Crime
Motorcycle thefts on the rise, police warn
Friday 21 July 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, National
Police have received about 40 complaints of stolen motorcycles so far this year, already surpassing the record low of 35 set last year.
Crash victim’s helmet ‘may not have been securely fastened’
Wednesday 19 July 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Crime, National
The helmet of a 28-year-old motorcyclist who died after losing control of his vehicle over the weekend “may not have been securely fastened”, Police say.
Licensing numbers signal ‘peak tourism season’
Wednesday 19 July 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Crime, National
Revenue from driving tests made up more than 75 per cent of the Cook Islands Police Service’s total trading income quota for June, marking the beginning of “peak tourism season” for the country.
‘Major’ underway effort to better align police personnel resources in Cooks
Tuesday 18 July 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Economy, National
Cook Islands Police Service is looking at negotiating the transfer of $160,000 from the 2022 -2023 budget to other areas.
Motorcyclist killed following road incident on Rarotonga
Monday 17 July 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Court, Crime, National
A 28-year-old man has died following a road incident on Rarotonga.
Court briefs
Friday 14 July 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
At the Criminal Court in Avarua yesterday, Justice of the Peace John Whitta presided over some court matters.
Aitutaki taskforce members receive warrants
Thursday 13 July 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Crime, National, Outer Islands
Three members of the Arenikau Taskforce have been warranted as Honorary Constables and sworn in by Inspector Maeva Kirikava.
High profile trial wraps up as Nga Puna faces his third day of questioning
Thursday 6 July 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
The trial of former National Environment Service director Nga Puna, his wife and former Secretary of Infrastructure Cook Islands, Diane Charlie-Puna, along with suspended Deputy Prime Minister Robert Tapaitau has wrapped up after close to four weeks.
Nga Puna defends bonus payment
Wednesday 5 July 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
Former National Environment Service director Nga Puna faced his third day on the stand in Court where he was grilled by the Crown.
Trial hears of Nga Puna’s concerns for Diane Charlie-Puna
Tuesday 4 July 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
Former National Environment Service director Nga Puna has faced his second day on the stand in Court as he faces multiple dishonesty charges.
Close call for motorists as pole toppled
Monday 3 July 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Crime, National
Those involved in a motor vehicle crash at Kiikii in Rarotonga on Saturday afternoon were fortunate to escape serious injury, police say.
Nga Puna takes the stand
Monday 3 July 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
Former National Environment Service director Nga Puna has taken the stand in Court as he faces multiple dishonesty charges.
Charlie-Puna offers apology in Court
Friday 30 June 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
Former Secretary of Infrastructure Cook Islands Diane Charlie-Puna has apologised for her role in conspiracy and theft.
Man on the run for 33 hours
Wednesday 28 June 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Court, Crime, National
An 18-year-old Cook Islands man who escaped from Police Headquarters has been recaptured after 33 hours on the run.
Tapaitau continues with denials on second day of questioning
Wednesday 28 June 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
Suspended Deputy Prime Minister Robert Tapaitau has been grilled for a second day by the Crown and continued denying conspiring or stealing from the public purse.
Weekend police briefs
Tuesday 27 June 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, National
Police are calling on the public to provide any information regarding Teau Moana Tangi Taraiti.
Fatal motorbike crash accused granted bail
Friday 23 June 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
The motorbike driver accused of causing a fatal crash on June 10, late Saturday morning, has been granted bail.
Turtle tour safety boat vandalised
Thursday 22 June 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Crime, National
The destruction of an expensive Go Local Turtle Tours safety boat, has the company’s young owners shocked and dismayed at the extent a ‘heartless’ vandal has gone to try and sabotage their successful business.
NES management labelled ‘ineffective’ following audit
Thursday 22 June 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
Cash controls, processes and management at the National Environment Service were ineffective.
Man in possession of cannabis to face court
Wednesday 21 June 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, National
A passenger of an incoming flight on Saturday morning was arrested and charged for possession of cannabis.
