17 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
Prime Minister Mark Brown is confident he can handle the motion of no confidence and welcomes the public protest that will be held outside Parliament House this morning.
‘Serious questions’: Opposition challenges China partnership
Saturday 15 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands Government defends its new partnership agreement with China, emphasising its alignment with national interests and the continued importance of existing relationships, while facing calls for greater transparency.
Census reveals decline in Cook Islands Māori speakers in NZ
Saturday 15 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Culture, Education, Features, National, Weekend
Despite a growing Cook Islands population in New Zealand, the number of Cook Islands Māori speakers is declining, raising concerns about the language’s future, and prompting calls for greater support for language revitalisation efforts.
Defending champs Eels wary of Sea Eagles
Saturday 15 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Rugby league, Sports
The domestic rugby league 13s defending champions, the Avatiu Nikao Eels are not taking their round two match against the Ngatangiia Matavera Sea Eagles this afternoon lightly, despite a stunning start to the season last weekend.
ILO reaffirms commitment to Cook Islands
Friday 14 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Martin Wandera presented his credentials to the Minister for Foreign Affairs Tingika Elikana on Monday.
Court briefs
Friday 14 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A man facing a charge of cannabis possession has been ordered not to purchase or consume alcohol.
Environment groups demand clarity on seabed mineral partnership with China
Friday 14 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National
Local environment groups are calling for clarity and transparency regarding the Cook Islands’ collaboration with China on seabed mineral exploration.
Katoa’s contract with Cook Islands Investment Corporation ends
Wednesday 12 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, National, Outer Islands
Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) has confirmed that Romani Katoa’s contract with them for the Arutanga Harbour project in Aitutaki has been terminated.
Hercules, Boeing 757 visit Rarotonga on New Zealand Defence Force missions
Wednesday 12 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National
Three New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) flights are visiting Rarotonga this week as part of pre-planned visits.
Cook Islands Cabinet backs China deal, Prime Minister Brown
Tuesday 11 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, New Zealand, Regional
Cook Islands Cabinet Ministers have confidence in Prime Minister Mark Brown’s leadership and have endorsed the comprehensive strategic agreement the country will sign with China this week. Losirene Lacanivalu reports.
'Matter is getting worse': Opposition leader on Cook Islands-NZ relations
Monday 10 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
Opposition leader Tina Browne, who is concerned with the latest statement from New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister about the lack of consultation over Cook Islands' strategic deal with China, says the relationship between the Cook Islands and New Zealand is getting worse.
Miss Cook Islands wins fourth runner up at Pacific Islands 2025 pageant
Monday 10 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Miss Cook Islands Ngatepaeru Marie Maoate was awarded fourth runner-up at the 38th Miss Pacific Islands Pageant held in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
Men alleged for a series of burglary adjourned
Monday 10 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
The court matter of the two men who are alleged to have committed a series of burglary in Rarotonga last year has been adjourned to March 7.
Businesswoman allowed interim name suppression
Monday 10 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A businesswoman who is accused of failing to comply and failing to pay superannuation contributions has been allowed interim name suppression until March 7.
Businesswoman convicted in hit-and-run
Saturday 8 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
Businesswoman Vaiana Dance has been convicted on three charges related to a hit-and-run incident in 2024, where she failed to stop, ascertain and render assistance to two teenagers.
Bail denied in fatal hit and run, manslaughter charge possible
Saturday 8 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
The bail application for the alleged Arorangi fatal hit and run accused has been denied.
Defending champs Eels seek redemption
Saturday 8 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Rugby league, Sports
Cook Islands Rugby League’s domestic 13s competition defending champions, the Avatiu Nikao Eels, will use their first match against the returning Takuvaine (TKV) Warriors at Nukupure Park in Ngatangiia to gauge their player combinations.
Court briefs
Friday 7 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
Justice of the Peace John Whitta presided over several court matters at the Criminal Court in Avarua yesterday.
Vandals target fintech startup
Thursday 6 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, National
Cook Islands tech entrepreneur Brett Baudinet is disappointed that his recently established business, Smartie, has become a target for vandals.
Cook Islands queen champions climate action
Thursday 6 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Entertainment, Features
“Let us use our voices to tell the world, the Pacific is not just a dot on the map, it is a lifeline for millions and it must be protected.” This was Miss Cook Islands Ngatepaeru Marie Maoate’s message at the Miss Pacific Islands 2025 pre-pageant interview in Solomon Islands yesterday.
