Outer Islands
Penrhyn ‘one of our safe seats’: PM Brown
Monday 12 February 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in National, Outer Islands, Politics
Prime Minister Mark Brown, leader of the Cook Islands Party (CIP), expressed confidence in retaining the Penrhyn seat during the March 12 by-election.
Lagoon resort causeway still under investigation
Monday 12 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, National, Outer Islands
National Environment Service staffers appear to be taking their time in delivering an assessment on a temporary causeway at the redevelopment of upmarket Lagoon Private Island Resort on Aitutaki.
Community rallies to bring power back to Pukapuka
Friday 9 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands, Weather
Pukapuka island was cut off from the world for four days due to no electricity and communication, but now has restored power thanks to a barge arrival despite challenges from rough weather.
Palmerston Island braces for impact as Cyclone Osai lingers
Thursday 8 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Outer Islands, Weather
Southern Cook Islands remained under threat as Tropical Cyclone Osai circled closer to Palmerston Island yesterday afternoon.
Pa Enua calm with no reported damage
Wednesday 7 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands, Weather
The Gale warning previously in force for all waters to the north of the Sourthern Cooks was cancelled yesterday, issued by the Cook Islands Meteorological Services (CIMS).
Penrhyn by-election date confirmed
Wednesday 7 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Outer Islands, Parliament, Politics
Cook Islands United Party will not nominate a candidate for the Penrhyn By-election.
Schools close as high seas hit the Pa Enua
Tuesday 6 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Weather
High seas surged over the shore, washing in around Tetautua School on the eastern rim of Penrhyn Island, restricting safe access for children to their classrooms.
TC Nat set to hit the Southern Cooks now cancelled
Tuesday 6 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Weather
The weather warning that was in force for the northern waters of the Southern Cooks is now cancelled. The public is advised to remain vigilant as the Southern Cook Islands was set to feel the brunt of Tropical Cyclone Nat (N-E-T) as it was expected to have affected Aitutaki and Mauke last night.
Tapping into more tourism plans for the Pa Enua
Tuesday 6 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands, Tourism
Through destination development, Cook Islands Tourism Corporation is looking at opportunities, stating that “an opportunity exists to expand the tourism offering and amplify community-led tourism in the Pa Enua”.
Mangaia 200 years of Gospel celebrations embraces island
Tuesday 6 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National, Outer Islands
The colossal amount of around $1 million has been raised for the island of Mangaia’s Te Arikianga o te Evangelia, the Arrival of the Gospel Bicentennial commemoration festivities that will be held this coming June.
Environment agency approves plan to remove grounded ship
Saturday 27 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, Local, National, Outer Islands
The National Environment Service (NES) has completed its environmental assessment for removing the stranded vessel MV Grinna from the Manihiki reef after multiple failed attempts.
Cargo ship back in service after fire incident
Friday 12 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
The Ministry of Transport remains tight-lipped about an investigation into a Taio Shipping vessel fire from early November 2023, which damaged cargo destined for the northern group islands.
New era for Manihiki: Fred Tangi Napara crowned Faingahitu Ariki
Thursday 11 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
A traditional ceremony in Manihiki has established a new Faingahitu Ariki, bringing an end to community disquiet surrounding the prestigious title.
No charges against Ex-NZ MP: Daughter speaks following explosive family feud on Aitutaki
Wednesday 10 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Politics
Cook Islands Police will not pursue charges against former New Zealand National Party government minister who was alleged to have assaulted his sister at their mother’s funeral in Aitutaki. Candice Luke reports.
Family feud explodes at mother’s funeral in Aitutaki
Tuesday 9 January 2024 | Written by RNZ | Published in Local, National, New Zealand, Outer Islands, Politics, Regional
A former New Zealand National Party government minister has been interviewed by Cook Islands Police after a family feud turned violent as the coffin of his late mother was being carried into her Aitutaki home last week.
Ma’uke’s Mii Tua, 78, finds joy in quiet life and community
Monday 8 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
On the island of Ma’uke, also known as Akatokamanava, 78-year-old Mii Tua (née Tairea) cherishes her quiet, simple life on the land where she was born.
Government to manage new inter-island vessel, says PM
Monday 8 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands
The Cook Islands government will manage the operations of an inter-island vessel that it hopes to receive this year.
Aitutaki roads a ‘time bomb’: Residents demand crackdown on underage driving
Monday 8 January 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in National, Outer Islands
Aitutaki residents are expressing concern about the increasing number of young ‘underage’ people riding motorbikes and speeding on the island’s roads. They worry that this could lead to serious accidents, and are calling for action to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
Aitutaki’s Koni Raoni: Singing, dancing and over $100,000 for village dreams
Saturday 6 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
Exclusive to the island of Aitutaki, Koni Raoni translates to ‘dance around’ and involves the host village travelling through the villages on the island, dancing, singing and receiving donations during the Christmas period on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day to raise funds for their respective communities. Melina Etches reports.
Montreal teacher supporting special-needs educators in Aitutaki
Friday 5 January 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Education, Features, Outer Islands, Weekend
Canadian Lorena D’Alessandro learned teachers in Aitutaki are not especially well-equipped to work with children with ADHD and autism during her first visit in 2022. The veteran English Montreal School Board teacher returned late last year with some much-needed donations and tools for the students. (This article was originally published in the Montreal Gazette on January 4, 2024)
