More Top Stories
Plastic bags banned
2 July 2025
Letter: Superfund restrictions questioned
13 June 2025
$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 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
MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
3 August 2024
National
Autism Cook Islands cooks up confidence and skills in the kitchen
Last Thursday, Autism Cook Islands (ACI) held a double celebration, marking the end of their last cooking session before the Term 2 break.
Funding crucial as Te Are Manu aims for regular Pa Enua vet visits
Te Are Manu vet clinic recently visited the outer islands of Atiu, Mitiaro, Mangaia and Mauke, providing essential health checks and desexing services to animals, and plans to continue these crucial visits as funding allows.
Ports works with MFEM and CIIC
Cook Islands Ports Authority (CIPA) has confirmed that they are working closely with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) and Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) on a solution to clear its remaining ADB loan repayment.
EBA matters adjourned
The High Court of the Cook Islands adjourned all criminal matters related to excess breath alcohol (EBA) as advice is being sought from Crown Law on the procedures done to conduct the EBA tests.
Seabed mining company aims to win Pa Enua opinion with 'facts'
Moana Minerals chief executive Hans Smit says the company is taking its deep-sea mining message to the Pa Enua this week in a bid to win over public opinion – ‘not with spin, but with facts’.
Police raise red flags on gang influence in the Cook Islands
The growing presence and influence of organised gang members from New Zealand with Cook Islands heritage is causing serious concern for local authorities, with Police confirming that the Cook Islands is one of the destinations affected by transnational gang mobility across the Pacific.
Immigration reconsiders expat work permit limits
Cook Islands Immigration wants to reintroduce mandatory breaks and permit limitations for expat workers, which have been criticised as unfair and a step backwards.
World Blood Donor Day strong community support
The Cook Islands Red Cross Society celebrated a successful World Blood Donor Day this week, drawing strong support from donors and the local community.
Young innovative business stars
The Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) programme pitch event recently welcomed 11 teams from Tereora College's Level 2 business class, giving them the opportunity to present their innovative ideas and showcase their products after months of planning and creation.
Let’s lead with wisdom: Opposition calls for national pause on seabed mining
Opposition leader Tina Browne is calling for a “national pause” on the Cook Islands’ deep sea mining ambitions, warning that the country is risking its oceanic heritage and identity by charging ahead with a decision that could have irreversible consequences.
Breast Cancer Foundation launches logo competition to Mark 60th Anniversary Year
The Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation (CIBCF) is inviting local artists and designers to create a bold new logo that will represent the Foundation into the next decade — and mark the 60th anniversary of the Cook Islands becoming self-governing in free association with New Zealand.
Rarotonga’s Southern Passages Plan open for public feedback
Te Tu’anga Taporoporo/National Environment Service (NES) has released the Rarotonga Southern Passages Environmental Management Plan 2025–2028 for public consultation and comment.
The strong-willed Tutakimoa Pu Tapere
With her strong desire and enthusiasm to continue supporting the people of Tutakimoa and their land, Mareana Papera-Howard was elected as the new Pu Tapere.
Lone female drummer helps Anau Maungaroa win Tangi Kaara title
Tereora College teams made a clean sweep, winning the top three prizes at the CITC Pump the Beats Te Emo’anga Tangi Kaara 2025 secondary schools drumming competition on Thursday night.
New drummers lead Apii Avarua to victory in Te Emo’anga Tangi Kaara
Apii Avarua Kia Rangatira once again demonstrated their exceptional talent and hard work, securing first place in the CITC Pump the Beats – Te Emo’anga Tangi Kaara primary school competition at the National Auditorium on Wednesday night.
Calls to ‘Give Hope’ on World Blood Donor Day
World Blood Donor Day 2025 will be celebrated today, and the Cook Islands Red Cross Society is calling on the public to join the global effort to ‘Give Hope’ through blood donation.
Cook Islands not aiming to deport ‘all criminals’
The Cook Islands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration has not issued a stop notice or deported foreign expats convicted of serious crimes in almost a decade.
PM joins global leaders at Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco
Prime Minister Mark Brown attended the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) earlier this week at the invitation of Prince Albert II of Monaco, reaffirming the Cook Islands’ leadership in sustainable ocean governance and blue economic development.
Public invited to special feast following Makea Nui investiture
In a warm display of traditional Cook Islands hospitality, Makea Nui Takau Susan Ariki and the kopu tangata (extended family) are inviting members of the public to a special “umu” feast this afternoon at 4pm at Te Are Karioi Nui/National Auditorium.
New Zealand Police open to supporting Cook Islands in combating gang influence
The New Zealand Police Commissioner has pledged continued support to help build the capabilities of the Cook Islands Police Service and to address growing concerns around transnational gang activity involving gang members with Cook Islands heritage based in New Zealand.
Domestic shipping warns of rising costs for Pa Enua as freight rates increase
Local shipping company Taio Shipping says the recent freight rate increases introduced by international carrier Matson South Pacific are placing added pressure on their operating costs, with the ripple effects likely to be felt by Cook Islands consumers in the Pa Enua.
Nukutere College returns to annual drumming competition
Nukutere College will mark its return to the CITC Pump the Beats – Te Emo’anga Tangi Kaara 2025 tonight in the Secondary Schools Drumming Challenge at the National Auditorium.
