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19 May 2025
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12 March 2025
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12 March 2025
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16 February 2025
‘Serious questions’: Opposition challenges China partnership
15 February 2025
No debt in China deal
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
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
CIIC directors seek $350,000 in damages over defamatory claims
21 October 2024
Man found guilty of rape, burglary
24 September 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
National
Maori language at the heart of learning in Mauke’s only school
While the national spotlight remains fixed on the revitalisation of Cook Islands Maori in schools across the country, one outer island school has been vitalising the language as its foundation.
PM Brown: Cook Islands not consulted on NZ-China deals amid funding pause
Cook Islands was “not privy to or consulted on” any agreements New Zealand may enter into with China during Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s visit this week.
Master carver arrives in Rarotonga for cultural carving exchange at Aotearoa Marae
The Aotearoa Society of the Cook Islands is proud to welcome master carver Michael Matchitt to Rarotonga as part of Tātai Hononga — a cultural carving exchange taking place from June 6–20.
Finnish police still suspect Cook Islands flagged vessel of serious crimes
Finnish authorities say they are still investigating the Cook Islands-flagged tanker Eagle S for aggravated criminal mischief and aggravated interference with communications, following damage to subsea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea late last year.
Private school teachers excluded from government salary increase
The $2.3 million allocated to the Ministry of Education for the government-wide salary adjustment in the 2025/26 budget does not extend to the teachers of private schools, which make up over a quarter of the total schools in the Cook Islands.
Government-wide pay hike set to benefit police officers, PSC says
The Public Service Commissioner has clarified that the Cook Islands Police Service is not part of the core Public Service, with the Police Commissioner determining specific salary placements for his officers within the broader government pay framework.
Mayor urges alcohol ban after smoke-free
A Pa Enua leader supports the new smoke-free status but advocates for similar action on alcohol, believing it causes more community harm, while acknowledging the challenges of quitting and black-market concerns.
‘60 Years of Legacy’ exhibition traces country’s justice history
Te Tango Tutara o te Tupe /Ministry of Justice is holding a special “60 Years of Legacy” exhibition, showcasing the evolution of its justice system, key milestones, technological advancements and ongoing efforts to digitise vital historical records.
Resort group invests in leadership
A leading Cook Islands resort group celebrated the graduation of 42 staff members who participated in a programme designed to enhance leadership potential and skills within the hospitality industry.
Poaru ‘Piu’ Poaru invested as Rupe Rangatira amidst family tensions
At 74 years old, Poaru “Piu” Poaru still rises early each morning to walk the hills and tend his crops.
Forecasting hope: Climate action for a more resilient Cook Islands
Cook Islanders have a close connection to their land and feel a sense of stewardship to protect it against the rapidly changing climate.
Aitutaki launches night markets, boosting local economy and culture
Aitutaki’s evenings just got a whole lot brighter for its tourists and residents with the launch of the new Orongo Night Markets, held every second Thursday night at Orongo Park.
Seabed mining consultations criticised as ‘one-sided sales pitch’
A Cook Islands environmental advocate has criticised the seabed mining consultation process being undertaken by the Cook Islands Government in Australia, describing it as one-sided and lacking meaningful engagement with local NGOs.
Probation anddriving ban for businesswoman in hit and run incident
Businessperson Vaiana Dance was sentenced to 24 months of probation, with 12 months on community service, for two counts of dangerous driving causing injury and one count of failing to stop to ascertain injury.
Hear to help: Free clinics support tamariki with APD
A grassroots initiative led by local parents and health advocates is bringing new hope to tamariki in the Cook Islands, with free hearing screenings and increased awareness around Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) set to launch in early June.
To Tatou Vai senior management salary jumps 19 per cent to $757,799
The top six executives at the Rarotonga water authority are earning over three-quarters of a million dollars, according to the To Tatou Vai Authority annual report for the year ended 30 June 2024.
Cook Islands Police adopt ‘rolling recruitment’ to tackle staffing shortages
Cook Islands Police have moved away from the traditional model of the “wing” recruitment process to a rolling system of taking on recruits progressively, as and when appropriate, according to media and strategic advisor Trevor Pitt.
Cook Islands youth demand transparency in seabed mining talks
Cook Islander Helena Keenan-Williams is calling for greater transparency and genuine consultation over the government’s controversial seabed mining plans.
Rotaract Rarotonga aids PTI with outdoor counselling space
Rotaract Rarotonga has stepped in to support the work of Punanga Turuturu Itivaine (PTI), the Cook Islands Women's Support Centre, by donating two BBQ tables.
Initial care and planning begin for Panama Cemetery
Following recent improvements at Nikao Cemetery, the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) has commenced essential grounds maintenance work at Panama Cemetery, situated just outside the Catholic Cemetery in Panama, Rarotonga.
Police urged to explore power subsidies as electricity bills soar
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has recommended that the Cook Islands Police Service explore Te Aponga Uira (TAU) subsidies to lower its electricity expenses.
Court news
Chief Justice Patrick Keane presided over several matters at the Cook Islands High Court via an audio-visual link last Friday.