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 Rashneel Kumar
It’s still pilot phase: Education ministry defends low NCEA scores
Wednesday 27 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Education, National
The Education ministry is defending the Cook Islands’ poor performance in the latest National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) literacy and numeracy tests, arguing that they are still in pilot phase.
Police confirm alcohol, speed in fatal motorcycle accident
Wednesday 27 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Crime, Local, National, Outer Islands
Police have determined alcohol and speed were factors in Sunday’s fatal motorcycle accident on Aitutaki.
Cook Islands soar in rugby league
Friday 22 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League, Sports
Cook Islands men climbed three spots to number 10 in the world in the latest International Rugby League rankings.
Atiu resort shares success: $101k dividend boosts island community
Tuesday 19 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands
A resort in the Pa Enua has paid out over $100,000 in dividends to the island residents, demonstrating a commitment to giving back to the local community.
Level playing field concerns raised over ‘temporary’ Starlink licence
Monday 18 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Technology
Government cannot restrict local Starlink users from accessing its services despite the provider yet to conclude consideration of a localised service product and corporate presence for the Cook Islands market.
Sunset on the season: Final cruise ship for the year
Monday 18 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Features, Weekend
The final cruise ship for the year, AIDAsol, arrived in Rarotonga yesterday, carrying over 1400 passengers.
High growth, high prices: Economy bounces back, but inflation bites hard
Saturday 16 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
Cook Islands’ resurgent economic growth post-Covid-19 has been overshadowed by an unprecedented surge in inflation, with prices rising by 13 per cent over the past year. Rashneel Kumar and Losirene Lacanivalu reports.
Maritime Cook Islands denies vessels linked to North Korean smuggling networks
Wednesday 13 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
Maritime Cook Islands (MCI) has shot down suggestions that Cook Islands-registered vessels are linked to North Korean “smuggling networks”.
PM defends Cabinet expansion
Wednesday 13 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
Increased demands and workload prompt the government’s proposal to expand its Cabinet from six to eight members, says the Prime Minister. Rashneel Kumar reports.
WCPFC20 ends with mixed results
Tuesday 12 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Environment, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
Hosts Cook Islands expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the 20th Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC20), which concluded over the weekend.
T20 cricket showdown
Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Cricket, Sports
A new champion will be crowned in the Rarotonga T20 Cookie Sadaraka Cup men’s final, while Muri Creeps will be aiming for a third consecutive title in the women’s division today.
Government seeks more Ministers
Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Local, National, Parliament
The Cook Islands government is seeking to increase the number of Cabinet Ministers from six to eight through a proposed amendment to the Constitution, which will be tabled in Parliament next week.
Fisheries commission meeting ends today, decisions on key proposals expected
Friday 8 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
The 20th Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC20) concludes today at the National Auditorium, with decisions expected on several key proposals.
Santa’s coming to town (and he’s bringing fireworks!)
Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Art, Features, Local, National
Rotaract Rarotonga is gearing up for its annual Christmas in the Park event, which will be held on Thursday, December 14, at the National Auditorium.
CIFA ousts Arere after court decision, 10-year ban upheld
Tuesday 5 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Football, Sports
Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA) has officially dismissed its president, Tiraa Arere, after months of a leadership dispute that ended up in court.
CISNOC head’s remote work arrangement questioned
Saturday 2 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in
The Cook Islands Sport and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) has this week admitted that its secretary-general, Owen Lewis, had been granted permission to undertake contract work overseas while receiving full pay, six months after stating he was on approved leave.
Baby formula shortage spurs breastfeeding encouragement
Wednesday 29 November 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Health, Local, National
A shortage of baby formula (milk) in the Cook Islands has prompted calls for mothers to prioritise and practice breastfeeding.
October visitor boom: Tourism enjoys healthy bump in visitor numbers
Tuesday 28 November 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Travel
The Cook Islands tourism industry has been buoyed by impressive visitor arrival figures for October, providing a much-needed boost as the low season approaches.
Conserve or be prosecuted: To Tatou Vai takes steps to address water scarcity
Thursday 23 November 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Environment, Health, Local, National
Rarotonga’s water system agency, To Tatou Vai (TTV), has issued a warning that it has the authority to prosecute individuals for wasting water amidst concerns about declining levels at the island’s intakes.
Sovereign rights not enough, regional cooperation needed for deep-sea mining: TIS
Tuesday 21 November 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Environment, National
There needs to be a regional approach to deep-sea mining, as opposed to relying solely on the sovereign rights of individual nations, given the transboundary risks such activities can pose to the Pacific Ocean, says a Cook Islands environmental group.
