Environment
Concerns raised about ‘algae in water system’
Friday 20 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Environment, National
A former civil construction worker is concerned about the presence of algae in Rarotonga’s water supply, while island’s water authority acknowledges the main supply is not yet potable.
Littering on the beach, a significant problem: NES
Wednesday 18 January 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National
Director National Environment Service (NES), Halatoa Fua says littering and rubbish on the beach is a significant problem in the Cook Islands – together with waste in general.
Agriculture ministry awards warrants
Wednesday 18 January 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National
Agriculture Manager for the Island of Penrhyn, Ngereteina George and Rarotonga staff Natana Mataio received their warrants as biosecurity officers on Tuesday.
Bio control doing the job on invasive mile-a-minute vine
Monday 16 January 2023 | Written by Cameron Scott | Published in Environment, National
A rust fungus introduced to Rarotonga in a bid to control the invasive mile-a-minute vine has spread throughout the island since scientists finally confirmed signs of its successful growth back in 2018.
Keep up the water conservation: To Tatou Vai
Monday 16 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Environment, National
To Tatou Vai is calling on Rarotonga users to carry on being mindful of water use, as usage is higher than what can be produced in catchment areas.
Reduce plastic waste – buy in bulk, save money
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.
Beached turtle gets new lease of life
Friday 13 January 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National
The Pacific green turtle that washed ashore in Titikaveka a week ago has been christened Kimiora te Onu – the turtle who found life.
Raro FADs break loose
Thursday 12 January 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
Missing anchored fish aggregating devices (FADs) around Rarotonga which are used by local small-scale fishermen, have been a concern to fishers alongside the increase in fuel costs and poor fish numbers.
Call for government to address Aitutaki water shortage issue
Tuesday 10 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Environment, National
The recent rain may have alleviated some of the water shortage issues in Aitutaki, but MPs and stakeholders want to present a plan to Government to address the problem.
Washed up turtle ‘in good condition’
Monday 9 January 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Environment, National
The Pacific green turtle that washed ashore at Titikaveka beach on Friday is in “good condition”.
To the rescue
Saturday 7 January 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National
Efforts are being made to help recover a Pacific green turtle that washed ashore at Titikaveka beach yesterday.
Jetty’s troubled history: ‘People are going to drown/die if we don’t address this major problem’
Saturday 7 January 2023 | Written by Cameron Scott | Published in Environment, National
The Arorangi jetty has drawn criticism and controversy for more than 12 years, since the project was first announced.
Encourage one another to good works …
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.
Youth leading the way for our Ipukarea
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.
Santa’s waste free Christmas tips
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.
Tourism set to take on regenerative approach
Tuesday 20 December 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Environment, Local, National, Travel
The Cook Islands Tourism Corporation is proposing a new approach to tourism and development in the region with a stronger focus on environment and sustainability.
Sanitation upgrade project given go ahead
Monday 19 December 2022 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Environment, Local, National
The National Environment Service (NES) has advised Cook Islands Investment Corporation that following the Environmental Impact Assessment process, the Avarua Wharf Wastewater Improvement project has been given a permit and the go ahead.
More rain on the way – and that’s a good thing
Monday 19 December 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Environment, Local, National
Recent rain has provided further relief for Rarotonga’s catchment intakes, with more predicted for the coming days.
Compost: Your trash, nature’s treasure!
Saturday 17 December 2022 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, Local, National
Most of us have thrown out food at some point in our life with disregard to where it will actually end up. Maybe we put more food on our plates than our stomachs can handle. Throwing food scraps away may not seem like a big deal, but the steps and resources involved in getting the food onto your plate are then wasted as well.
‘The money is in the ground’: Cook Islands farmers and growers hatch ambitious plan
Saturday 17 December 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Environment, Local, National
A Cook Islands co-operative of farmers and growers placed an ambitious submission before Cabinet this week in a combined effort to market and brand their unique products here and around the world.
