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Cook Islands and China go halves in $6 million inter-island vessel purchase

Government has allocated $3 million in its supplementary budget to co-fund a new shipping vessel from China, aiming to establish a nationalised shipping service and improve inter-island connectivity, a move that has been met with concern from an existing private shipping operator.

Decades-old Cook Islands ID cards invalid, says Minister

The decades-old Cook Islands identification card, once used for travel before Cook Islanders gained access to New Zealand passports, are now invalid, confirmed the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration.

‘Very little detail’: PM Brown explains vague China agreement

The comprehensive agreement the Cook Islands has signed with China “deliberately” contains few details because the Government has not yet committed to any specific projects, says Prime Minister Mark Brown.

Letter: What can MPs’ travel budget buy?

Dear Editor, Time for change. How dare the Budget include an increase of over 400,000 dollars for travel, while our people are suffering. How dare this government take that amount of close to 1 million dollars in a single year for travel.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms to persist: Met 

The ongoing heavy rain and thunderstorms affecting both the Northern and Southern Cook Islands are expected to continue, warned the Cook Islands Meteorological Service.

Badminton team wins silver medal at U15 Comp

Cook Islands Badminton U15 team returned home last week, after an intense match against New Caledonia ending with a silver medal win.

U18’s trials for beach volleyball to travel to Solomon Islands

The Cook Islands Volleyball federation have started trials for interested U18’s male athletes to represent the Cook Islands at the Volleyball Tournament to be held in the Solomon Islands in April.

Unbeaten Bulldogs face tough test

The unbeaten Titikaveka Bulldogs are looking to extend their winning streak to three matches when they take on the Tupapa Panthers in week three of the Rarotonga League 13s competition this afternoon.

Pa Enua outreach team inspires Mauke youth with rugby values

After a successful tour to Mitiaro, the Cook Islands Rugby Union’s (CIRU) Pa Enua outreach team, which runs the Healthy Living Programme, is in Mauke this week to promote its fun and interactive way of teaching young people the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

Letter: Akatueraanga o te ManaTauranga

Kia Orana I te aroa ngao o to tatou Atu ko Iesu Mesia. Teia te reo o te tata Salamo ko te Atua to tatou akapuanga e te maroiroi, e tauturu vaitata roa ia kia rokoia e te tumatetenga. (Salamo 46:1)

Letter: ‘Where is our mana!’

Dear Editor, I would like to point a few things, especially towards the different groups who took the protest march in front of Parliament on Monday.

Letter: “I know. But, for what purpose?”

With all the turmoil going on at the moment, perhaps it's a good time to reflect on what’s important to us as Cook Islanders. Read and ponder.

Letter: What are we celebrating?

Despite the Cook Islands having so much going for it - best climates, cheap cost of living, low crime, no homeless, no really poor, good connectivity, easy access to NZ for health/education, etc., and Rarotongans speak better English than most New Zealanders and better Maori than most NZ Maori, 60 years of self-government doesn’t appear to be something to celebrate.

Kata: Tereora building

Church Talk: ‘The One God of Israel, Christianity and the whole world’

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life … I aroa mai te Atua I to te ao nei, e kua tae rava ki te oronga anga mai I Tana Tamaiti Anau Tai, kia kore e mate tei akarongo iaia, kia rauka ra te ora mutukore.” – John 3:16.

Cook Islands film ‘Stranded Pearl’ to reach global audience

A Cook Islands-made film will be featured at international film festivals in Japan and New Zealand, and has secured distribution deals for in-flight entertainment and streaming services.

Peaceful protest to Parliament House, Cook Islanders voicing their concerns and advocating for change

Hundreds of Cook Islanders marched in protest to Parliament, demanding that government prioritise their New Zealand citizenship, address concerns about the China agreement and listen to the people’s wishes. Reporter Melina Etches looks back at the rally that was held in front of Parliament on Monday.

Faith vs rights: Cook Islands debates declaring itself a Christian nation

Parliament is considering a constitutional amendment to declare the nation a Christian state, sparking debate about religious freedom, human rights and the separation of church and state, with various religious leaders and legal experts presenting their views to a special committee.

Apii Avarua inducts 25 prefects

A total of 25 students, including 14 girls and 11 boys, were inducted as the 2025 prefects for Apii Avarua yesterday.

Church talk: Repentance is the cornerstone of Jesus’ message

Repentance holds a foundational place in the teaching of Jesus, marking the beginning of His public ministry. It was central to Jesus’ preaching because it addressed the fundamental human problem – sin, and prepared the people to receive the Kingdom of God, writes Bishop Reynaldo Bunyi Getalado msp of the Catholic Church.