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 Matthew Littlewood
Marijuana possession laws ‘dated’, says PM
Monday 30 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Crime, Local, National
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says the country’s laws on cannabis possession are ‘quite dated’.
Pa Enua tax relief first order of business: PM
Saturday 28 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands
One of the first businesses of the new Government in Parliament will be to introduce tax relief for those living in the Pa Enua, says Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Auckland flooding leaves travelling Cook Islanders stranded
Saturday 28 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in National, Travel
It was a surreal night for New Zealand-based Cook Islander Thomas Wynne as he came to the rescue of six Cook Islanders who were trapped in Wellington.
From Houston to Rarotonga: Tourists stranded in Cook Islands
Friday 27 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National, Travel
Tourists from as far as Houston are stranded in Rarotonga due to the massive flooding in Auckland.
‘Regenerative tourism’ focus for new tourism manager
Friday 27 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands Tourism Corporation’s new destination and development manager is looking forward to a new approach to tourism.
Economist hopeful for Cook Islands growth
Friday 27 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
Ministry of Finance and Economic Management’s top economist says the Cook Islands is ‘on the comeback trail – but with some caveats’.
Solid but unspectacular growth in numbers expected
Friday 27 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands Tourism Corporation’s boss is expecting steady growth in visitor numbers this year, as the country looks to bounce back from Covid-19.
Warden employed despite Corrections aware of previous convictions
Thursday 26 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, National
Cook Islands Corrective Services employed a warden despite being aware that he had previous convictions for assault.
Puna’s re-election desire: Govt reaffirms support for Micronesian candidate
Thursday 26 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Fiji, Local, National, Regional
The Cook Islands Government has reaffirmed their intention to support a Micronesian candidate for the Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General role following reports that Henry Puna wants another crack at the top regional job.
Vets given warrants to enter properties
Wednesday 25 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Local, National
SPCA and Te Are Manu vets now have official legal rights to enter properties to desex or treat animals.
Cannabis found in underwear
Wednesday 25 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, National
A man who was found with a small amount of cannabis on him after being stopped for drink-driving has been sentenced to 12 months’ supervision.
‘Power imbalance’ between victim and attacker
Wednesday 25 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, National
Former guard with multiple convictions sentenced in alcohol-fueled, unprovoked and severe assault
Concerned turtle tour operators await ‘clear mandated guidelines’
Tuesday 24 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in National, Travel
Several months after it was first mooted, turtle tour operators are still waiting for clear mandated guidelines for their operations.
Cook Islands records 121k visitors in 2022
Tuesday 24 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
Tourism operators are being advised to use the down time to prepare for the pickup ahead of the busy season, which starts in April.
Public consultation on chlorination
Monday 23 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Environment, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown says there will still be a wait until Rarotonga’s main water supply becomes fully potable.
Corruption in the Cook Islands?
Saturday 21 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
A major report into perceptions of corruption in the Cook Islands and other Pacific Island nations has caused a ripple among agencies. Cook Islands News journalist Matthew Littlewood looks into what is being done to address the issues here.
Petrol suppliers clash over depot safety, call for audit
Saturday 21 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
The boss of Toa petrol is calling on its rival Triad to be audited for safety, and for a complete overhaul of the fuel pricing system.
Medicinal cannabis committee established
Saturday 21 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown has established a committee to look into the availability and possible production of medicinal cannabis in the Cook Islands.
Concerns raised about ‘algae in water system’
Friday 20 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Environment, National
A former civil construction worker is concerned about the presence of algae in Rarotonga’s water supply, while island’s water authority acknowledges the main supply is not yet potable.
Petrol prices drop further
Friday 20 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
The Price Tribunal has announced another drop in petrol prices.
