Business
‘Hazardous’ Gold Country scuttled at sea after environmental approval
Tuesday 19 March 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Business, Environment, National
A hazardous Cook Islands commercial vessel, MV Gold Country, was towed out to sea and scuttled last month after approval from environmental authorities due to safety concerns.
Rarotonga residents left in the dark about soaring bills
Saturday 16 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Economy, Local, National
Rarotonga residents are questioning the island’s power supplier Te Aponga Uira (TAU) on the logic behind the alleged increased costs of power bills.
Resort set to unveil renovated pool area
Saturday 16 March 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National
An Arorangi-based resort is reopening its renovated pool area after guest-friendly closures for upgrades, offering complimentary Wi-Fi and breakfast as thanks for patience.
The king of heat: Elvis inspired hot sauce to hit the market
Friday 8 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, National
Cook Islands hot sauce businessman and Elvis Presley fan, Paul Lynch, will be launching his latest “hot, hot 10+ Burnin’ Love” sauce this Saturday.
Public submissions open for national minimum wage review
Thursday 7 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Economy, National
A panel has been established to determine the Cook Islands’ new minimum wage, which was proposed to increase by $0.30 to $9.30 per hour this year.
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.
Cook Islands balances tourism growth with sustainability
Saturday 2 March 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Business, Economy, National, Tourism
Cook Islands emerged from the Covid-19 slump with a tourism boom in 2023.
Beyond the numbers: How tourism benefits everyday life in the Cook Islands
Saturday 2 March 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Business, Economy, Features, Go Local, National, Tourism, Weekend
January saw a record breaking 10,368 visitors arrive on our shores. They’re staying longer, and spending more on average. But what do these facts and figures look like in the daily lives of Cook Islanders? Cook Islands News journalist Candice Luke spoke to locals about how the tourist dollar is affecting them, their families, and their businesses right now.
$400k asbestos removal operation gets underway at Old Post Office
Friday 23 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Business, Economy, Local, National
A $400,000 operation to rid the Old Post Office of asbestos in Avarua is about to get underway following the building’s closure in recent months.
Personal trainer fights for a happier, healthier community
Saturday 17 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National
Heart diseases, stroke, and heart attack made up 53 per cent of NCD (non-communicable disease) deaths in the Cook Islands from October to December last year. A new grassroots initiative ‘Gym and Juice Club’ may help to battle the Cook Islands’ increasing NCD diagnoses and waistlines.
Rarotonga businesses ready to weather the storm
Friday 16 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Business, National, Weather
People, protocols and preparation were a key focus for businesses yesterday as gale force winds lashed the north eastern side of Rarotonga.
Fur love: Adorable dog steals hearts as Valentine’s cupid
Thursday 15 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Local, National
Adorable “Mackintosh” was Rarotonga’s cute cupid star on Valentine’s Day yesterday, allowing people to snap a photograph with him and post it on social media.
Young entrepreneur spreads culture and joy through temporary tattoos
Wednesday 14 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Art, Business, Features, Local
A young Cook Islands teen runs a successful temporary tattoo business at the market, connecting with customers through his art and cultural heritage.
Don’t miss the plane: Time to diversify and future proof tourism, says Eggelton
Wednesday 14 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Business, Economy, National, Tourism
At Tuesday’s global business update at The Edgewater Resort, Cook Islands Tourism chief executive officer Karla Eggelton told an audience of about 60 people that 2024 is “shaping up to be a positive year” and now is the time to diversify and future-proof the industry.
Love in the tropics: Businesses prepare for Valentine’s Day rush
Friday 9 February 2024 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Business, National
Cupid will be soaking up the sub-tropical climate of the Cook Islands this Valentine’s Day.
New market to support local vendors
Thursday 8 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Local, National
The groundbreaking ceremony for Te Tāpora Kai, the new Grassroots Farmers and Crafts Market undercover building at the Constitution Park, was held yesterday morning.
Retailer sets the record straight on alleged narcotics find
Friday 19 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Business, Crime, Economy, National
Prime Foods managing director Daniel Forsyth wants to set the record straight about an ongoing narcotics investigation involving his business. Al Williams reports.
Digital discount card gains following with streamlined tourist info and deals
Wednesday 17 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National
A year after going digital, Raro Pass, formerly known as Chantal’s Discount Card, has gained a loyal following, offering locals and visitors alike discounts, online ticketing, and streamlined tourist information.
Chutney and coins vanish from café
Wednesday 17 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Crime, National
On Sunday night, the Sea Monster Café, located near Avatiu harbour, had a break-in, leaving owner Komera Dean questioning what the alleged culprit expected to find in a small business.
13-year-old questioned in Rarotonga store burglary and rental car thefts
Wednesday 17 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Crime, National
A 13-year-old is currently being questioned by police in connection with the burglary at the TEM Store Parengaru as well as with recent break-ins of rental cars.
