Local
New Zealand High Commission Fund supports local communities
Tuesday 31 December 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Local, National
The New Zealand High Commission in Cook Islands held a signing ceremony earlier this month with the successful recipients of the 2024/2025 Round of the New Zealand High Commission Fund.
Business break-ins remain a concern amidst festive season
Tuesday 31 December 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Crime, Local, National
The increase in police presence, supported by community policing, has led to a decrease in traffic infringements, although break-ins at business properties continue to be a concern.
Cook Islands drops bids for United Nations, Commonwealth membership
Tuesday 31 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Politics
Cook Islands will not pursue membership in the United Nations and the Commonwealth due to its inability to meet the criteria for UN membership and existing relationship with New Zealand, which fulfils Commonwealth membership requirements.
Families and businesses reflect on 2024, set New Year resolutions
Tuesday 31 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
As 2024 draws to a close, locals and businesses in the Cook Islands are reflecting on the past year and setting their sights on the future with fresh resolutions and new hopes for the year ahead.
Mother and sons reunited for Christmas after a decade
Monday 30 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Family reunions hold a special place in our hearts, serving as a poignant reminder of the bonds that tie us together, no matter the distance.
Passport plan ‘not the best of the initiatives by the PM’: Government MP
Monday 30 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Politics
Government MPs remain uncertain about the proposed Cook Islands passport, intended to celebrate national pride and identity, with one MP stating that it is not among the Prime Minister’s best initiatives.
Roi appointed vice-chair of Asian Shipowners’ Association
Saturday 28 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
The Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) has acknowledged the recent resignation of Eleanor Roi from the CIIC Board, effective December 1, 2024.
Three little miracles: Christmas babies born in Rarotonga
Saturday 28 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, Local, National
A rare and joyful occasion unfolded at the Rarotonga Hospital this Christmas as three babies were born on December 25, bringing extra cheer to the maternity ward.
PM clarifies use of NGO logos in seabed mining consultation
Saturday 28 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, Local, National, Politics
Prime Minister Mark Brown has responded to concerns raised by two environmental groups, Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) and Korero o te Orau, regarding the government’s recent seabed mining consultation in New Zealand.
Amuri School alumni celebrate 60th birthday with reunion
Saturday 28 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Aitutaki played host to a heartfelt reunion from December 20 to 26, 2024, as former pupils of Amuri School gathered to commemorate their 60th birthday and relive cherished memories from their school days.
Mauke celebrates Christmas with traditional sports and festive cheer
Saturday 28 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Sports
The people of Mauke celebrated Christmas with a week of festivities, including traditional sports, netball, touch rugby, volleyball, a night market and a string band competition, culminating in a fireworks display last night. Nicolea Mateariki reports.
Heather opposes Cook Islands passport plan, warns of risks
Friday 27 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Politics
Cook Islands United Party leader Teariki Heather has opposed the Government’s proposal for a Cook Islands passport, stating that what Prime Minister Mark Brown and his team are pursuing for is not important.
Children bring joy to Christmas service with handcrafted gifts
Friday 27 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
Pictured is the Sacred Heart Parish “nativity scene”, also known as the Crèche - a beloved Christian holiday tradition celebrated for centuries. Each year, families and churches set up nativity scenes to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Boaza family connects with heritage and future generations
Friday 27 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
The Boaza family from Atiu was thrilled to host their first-ever family reunion, bringing together 120 relatives from Atiu, Australia, New Zealand and Rarotonga from December 14th to 17th.
Bystanders aid driver after truck plunges into stream
Friday 27 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
The driver of a truck that collided with a bridge at Tupapa and entered the stream early yesterday morning is lucky to have escaped more serious injury, police said in a statement.
Government focuses on growth and cost of living in 2025
Friday 27 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National, Politics
Prime Minister Mark Brown has outlined the Cook Islands Government’s key priorities for the upcoming year, focusing on continued economic growth, infrastructure development and addressing the cost of living.
Police seek public cooperation for festive security
Tuesday 24 December 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Crime, Local, National
Cook Islands Police are launching a community policing initiative with volunteer support from each vaka in Rarotonga to enhance safety and security during the festive season.
Families navigate inflation, businesses stock up for festive season
Tuesday 24 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, Economy, Local, National
As Christmas approaches, local families and businesses in Rarotonga are feeling the seasonal buzz. While the island’s shops are busy preparing for the influx of shoppers, families are making sure they have everything needed for the festive season.
Festive season road safety concerns raised after fatal Aitutaki crash
Tuesday 24 December 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
A 49-year-old man tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident in Aitutaki on Saturday, marking the second road fatality in the Cook Islands this year, as the country enters the festive season.
Opposition leader slams passport push as ‘reckless’: PM Brown assures ‘We will remain NZ citizens’
Tuesday 24 December 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Local, National, Politics
Prime Minister Mark Brown has assured Cook Islanders that they “will remain New Zealand citizens, and that will not change” as he continues to advocate for a Cook Islands passport as a “symbolic representation of national pride and identity”.
