Local
Landowners fight to reclaim gifted land
Saturday 9 March 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Local, National
The landowners of a block of land in Arorangi have revived their longstanding battle with the government regarding the removal of a warrant to reclaim their ancestral land.
Cook Islands celebrates International Women’s Day with ‘Inspire Inclusion’ talks
Friday 8 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Today is International Women’s Day and the Cook Islands is celebrating with events featuring prominent women speakers.
Expats seek minimum wage increase to match rising costs
Friday 8 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
Foreign workers associations in the Cook Islands are calling for an increase in the minimum wage rate to match the rising cost of living.
Pensioner donates ‘Back to School’ promo winnings to families in need
Thursday 7 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Recognising the increase in cost of living and the families who are struggling to make ends meet, a kind-hearted pensioner has returned his CITC Back to School Anchor competition $500 cash winnings.
‘Vegetable Planting Evenings’ programme empowers families to grow their own food
Thursday 7 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National
The Cook Islands Child Welfare Association (CICWA) has launched a new programme to promote healthy living and self-sufficiency among young families.
Government, private sector team up for successful business training in Mangaia
Wednesday 6 March 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
A team of six individuals from different government agencies and the private sector in Rarotonga visited Mangaia last week to conduct a comprehensive three-day business training session.
Te Are Pa Metua welcomes back seniors for activities and socialisation
Wednesday 6 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Te Are Pa Metua centre for the elderly is back in full swing, resuming their usual programmes and activities on February 1.
Operator raises concerns over increased motorised boats in lagoon
Tuesday 5 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, Local, National
A turtle tour operator has raised concerns that there has been an increased use of motorised boats in the Avaavaroa Passage.
No charger issues, says Te Aponga Uira
Tuesday 5 March 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Local, National
Rarotonga electricity company Te Aponga Uira (TAU) has clarified that its electric vehicle chargers have always been compatible with the government’s newly purchased EVs.
Tourism, Snorkel Cook Islands clash over turtle tour regulations
Monday 4 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Environment, Local, National
Cook Islands Tourism has responded to Snorkel Cook Islands’ claims, stating that the operator’s model does not meet the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreed upon by nine other turtle tour operators.
Creative Centre gets $173k grant for new craft building
Friday 1 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The Creative Centre, which serves adults and teenagers with disabilities, will soon have a new craft building. This new facility will provide more opportunities for individuals to earn income and contribute to their households.
Herman reappointed as Secretary of Internal Affairs
Thursday 29 February 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
Anne Herman has been reappointed as Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (INTAFF) marking it her third consecutive term as Head of Ministry (HoM).
Absentee landowners major issue
Wednesday 28 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Environment, Local, National
Cook Islands is reforming its land laws and have started public meetings on Rarotonga to gather suggestions and feedback from Cook Islanders.
We are not included: Disability council accuses emergency agency of exclusion
Wednesday 28 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The national disability body has accused Emergency Management Cook Islands (EMCI) of excluding them in discussions on disaster management and preparedness.
Uncovering hidden struggle: Pa Enua Dyslexia Programme identifies widespread needs
Monday 26 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National, Outer Islands
The Cook Islands Dyslexia Society’s Pa Enua Dyslexia Programme, including Rarotonga, found that 100 per cent of the students tested were below average and required further support or a full assessment.
Cook Islands and India deepen ties
Monday 26 February 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
The High Commissioner of the Republic of India to the Cook Islands, Neeta Bhushan is visiting the Cook Islands this week. She arrived in Rarotonga on Thursday, February 22 for a five-day visit.
Govt grapples with aging buildings
Saturday 24 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
While a $400,000 operation to rid the Old Post Office of asbestos in Avarua gets underway, questions remain around the ageing stock of government-controlled facilities on Rarotonga.
Tourism launches Mana Tiaki programme with Titikaveka College
Saturday 24 February 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
Te Mato Manava Turoto Cook Islands Tourism Corporation’s Jeremy Goodwin and Emma Kainuku-Walsh recently visited Titikaveka College to introduce the concept of Mana Tiaki (sacred guardianship).
Autism Cook Islands kicks off year with $4000 donation
Friday 23 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National
Autism Cook Islands has gotten off to a great start for this year thanks to a generous $4000 donation from the Rarotonga Growers Association’s special dinner event.
Jonassen steps down as Justice Secretary, citing personal reasons
Friday 23 February 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Court, Local, National
The Secretary for the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), Tamatoa Jonassen, has tendered his resignation to the Public Service Commissioner, Carl Hunter, citing personal reasons.
