National
Cook Islands eases import ban on NZ poultry following bird flu outbreak
Tuesday 31 December 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Agriculture, National
Cook Islands temporarily suspended imports of poultry products from New Zealand following a bird flu outbreak on a single farm, but has resumed imports from unaffected regions with additional safety measures.
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.
Te Ipukarea Concert to launch 60th anniversary celebrations
Tuesday 31 December 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Culture, Entertainment, National
The Cook Islands’ 60th year of self-governance is set to commence in style with Te Ipukarea Concert, to be held tomorrow night at the National Auditorium.
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.
Positive trends in the Cook Islands property market
Monday 30 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Business, Features, National
November’s 2024 visitor arrivals and migration numbers are continuing on a positive trend, driving a solid economic recovery in the Cook Islands. Visitor numbers reached 13,419, showing a 7.7% increase over last year, with notable rises from Australia, Europe, and the USA. Beyond tourism, the return of 732 Cook Islanders and a net gain of […]
PM Brown calls for debt relief for climate-impacted small island states
Monday 30 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Environment, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown has expressed disappointment over the lack of progress in climate change negotiations, particularly the failure of major emitting countries to meet their carbon emissions targets and financial commitments.
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.
Seizure of Cook Islands-registered ship over alleged sabotage ‘creates a bad look’ for NZ
Monday 30 December 2024 | Written by RNZ | Published in National, Politics
A Cook Islands-registered ship being seized by Finnish authorities over a suspected incident of sabotage “creates a bad look” for New Zealand, an international law professor says.
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.
Twelve months’ probation for man who threatened to kill neighbour
Saturday 28 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, Crime, National
A man convicted of threatening to kill his neighbour and wilfully trespassing on his neighbour’s property has been sentenced to 12 months of probation, with special conditions attached.
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.
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.
International concerns grow as Cook Islands-flagged oil tanker seized
Saturday 28 December 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in National
A Cook Islands-flagged oil tanker is at the centre of an international investigation for its suspected role in the damage of an undersea power cable connecting Finland and Estonia, raising concerns about the country’s shipping registry being used by Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ to circumvent sanctions.
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.
Domestic violence accused convicted for multiple assaults
Friday 27 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, Crime, National
A man was convicted of a series of domestic violence offences, including urinating on the victim, following a judge-alone trial earlier this month at the Cook Islands High Court in Avarua.