Saturday 6 May 2023 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
Polynesian rats were introduced to the Cook Islands via early Vaka voyages. With time other species typically more dominant and destructive such as the ship rat and Norwegian rat were introduced via trading vessels arriving from far and wide.
Saturday 29 April 2023 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
With tourism numbers back on the rise, there are now innovative opportunities to “build back better”. Opportunities that not only create positive visitor experiences but experiences where visitors can participate in solutions that “Protect our Little Paradise” whilst on holiday.
Saturday 22 April 2023 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
Today is the last day of Earth week for 2023, celebrated from April 14th to the 22nd. It is a week set aside for communities to demonstrate their support for a healthy environment, and remind people that we all need to contribute to a sustainable planet.
Saturday 15 April 2023 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
In the recent Parliament opening, King’s Representative Sir Tom Masters spoke of the Cook Islands’ desire to develop a sustainable and environmentally responsible seabed minerals sector. This week, also in Parliament, Leader of the Opposition Tina Browne criticised Government for rushing ahead in regards to deep sea mining.
Saturday 8 April 2023 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
The concept of Sustainable Tourism has been at the forefront of strategic and operational planning for decades. However the emerging paradigm shift is towards regenerative tourism.
Saturday 1 April 2023 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
Te Ipukarea Society along with NGO indigenous representatives from Hawaii, Tahiti, Papua New Guinea and Aotearoa NZ participated as ‘observers’ in the recent International Seabed Authority meetings, which gave them the opportunity to intervene in matters discussed.
Saturday 25 March 2023 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Editorials, Opinion
Travelling the seas by day and night are the ancient sea creatures known as onu, or sea turtles. The deep blue waters contain a variety of turtles from leatherbacks to loggerheads and several more.
Saturday 18 March 2023 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, Local, National
For some, the issue of seabed mining is not yet on their radar. For others, it’s a topic that’s too technical to understand so their interest drifts elsewhere. There are those who have already been convinced mining is the way to go. Then there are others who don’t want mining to ever go ahead. The truth is we simply do not know enough to make that decision.
Saturday 11 March 2023 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, Local, National
A simple search in the Cook Islands Biodiversity database shows the Cook Islands has 16 different types of Palms, with the majority being introduced for ornamental purposes. Two of the 16 have been identified as native. These are the common coconut palm, and the other, once thought to only be found on Mitiaro, the Mitiaro Fan Palm Pritchardia mitiaroana,locally known as the Iniao.
Saturday 4 March 2023 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Opinion
A one-day stakeholder consultation at the Crown Beach Resort in Rarotonga was held to discuss an upcoming project related to tuna fisheries in the region.
Saturday 25 February 2023 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
We at Te Ipukarea Society are always interested in learning what we might discover whilst out in the field investigating various ecosystems, writes Itirangi Pennycook.
Saturday 18 February 2023 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
The 5th International Marine Protected Areas Congress held in Vancouver Canada has provided an important global networking opportunity for nations to learn from one another about the challenges and success stories that come with establishing a Marine Protected Area (MPA). In addition, an important theme for this year’s congress has been a focus on indigenous leadership in ocean conservation.
Saturday 11 February 2023 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, Local, National, Outer Islands
A two-day tourism conference was held at Tamanu Beach Resort on Tuesday and Wednesday this past week. Participants included tour operators, accommodators, retailers, Members of Parliament, Aronga Mana reps and the mayor and island council representatives of Aitutaki.
Monday 6 February 2023 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Opinion
Since 1971, February 2 has been marked as the official World Wetlands Day. This is the day environmentalists from around the world celebrate the significant benefits that wetlands provide for our planet and its biodiversity, and raise awareness about wetlands on a global scale
Saturday 28 January 2023 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
Te Ipukarea Society shares environmental issues in the Cook Islands with the Catholic Synod Forum.
Saturday 21 January 2023 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
Do you ever ponder on what lives down in the mysterious deep sea? Covering such a vast area, who knows what great wonders can be found deep down below?
Saturday 14 January 2023 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
Tourism is the largest income generator for the Cook Islands by a large margin. However, single use plastic waste generated by the tourism industry is a major contributor to the waste ending up in our landfill. This is not sustainable, writes Te Ipukarea Society.
Saturday 7 January 2023 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
This week’s opinion piece is from Te Ipukarea Society executive member June Hosking. Title is taken from Hebrews 10:24-25.
Saturday 31 December 2022 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Education, Environment, National
Leaders of the 56 Commonwealth countries have declared 2023 the ‘Year of the Youth’. A year to inspire young leaders of the Commonwealth but also a year for youth-led movements to come up with solutions to the Commonwealth’s development hurdles.
Saturday 24 December 2022 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, Local, National
Another Christmas is upon us. Together with all the fun and good times spent with family, opening presents and eating more than enough at the Christmas kaikai, an enormous amount of rubbish will be generated. So here are a few tips from Santa to help you minimise your impact on our already overflowing landfill.