Outer Islands
AKTT Atiu youths to host fishing competition this Easter
Tuesday 26 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education, Local, National, Outer Islands
The Atiu branch of Kōrero o te ‘Ōrau’s ‘Ātui’anga ki te Tango (AKTT) programme has already begun the year activating their community and assisting around the island whenever and wherever they can.
Fish, feast, and fun: Traditional event brings Pukapuka together
Saturday 16 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
A two-day traditional fishing competition on Pukapuka island saw villagers compete and celebrate with a community feast.
Sarakura declared new Penrhyn MP
Saturday 16 March 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in National, Outer Islands, Politics
The wife of the former deputy prime minister, recently convicted of corruption charges and awaiting sentencing, is the new Member of Parliament for Penrhyn.
Tapaitau tops preliminary count
Wednesday 13 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Outer Islands, Politics
The preliminary results of the Penrhyn by-election held yesterday shows a close race between Sarakura Tapaitau, wife of the former MP, and Cook Islands Party candidate Vaine Wichman.
Fishing vessel Zambucca hauled out of water for inspection
Wednesday 13 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Curious onlookers gathered at Avatiu Harbour yesterday to watch the precarious operation of fishing vessel FV Zambucca being lifted out of the water by two cranes.
Penrhyn ‘ready to vote’
Tuesday 12 March 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Politics
Voters in the Cook Islands’ northern group island of Penrhyn head to the polls today for a by-election.
Cook Islands secures $20m grant to build climate-resilient nation
Thursday 7 March 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Environment, Health, National, Outer Islands
A project aiming to build a healthy and resilient nation in the context of climate change and set to benefit more than 15,000 Cook Islanders, will start to be implemented in the coming months, thanks to an estimated US 12.5 million (NZ$20.3m) Green Climate Fund (GCF) grant.
Government, private sector team up for successful business training in Mangaia
Wednesday 6 March 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
A team of six individuals from different government agencies and the private sector in Rarotonga visited Mangaia last week to conduct a comprehensive three-day business training session.
Rakahanga School sees enrolment rise with families returning to island
Tuesday 5 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National, Outer Islands
Rakahanga School, located on one of the Cook Islands’ most isolated islands 42 kilometres south of its sister island Manihiki, has seen its roll number increase to 22 this year compared to last year’s roll of 15.
New book explores Ma’uke’s connection to the London Missionary Society
Monday 4 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National, Outer Islands
Author Moana Moeka’a has launched his fourth book, “Ma’uke Mission 200 Years”, a story about the island’s connection, his father’s homeland, to the London Missionary Society (LMS).
Autism Cook Islands visits outer islands
Tuesday 27 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National, Outer Islands
Autism Cook Islands is committed to visiting as many of the outer islands.
Uncovering hidden struggle: Pa Enua Dyslexia Programme identifies widespread needs
Monday 26 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National, Outer Islands
The Cook Islands Dyslexia Society’s Pa Enua Dyslexia Programme, including Rarotonga, found that 100 per cent of the students tested were below average and required further support or a full assessment.
Mangaia School leaders take charge after weather delays
Monday 26 February 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Education, National, Outer Islands
Rain forced Mangaia School to huddle its students indoors for their leadership induction programme on Friday, but the ceremony went ahead after two weather-related postponements.
Govt says $1.3m invested in Lady Samoa charter
Thursday 22 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands, Parliament
The Lady Samoa IV vessel chartered by the Cook Islands government prior to Christmas cost $1.3million.
Shining brighter in Penrhyn
Wednesday 21 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National, Outer Islands
Penrhyn is shining extra bright thanks to the kind donation of solar lights.
Tropical depression brings rain, wind, and minor damage to Southern Cooks
Saturday 17 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands, Weather
Tropical depression brought heavy rain and strong winds to the Southern Cook Islands, causing minor damages and prompting school closures.
Rarotonga on alert, schools closed
Friday 16 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education, Local, National, Outer Islands, Weather
A tropical depression affecting the Cook Islands group was forecast to intensify into a category one cyclone by this morning, triggering advisories from local authorities. This morning the Ministry of Education confirmed that all schools in Rarotonga are closed but it is business as usual for others.
Aitutaki schools closed as tropical depression looms
Thursday 15 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education, National, Outer Islands, Weather
Schools in Aitutaki have closed following reports of an approaching tropical depression, but Emergency Management Cook Islands says the system does not pose a threat ‘at this moment’.
Rarotonga police team tackles Gender Family Harm in Aitutaki
Tuesday 13 February 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in National, Outer Islands
Three Rarotonga police officers are in Aitutaki for a week-long programme of consultations with community stakeholders, on Gender Family Harm (GFH).
Ancestral homecoming: Ui Tupuna remains return to Mangaia after decades
Tuesday 13 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
The remains of over 100 “Ui Tupuna”, ancestors who were separated from their homeland for over three decades, have finally returned to their rightful resting place, at home in Mangaia, Au’au Enua. Melina Etches reports.
