More Top Stories
Tapaitau appeal dismissed
17 July 2024
Challenging ‘rape culture’
8 July 2024
Ruta Mave: Can you trust your government?
22 July 2024
TB cases detected
1 June 2024
Touch trio ready for World Cup
23 May 2024
Man accused of raping minors face more charges
30 May 2024
‘Budget prioritises vulnerable’
16 May 2024
Alleged rapist in remand
27 April 2024
Rarotonga residents push back on water tariff plan
12 April 2024
Solar power battery repairs ‘could take up to 12 months’
15 April 2024
Cook Islands poised for highest Pacific growth
29 April 2024
Ex-DPM appeals ‘excessive sentence’, hearing date set
26 April 2024
Mass milkfish die-off in Penrhyn raises concerns
3 April 2024
Regulator defends Starlink users
9 April 2024
Cook Islands set to play in new World Series
10 October 2023
Corruption report exposes ‘bribe and sexual favours’
17 January 2023
Moana target 2025 World Cup
11 November 2022
National
Penrhyn seeks airport upgrade for tourism boost
With a population of around 200 people, the residents of Penrhyn always look forward to welcoming yachters who contribute a little to their economy. However, Penrhyn executive officer Puna Vano says the island needs an upgraded airport to contribute more significantly to its tourism economy.
Visitor ordered to pay $28,000 reparation for Titikaveka crash
A visitor to Rarotonga was convicted of excess blood alcohol and careless driving after a car accident, resulting in a $28,000 reparation.
Second HIV case in five years, Te Marae Ora to probe origin
Cook Islands recorded a new HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) case this year, bringing the total to two in the past five years, and health officials are investigating the origin of the infection.
Cook Islands Language Week kicks off with focus on youth and schools
Today marks the beginning of the annual ‘Epetoma ō te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani – Cook Islands Language Week, which celebrates the languages of the Cook Islands.
Ama awarded NZ Museum Medal for her contributions to preserving culture
Cook Islander Mary Ama has been awarded a prestigious Museum Medal (Companion of Auckland War Memorial Museum) recognising her contributions to Pacific arts and preserving cultural heritage.
New minimum wage comes into effect, employers told to adhere
Employers are required to adhere to the new minimum wage rate that comes into effect today.
Court briefs
John Solomona had pleaded guilty to a charge of excess blood alcohol but has denied the charge of careless driving.
Vape ban pushed to August to allow businesses to clear stock
The ban on e-cigarettes comprising of vapes has now been extended to August 1, 2024, to give businesses more time to sell off their existing stock.
Elderly visitor dies in suspected drowning
Police are investigating a suspected drowning incident that claimed the life of an elderly visitor in Muri yesterday.
Strong candidate pool for MFAI Secretary position
The Office of the Public Service Commissioner (OPSC) has received a ‘significant number’ of applications, including overseas applicants, for the role of the Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI).
Court News
A man who is accused of raping a minor has been remanded in custody.
Power outages ‘resolved’
Rarotonga’s power supplier Te Aponga Uira (TAU) acknowledged recent power outages were caused by issues with load control and a connection between their two powerhouses, assuring the public they have identified the problems and fixed them.
Te Ipukarea Society: Nature is there to be protected for human benefits
The International Union of Conservation on Nature (IUCN) recently hosted an Africa, Pacific Learning Exchange Programme on Protected and Conserved Areas in Malindi, Kenya.
Ex police officer brings back private investigation services
A 51-year-old former police intelligence officer of 15 years, Allan Rua, is transitioning his skills and abilities to a private investigation service, a first on the island after many years.
Unplanned power outages disrupt businesses, tourism in Rarotonga
Unexpected power outages in Rarotonga caused frustration and disruption to businesses and residents, raising questions about the reliability of the power grid despite recent upgrades. By Losirene Lacanivalu, Talaia Mika and Melina Etches.
Patience wearing thin: Residents demand answers after third night of power outage
Rarotonga residents and businesses endured a third consecutive night of darkness as another island-wide power outage hit last night, lasting over two hours.
Govt considers up to 400 litres per person daily free water allocation
Domestic users in Rarotonga won’t be charged for water until July 2026, when water meter installation is complete, and the government is considering a free water allocation of up to 400 litres per person per day in each household.
Breast Cancer Foundation hosts fundraising dinner with Kiwi media stars
The Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation is hosting a fundraising event next weekend in a bid to help local women with breast cancer detection.
To Tatou Vai staff faces action for misusing vehicle
Rarotonga water agency To Tatou Vai (TTV) will take disciplinary action against the staff member who was pictured delivering coconuts for personal use in a company vehicle.
Honouring the forgotten: Cook Islands coastwatchers to receive recognition
Cook Islanders are among the 25 Pacific Islands coastwatchers who will be recognised by New Zealand’s Governor-General for their service during World War II.
Niue community hostel fundraiser raises $325,000
The Cook Islands Niue Community and Friends (CINCF) monster raffle fundraiser raised $325,000.
Man found guilty of theft for selling 40-foot container without ownership
A man has been found guilty of theft for selling a 40-foot container to another person.