National
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.
Met Service staff on duty through Christmas
Tuesday 24 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Weather
Cook Islands Meteorological Service staff will be at work throughout the Christmas holidays, ensuring that our community stays informed about the ever-changing weather conditions.
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.
Christmas stock lost in devastating Mangaia fire
Tuesday 24 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, National, Outer Islands
Over the weekend, a blazing fire in Oneroa, Mangaia, originating from faulty electrical wiring destroyed a shop, a storage building and the neighbouring home.
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”.
Staying on budget in Cook Islands construction
Monday 23 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Business, Features, National
Embarking on a construction project in the Cook Islands is an exciting venture, but it comes with its own set of financial challenges. While sticking to a construction budget is indeed possible, it requires more than relying solely on square meter cost estimates. Some key basic knowledge is necessary at the start of your project […]
Cousins bring cool treats
Monday 23 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, Local, National
Tiki Ice Cream Café, the new ice cream shop located near the airport in Nikao, is offering a refreshing addition to the area’s food scene.
Government partners with communities to improve safety shelters
Monday 23 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National, Weather
Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) in collaboration with Emergency Management Cook Islands (EMCI), a division in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), has announced the commencement of the Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme (RSSP).
Police clarify fees for reports
Monday 23 December 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands Police Service has clarified that fees for police reports, which contribute to operational funding, are charged for administrative services.
Cook Islands and China discuss enhanced cooperation
Monday 23 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in National, Politics
A delegation from the People’s Republic of China visited Rarotonga last week with the aim of strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing the various areas of cooperation between the Cook Islands and China.
New Zealand rejects Cook Islands passport plan
Monday 23 December 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Local, National, Politics
Government’s proposal for a Cook Islands passport as a “national identity” to mark the country’s 60th anniversary in 2025 has been rejected by New Zealand.
Social Impact Fund awards $199,825 to 14 community projects
Saturday 21 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
The Cook Islands Social Impact Fund approved 14 proposals totalling $199,825.20 from 21 applications, supporting community initiatives across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, with a focus on sports, wellness and youth development.
Christmas in the Park brings festive cheer to Rarotonga
Saturday 21 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Entertainment, Local, National
Hundreds of locals, visiting families, and tourists gathered at the National Auditorium and Domes on Thursday evening for the annual Christmas in the Park event, hosted by Rotaract Rarotonga.
New mammography machine offers improved breast cancer detection
Saturday 21 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Health, Local
The arrival of the new mammography machine in the Cook Islands marks a significant advancement in women’s health, enabling earlier detection of breast cancer and potentially saving lives.
Expat ordered to pay $5000 in reparations
Saturday 21 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, Crime, National
An expat mother, Salote Rerealoa, who faced two charges of careless driving causing injury following a collision in March, was convicted and ordered to pay $5000 in reparations, with specific conditions on how the sum should be allocated.
