Outer Islands
War of the wings: The Rimatara lorikeet and how I learnt to hate the Atiu mynah
Monday 12 August 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, Features, Local, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
After a seven-year battle using a combination of poisoning, trapping and shooting, the Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust successfully eradicated an initial population of around 6000 mynahs from Ātiu, making it the world’s largest island-based mynah eradication project. Roger Malcolm, a resident hotelier on Ātiu and one of the key people behind the eradication project, shares his own battle with one of the most invasive bird species in the world.
From pest to past: Ātiu’s epic battle against invasive myna
Saturday 10 August 2024 | Written by Gerald McCormack | Published in Environment, Features, National, Outer Islands
After six years of no reported mynas on Ātiu, the Natural Heritage Trust is declaring its Eradication Project a success. The removal of a population of about 6000 mynas made it the world’s largest myna eradication on an island. It dwarfed the second largest island-eradication of 1641 mynas on North Island in the Seychelles completed in February 2019. By Gerald McCormack, Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust.
Incumbents face tough challenge in outer islands mayoral election
Friday 9 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Incumbent mayors of eight outer islands face a tough battle in the upcoming Island Government election, while the mayoral positions in Rakahanga and Pukapuka Nassau are unchallenged.
Tangaroa declared rightful Tamatoa Ariki after three-year legal battle
Wednesday 7 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Local, National, Outer Islands
It was a double celebration for Teao Tangaroa, who was declared the rightful title holder of the Tamatoa Ariki of Arutanga in a court ruling on his birthday yesterday.
New Suwarrow Park rangers ready for duty after intensive training
Wednesday 31 July 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, National, Outer Islands
The newly appointed Suwarrow Park rangers, Johnnie Tangaroa and Keanu Harawira, left Rarotonga for the northern group island last week.
Penrhyn seeks airport upgrade for tourism boost
Friday 26 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands
With a population of around 200 people, the residents of Penrhyn always look forward to welcoming yachters who contribute a little to their economy. However, Penrhyn executive officer Puna Vano says the island needs an upgraded airport to contribute more significantly to its tourism economy.
Search called off for missing crew member of Lady Moana
Wednesday 24 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, Local, National, Outer Islands
Cook Islands Police are expected to finalise their investigations into the missing crew member of the inter-island vessel Lady Moana and submit their report to the coroner.
Pa Enua prepares for Island Government Election on August 15
Tuesday 23 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Anyone capable of taking on an outer island leadership role including mayorship is encouraged to enter the upcoming Island Government election.
Search continues for crew member who fell overboard Lady Moana
Monday 22 July 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Crime, Local, National, Outer Islands
A Search and Rescue (SAR) mission continues this morning for a 22-year-old Fijian crew member who fell overboard from the inter-island ferry Lady Moana early Sunday during its voyage from Mangaia to Rarotonga.
Penrhyn schools celebrate culture in historic festival
Saturday 20 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Features, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
While schools in Rarotonga showcase their cultural heritage, the small but mighty schools of Omoka and Tetautua in Penrhyn/Tongareva, 1400 kilometres away, are making history.
Tongareva to host string band competition
Saturday 20 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National, Outer Islands
Tongareva is hosting a string band competition themed on Te Maeva Nui and Ariki Day to remind the younger generation of the island its legacy.
Chinese province donates equipment to Cook Islands, eyes broader cooperation
Thursday 18 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands
Cook Islands and China’s Guangdong province strengthened ties through equipment donations and discussions on future collaboration in areas like agriculture, fisheries and cultural exchange.
Japan pledges inter island vessel, farm equipment
Thursday 18 July 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands
Cook Islands and Japan discussed strengthening cooperation on climate change, shipping, renewable energy, technology and regional issues like nuclear wastewater discharge and Pacific banking.
Boost for Aitutaki healthcare
Monday 15 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, Local, National, Outer Islands
Aitutaki’s newly opened oxygen plant is expected to provide a significant boost to the island’s healthcare services, while expert technicians work to ensure its smooth operation.
Young Aitutaki mariners set sail for global qualifications
Monday 15 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National, Outer Islands
Young men from Aitutaki are on a pathway to further their maritime knowledge and skills by attending a Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) course, a globally recognised set of standards for sailors, in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Govt to acquire cargo ships, plans to take control of domestic shipping
Monday 15 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands
Cook Islands government is awaiting confirmation from Japan that a cargo-passenger ship meeting their specific requirements will arrive before the end of the year, while also negotiating with China for a second ship.
Rarotonga prepares official ceremony for Vaka Marumaru Atua's arrival
Saturday 6 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Tourism, Weather
Rejoicing at the arrival of Vaka Marumaru Atua and their celebrated and prominent son, master navigator Captain Peia Patai, and crew, the community of Akatokamanava Mauke turned out in force to welcome the team ashore.
Airport upgrades key to unleashing economic potential of Pa Enua: PM
Friday 21 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands, Parliament
Prime Minister Mark Brown emphasises that the Manihiki Airport upgrade is not a political promise or a vote buying attempt but a project designed to improve the lives of people in the Pa Enua (outer islands).
Fishermen rescue yacht from Penrhyn lagoon
Thursday 20 June 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
A French yacht visiting Penrhyn this week escaped serious damage after grounding on a sea coral mount inside the island lagoon.
Mangaia Bicentennial ends on a high note
Monday 17 June 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features, National, Outer Islands
The weeklong of festivities came to an emotional closing on Saturday with thousands converging at the Bicentennial Arena for the official farewell ceremony of the Mangaia Bicentennial Celebration.
