More Top Stories
$12.9m approved for solar battery project, NZ confirms
12 March 2025
Crown Law Office on track for record number of lawyers
12 March 2025
‘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
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
Anxiety on the rise: Cook Islands faces mental health challenge
7 September 2024
MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
3 August 2024
Articles by Talaia Mika
NES staff reflect on a year of sacrifice and success
Monday 28 April 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, Features, National, Weekend
Two senior officers from the National Environment Service (NES), Benjamin Maxwell and Mathew Rima, are among four staff members who recently completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Environmental Management and Sustainability from Newcastle University.
Court briefs
Monday 28 April 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, National
Justice of the Peace, Tangi Taoro presided over several cases on Thursday including the case of Aue Inangaro Tamariki Vakatini who is facing a charge of assault on a female with a history of similar cases.
Hotelier shares business vision for Sands of Rarotonga and Lazy Trout
Saturday 26 April 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Go Local
Hoturoa Kerr, a New Zealand Māori with deep connections to the Cook Islands, has outlined his plans for the Sands of Rarotonga accommodation and the well-known Lazy Trout restaurant in Avarua, Rarotonga.
Avatiu Eels focus on combinations ahead of Bulldogs clash
Thursday 24 April 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Rugby league, Sports
After a brief break to spend time with loved ones, the Cook Islands Domestic League 13s Competition returns this ANZAC Day, with the highly anticipated clash between Avatiu Eels and the Titikaveka Bulldogs set to be a thrilling match at Victoria Park in Tupapa.
CIIC stands by comments against RFC
Thursday 24 April 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) is holding firm on its position regarding the eviction of Raro Fried Chicken (RFC) from its long-time Avarua Wharf site, saying only: “CIIC stands by comments already stated in the media release.”
Former Audit Director reveals deep-rooted cultural influence behind Cook Islands corruption
Wednesday 23 April 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, In Depth
Former Director of Audit, Paul Allsworth, claims that cultural ties and environmental factors are strong contributing forces to corruption in the Cook Islands government.
Police investigate alleged liquor licence breach
Wednesday 23 April 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, National
A well-known local bar is being investigated for potentially breaching its liquor licence after it was found open and serving customers on the night of Good Friday, according to Police.
Government defends Eagle S case, reaffirms commitment to maritime compliance
Wednesday 23 April 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National
The Ministry of Transport (MoT) and Maritime Cook Islands (MCI) have defended and clarified that the vessel MT Eagle S, which has been at the centre of international scrutiny following an undersea cable incident in the Gulf of Finland, is not, and has never been, under sanctions.
Cook Islands prepare for Mantis-Hoff Cup
Tuesday 22 April 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Rugby league, Sports
Cook Islands Residents head coach Clive Nicholas has named a squad of 27 players for a training camp as they prepare for the Cook Islands Tri-Series – the Mantis-Hoff Cup set to take place in Melbourne this October.
Family frustrated, family pet killed
Tuesday 22 April 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, National
A burglary in Arorangi last month has left a family devastated after their pet was allegedly in the process.
Eco Centre owner calls on 'urgent action'
Tuesday 22 April 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, Local, National
The growing number of underweight and dying turtles in Rarotonga has prompted a heartfelt plea from Discover Marine and Wildlife Eco Centre owner Stephanie Jansen, who says “urgent action” is needed to save the struggling marine reptiles.
Poila granted bail
Tuesday 22 April 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, National
Poe Poila, who appeared in court this week before Justice of the Peace Tangi Taoro for the charges of excess blood alcohol and careless driving has been granted bail.
Police and Boys’ Brigade revive MOU partnership
Saturday 19 April 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
The Cook Islands Police Service is set to revive a formal partnership with the Cook Islands Boys Brigade, recognising the organisation’s long-standing support and potential to positively impact youth development and public safety.
Smartie to showcase Pacific innovation at Europe’s largest tech expo in France
Thursday 17 April 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, National, Pacific Islands, Regional, Technology
Cook Islands-based tech company Smartie has been selected as one of only nine-start-up tech companies from across the Pacific to attend Viva Technology 2025 – Europe’s largest start-up and tech expo, which will be held in France.
Boys’ brigade helps youth avoid crime
Thursday 17 April 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
In light of the rising concerns about youth crime across the nation, the Cook Islands Boys Brigade has been recognised as a beacon of hope and discipline for young boys in the country.
Health confiscates 100 vapes weekly
Thursday 17 April 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, National
The Cook Islands Health Protection unit is confiscating approximately 100 vapes every week as enforcement of the national vape ban continues at the country’s main entry point.
Legacy of discipline and faith: Cook Islands Boys Brigade marks 90 years of shaping young leaders
Wednesday 16 April 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
Cook Islands Boys Brigade celebrated their 90th anniversary on Saturday honouring nearly a century of service, discipline, and leadership development for young boys across the country.
Police alarmed by weekend incidents
Tuesday 15 April 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, National
A spate of crashes, a brazen break-in at the Cook Islands Library and Museum, and growing domestic violence callouts have sparked concern for public safety and strained police resources over the weekend. Talaia Mika reports.
Palm Sunday- the beginning of Holy Week
Monday 14 April 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Church Talk, Features
Hundreds of Catholics gathered at the St Joseph’s Cathedral in Avarua yesterday morning to mark Palm Sunday, marking the beginning of Holy Week.
Avatiu Eels determined to win
Saturday 12 April 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in League, Sports
Avatiu Eels are determined to make a powerful return to the Rarotonga Rugby League 13s domestic competition today, with a firm focus on discipline and teamwork as they take on the Tupapa Panthers.
