More Top Stories
Man found guilty of rape, burglary
24 September 2024
Tenants face water bill burden
8 October 2024
BRO CHECK campaign: ‘Reach out, you’re not alone’
8 October 2024
Concerns over Minister’s role in inmate work releases: PAC
5 October 2024
Tourism contribution set to surpass half-billion dollar mark
25 September 2024
Parliament’s 12 sitting days sufficient for business: Clerk
24 September 2024
Parliament Clerk sparks outrage over deep sea mining statement
23 September 2024
Parliament’s 12 sitting days sufficient for business: Clerk
24 September 2024
Tapaitau and Charlie-Puna released to ‘family jobs’
21 September 2024
3000 companies at risk due to Act oversight: Browne
23 September 2024
Police apprehend four juveniles in connection with motorcycle thefts
23 September 2024
Deep sea dilemma: Cook Islanders weigh the cost of mineral riches
21 September 2024
Anxiety on the rise: Cook Islands faces mental health challenge
7 September 2024
Cook Islands deep sea mining poll sparks controversy
7 September 2024
Helmet safety concerns raised amid enforcement challenges
2 September 2024
MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
3 August 2024
STI cases on the rise
2 September 2024
Rising seas, rising costs: Climate impacts on Cook Islands economy
2 September 2024
Inflation eases but concerns remain
31 August 2024
Prime Minister defends $659,000 MPs travel bill
23 August 2024
Taxpayers foot $659,000 bill for MPs travel and allowance
22 August 2024
Corruption report exposes ‘bribe and sexual favours’
17 January 2023
PM Brown eager to hand over Forum chair role to Tonga
13 August 2024
ICI explains road works delay in front of old Sheraton site
10 August 2024
Diaspora dismayed over lack of Te Maeva Nui livestream
8 August 2024
Everyone is a winner, says Culture
7 August 2024
Local women outshine global peers in business leadership
8 August 2024
Housing crisis hits tourism industry
27 July 2024
MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
3 August 2024
Tapaitau appeal dismissed
17 July 2024
Challenging ‘rape culture’
8 July 2024
Articles by Losirene Lacanivalu
First major cocaine case results in imprisonment
Wednesday 9 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
A New Zealand-based Cook Islander was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment for bringing cocaine and cannabis into the country in the first significant case of its kind.
Man disqualified for 18 months after third drunk driving charge
Tuesday 8 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A man with a history of driving related charges in the Cook Islands High Court has been disqualified from driving for 18 months.
Public Accounts Committee calls for transparency in CIIC budget process
Tuesday 8 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has advised the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) to disclose all anticipated income during the budget process and to Parliament.
BRO CHECK campaign: ‘Reach out, you’re not alone’
Tuesday 8 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National
Recognising that young Cook Islands men are struggling with various issues, Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health recently launched their “BRO CHECK #youmatter” awareness campaign.
PAC report criticises former Culture secretary’s financial oversight
Monday 7 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
The former secretary for the Ministry of Cultural Development “did not ensure” that there were strong controls in place and that careful judgment was applied when authorising six financial transactions of more than $12,000 of taxpayers’ money, states the recent Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report.
Minister Mokoroa defends Brisbane trip, emphasises youth commitment
Monday 7 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Politics
Minister Vaine “Mac” Mokoroa has defended his recent trip to Brisbane, Australia, to attend a church youth conference, emphasising the government’s commitment to Cook Islands youth.
Concerns over Minister’s role in inmate work releases: PAC
Saturday 5 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National, Parliament
The Public Accounts Committee is concerned with the Minister for Corrective Services’ authority to ‘influence or directly manage’ the release of inmates from prison, while the Minister denies these claims and maintains that all work release protocols are being followed.
Brown shares Vanuatu experience
Saturday 5 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
Associate Minister for Health Te-Hani Brown recently attended a meeting in Vanuatu which she said was beneficial for Members of Parliaments from the Pa Enua as it provided exposure to medical equipment suitable for the outer islands.
Small-time drug dealer gets two years in prison
Saturday 5 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A drug related case that’s been ongoing for three years has come to an end after Justice Colin Doherty sentenced the convicted ‘small time drug dealer’ to two years in jail.
Rapist jailed for 10 years
Friday 4 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A 33-year-old man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for raping and indecently assaulting a girl who was between the ages of 12 and 16.
Cook Islands wins bid to host 2029 Pacific Mini Games
Friday 4 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Athletics, Sports
Cook Islands has been confirmed as the host of the Pacific Mini Games in 2029, becoming the first country to host the event three times.
High Court delays sentencing in cannabis case, Judge questions defendant’s motive
Thursday 3 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court
The sentencing of a man who was charged for cultivating cannabis and selling or offering to supply a Class C controlled drug has been adjourned to tomorrow.
Review panel established to address challenges facing Cook Islands Police
Thursday 3 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Local, National
Government has established a review panel to assess the Cook Islands Police Service, identify areas for improvement, and develop a strategic plan for the future, with the aim of appointing a new Police Commissioner who aligns with the Service’s priorities.
Man convicted of motorcycle crash ordered to pay $5131 in reparations
Wednesday 2 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
The man convicted of the motorcycle crash in Nikao last February has been ordered to pay $5131 in reparations to the victim.
MPs spend nearly half of travel budget in less than three months
Wednesday 2 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
Cook Islands Members of Parliament (MPs) have spent nearly half of their annual travel and allowance budget in less than three months.
To Tatou Vai has legal authority to charge water tariff, says CIIC chair
Tuesday 1 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Tourism
Rarotonga water authority, To Tatou Vai (TTV), has the right to charge water tariffs for supply and services, says Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) chair Fletcher Melvin.
Man denies driving related charge
Tuesday 1 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
The defence lawyer of a man who has denied the charge of careless driving causing injury in Rarotonga, says there is insufficient evidence to convict her client.
Govt commits to home care for elderly despite challenges
Monday 30 September 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
Government provides funding to support families in caring for elderly people at home, despite the challenges faced by many families in providing 24-hour care, says Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Govt entities failing to meet reporting obligations: PAC
Monday 30 September 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
The Public Accounts Committee is urging Cabinet Ministers to take action and work with their respective ministries and agencies to submit their report to Parliament.
Bench warrant remains for absconding defendant
Saturday 28 September 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
The bench warrant issued for a man who was arrested with 71 cannabis plants in July of this year remains in effect until his return to the Cook Islands.