Eels host Bears in rugby final
Avatiu Eels will host the Arorangi Bears on home ground at Aretere Park for the Rarotonga Club 15s Premier Men’s final today. The post Eels host Bears in rugby final appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-26 22:50:01

Young paddlers prepare for Sunshine Coast challenge
Twenty-four young Ngakau Toa Vaka paddlers are preparing to represent the Cook Islands at the Trans-Tasman Gubbi Gubbi Waka Ama Regatta on Australia’s Sunshine Coast next month. The post Young paddlers prepare for Sunshine Coast challenge appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-26 22:46:40

Personal victory for Rowe at Round Rarotonga Road Race
The journey towards better health was at the heart of Chris Rowe’s first-place finish in the 49th Round Rarotonga Road Race (RRRR) 31-kilometre walk event. The post Personal victory for Rowe at Round Rarotonga Road Race appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-26 22:44:24

Hunter sets sights on international marathons after historic RRRR win
Following his win at the 2026 Round Rarotonga Road Race (RRRR) 31-kilometre run, Cook Islander Jayden Ivaka Hunter is now looking forward to one day representing his home country in international marathons. The post Hunter sets sights on international marathons after historic RRRR win appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-26 22:42:43

Legacy and hospitality shine at People’s Choice Awards
The Cook Islands’ tourism industry has celebrated the people behind its visitor experience, with more than 17,000 votes cast in the 2026 Te Iki’anga a te Iti Tangata People’s Choice Awards. The post Legacy and hospitality shine at People’s Choice Awards appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-26 22:37:15

Pastor Tevai “Bobby” Matapo OBE remembered for a lifetime of faith, leadership and service
Pastor Tevai “Bobby” Matapo OBE, a respected church leader, former Cook Islands Police Commissioner and tireless champion of education, passed away at the age of 79. The post Pastor Tevai “Bobby” Matapo OBE remembered for a lifetime of faith, leadership and service appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-26 22:32:18

Tongareva welcomes PM, partners as wharf project moves forward
Prime Minister Mark Brown has returned from Tongareva, where he led a visit to the island on September 22, with the United States Ambassador to the Cook Islands Jared Novelly, and the New Zealand High Commissioner to the Cook Islands, Catherine Graham, to meet the community face to face and progress plans for a safe and reliable wharf at Omoka. The post Tongareva welcomes PM, partners as wharf project moves forward appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-26 22:28:20

Te Ipukarea Society: Stakeholders unite to advance practical solutions to plastic pollution
More than 30 representatives from government, the private sector, civil society, tourism, retail, waste management and the Pa Enua gathered at Masters House Hall on September 22. The post Te Ipukarea Society: Stakeholders unite to advance practical solutions to plastic pollution appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-26 22:24:59

Thomas Wynne: Wharfs, runways or water: which comes first as El Niño bears down?
This year we have talked a great deal about wharfs and runways. A new port for Tongareva was announced in Palau this month. Airstrips, shipping schedules, fuel lines. Clearly, these PA Enua islands need all three. Thomas Tarurongo Wynne writes. The post Thomas Wynne: Wharfs, runways or water: which comes first as El Niño bears down? appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-26 22:23:46

‘Survival is the name of my game’: Woods shares Cook Islands News resilience story
Cook Islands News publisher John Woods received a special honour at the PINA Summit in Fiji for his 55-year media career, reflecting on his outlet’s survival through pandemic challenges and digital shifts. The post ‘Survival is the name of my game’: Woods shares Cook Islands News resilience story appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-26 22:22:20

Bears and Eels set for epic 15s grand final showdown
The stage is set for an epic showdown as the Arorangi Bears and Avatiu Eels collide this Saturday in the Rarotonga Super Club 15s Premier Men’s grand finale. The post Bears and Eels set for epic 15s grand final showdown appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-25 20:13:57

Earth: A small planet with a great responsibility – faith, creation care
When we look at the night sky, especially here in the Cook Islands where we can see so many stars, we cannot help but wonder: How big is the universe? Are there other planets like Earth? Is there life somewhere else? writes Bishop Reynaldo Bunyi Getalado msp of the Catholic Church. The post Earth: A small planet with a great responsibility – faith, creation care appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-25 20:12:09

Letter: Different perspectives
Kia Orana James, Thank you for taking the time to respond to my opinion piece. Different perspectives are important, particularly on a project of this significance, and I respect your right to be sceptical about the motivations of the United States, New Zealand or indeed our own Government. The post Letter: Different perspectives appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-25 20:10:40

Letter: Market survey
Dear Editor, This survey is just nonsense. If you look at the clip advising the public about a survey. The post Letter: Market survey appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-25 20:09:02

Cook Islands hosts China’s special envoy
The Cook Islands High Commission in Fiji was pleased to host China's Special Envoy for BBNJ Secretariat Affairs, Yi Xianliang, and his delegation from Beijing during their visit to Suva this week. The post Cook Islands hosts China’s special envoy appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-25 20:08:04

LiDAR project new tool for Cook Islands planning
LiDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging, uses laser pulses from an aircraft to measure the shape and elevation of the Earth’s surface, including reefs and lagoons in some areas. The post LiDAR project new tool for Cook Islands planning appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-25 20:06:38

Court orders $500 fine for EBA charge
George Robert Angene appeared before the Justice of the Peace Ngatokorua Mataio on a careless driving and excess blood alcohol (EBA) charge following a serious accident. The post Court orders $500 fine for EBA charge appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-25 20:03:20

Cook Islands News editor Kumar launches South Pacific’s first independent fact-checking network
Cook Islands News editor Rashneel Kumar has launched the South Pacific’s first independent fact-checking network at the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu, Fiji. The post Cook Islands News editor Kumar launches South Pacific’s first independent fact-checking network appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-25 19:56:11

Cook Islands needs to close weather information gap
The Cook Islands needs to strengthen how weather and climate information is communicated to the public so people can understand warnings and make decisions before severe conditions arrive. The post Cook Islands needs to close weather information gap appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-25 19:54:50

Penrhyn welcomes port project, rejects military base rumours
'Speculations’ of a United States military base on Penrhyn (Tongareva) have been clarified, according to the island’s executive officer Puna Vano. The post Penrhyn welcomes port project, rejects military base rumours appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-25 19:48:48

Letter: Penrhyn Harbour
Dear Editor. Does William Numanga actually believe what he writes? The post Letter: Penrhyn Harbour appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-24 19:44:59

Halston completes prestigious sports management programme
Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) Secretary General Geoffrey Halston has completed the first in-person session of the Executive Masters in Sport Organisation Management (MEMOS) — a year-long, IOC-supported executive programme delivered through Olympic Solidarity and hosted by leading universities worldwide. The post Halston completes prestigious sports management programme appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-24 19:41:21

Cook Islands at inaugural Pacific Cup golf tournament
Cook Islands golf team is in Tahiti for the inaugural 2026 Pacific Cup that began yesterday. The post Cook Islands at inaugural Pacific Cup golf tournament appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-24 19:40:00

Scott re-elected president of Tourism Industry Council
The Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council (CITIC) has re-elected Liana Scott as President for the 2026/2027 term at its Annual General Meeting held at Crown Beach Resort Wednesday, September 16. The post Scott re-elected president of Tourism Industry Council appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-24 19:37:29

Itiki Rangers Program returns to protect our island paradise
The Itiki Rangers Program has returned more than three decades after it was first established in 1992, bringing the community together to tackle illegal dumping, plastic waste, littering and other forms of pollution while strengthening care for the island’s environment. The post Itiki Rangers Program returns to protect our island paradise appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-24 19:35:32

Police get tough on e-scooter offences
Cook Islands Police are stepping up enforcement of road safety requirements for e-scooter riders following a “grace period”. The post Police get tough on e-scooter offences appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-24 19:34:03

Cook Islands to face UN Review, Council highlights key challenges
Cook Islands National Council of Women will highlight the experiences of women from around the country when the Cook Islands appears before the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in October. The post Cook Islands to face UN Review, Council highlights key challenges appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-24 19:31:37

Cook Islands Māori cyber safety courses to launch in October
Two new online courses designed to help Cook Islanders stay safer in an increasingly digital world will be launched in October through the Paruru’anga Online – Cyber Safety Awareness and Education Programme. The post Cook Islands Māori cyber safety courses to launch in October appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-24 19:29:01

Browne invested as Makea Vakatini Ariki amid objections
The akamarokura’anga (investiture) ceremony to install Richard Browne as Makea Vakatini Ariki was held yesterday at the Tairi Tu Matangi marae, drawing opposition from members of the Ngati Makea Vakatini tribe. The post Browne invested as Makea Vakatini Ariki amid objections appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-24 19:27:16

Road Safety Council urges systemic change after teen drink-driving crash
Cook Islands Road Safety Council President Brent Fisher has called for urgent action on the widespread and easy availability of alcohol, warning that systemic issues are contributing to underage drinking and dangerous driving. The post Road Safety Council urges systemic change after teen drink-driving crash appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-24 19:13:35

Cook Islands men’s national team named for historic Tahiti friendlies
The Cook Islands men’s national football team has officially been named for the upcoming international friendly matches against Tahiti, with a 21-player squad selected to represent the nation in what promises to be a landmark occasion for local football. The post Cook Islands men’s national team named for historic Tahiti friendlies appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-23 20:41:44

NES leaders graduate with Masters in Environmental Management
The National Environment Service (NES) has celebrated the academic achievements of Director Halatoa Fua, Benjamin Maxwell and Tekura Moeka’a, who have successfully completed the Master of Environmental Management and Sustainability at the University of Newcastle, Australia. The post NES leaders graduate with Masters in Environmental Management appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-23 20:35:49

Jackey Tanga is 2026 Vaine Manava Tūroto o te Marama – Tourism Woman of the Month
Te Mato Manava Tūroto – Cook Islands Tourism Corporation has announced Jackey Tanga, General Manager of Atiu Villas, as the 2026 Vaine Manava Tūroto o te Marama – Tourism Woman of the Month, as part of Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto – Tourism Month. The post Jackey Tanga is 2026 Vaine Manava Tūroto o te Marama – Tourism Woman of the Month appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-23 20:09:25

Public consultation underway for future of Punanga Nui Market
A public consultation is underway to help determine the future direction of the iconic Punanga Nui Market, with three new surveys launched by Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) to gather feedback from the community, vendors, and visitors. The post Public consultation underway for future of Punanga Nui Market appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-23 20:06:13

Letter: United should think carefully before welcoming Maggie
Dear Editor, I read with interest that George “Maggie” Angene is apparently ready to bury the hatchet with Cook Islands United leader Teariki Heather and work with United in Opposition. The post Letter: United should think carefully before welcoming Maggie appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-23 20:02:43

Cook Islands science expo inspires next generation
The 2026 Climate Change Cook Islands (CCCI) Science Expo opened yesterday under the theme Te Moana Ripiri Ia Tatou – The Ocean That Connects Us, bringing together students, teachers, scientists and exhibitors to explore science, traditional knowledge and the importance of the ocean. The post Cook Islands science expo inspires next generation appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-23 20:01:44

Education ministry monitors school attendance amid influenza cases
The Ministry of Education is closely monitoring attendance across the public school system in response to influenza cases reported in the Cook Islands. The post Education ministry monitors school attendance amid influenza cases appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-23 19:56:44

Bears stun Panthers in last-minute upset, set to meet Eels in 15s final
Arorangi Bears have stormed their way to the Rarotonga Rugby 15s premier men’s final after upsetting the 2025 reigning champions, the Tupapa Panthers. The post Bears stun Panthers in last-minute upset, set to meet Eels in 15s final appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-22 19:29:33

School spirit shines at 2026 Rising Stars Rippa Rugby Competition
The 2026 Rising Stars Rugby Championships wrapped up their fourth and final week with a vibrant celebration of youth rugby at Raemaru Park, Arorangi last Friday. The post School spirit shines at 2026 Rising Stars Rippa Rugby Competition appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-22 19:27:54

Opinion: Tongareva infrastructure can serve more than one purpose
The proposed redevelopment of Tongareva’s harbour has understandably generated discussion about whether the port, and potentially the airport, could be used for military purposes, political analyst, William Numanga writes. The post Opinion: Tongareva infrastructure can serve more than one purpose appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-22 19:25:46

Apii Avarua takes top honours in 2026 Tangi Kaara Primary Schools competition
Apii Avarua has continued its strong run in primary school drumming, securing first place overall at the 2026 CITC Pump the Beats Emo’anga Tangi Kaara Primary Schools competition. The post Apii Avarua takes top honours in 2026 Tangi Kaara Primary Schools competition appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-22 19:24:16

Mammogram programme identifies women needing specialist follow-up
The recent Te Marae Ora (TMO), health ministry mammogram screening programme in partnership with the Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation and the New South Wales BreastScreen Australia team has identified a number of women who required further investigation and specialist follow-up. The post Mammogram programme identifies women needing specialist follow-up appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-22 19:22:04

Police launch e-scooter checks
Cook Islands Police have begun enforcement action against non-compliant e-scooters and their riders. The post Police launch e-scooter checks appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-22 19:20:30

Angene accepts ministerial removal, vows to keep serving
Newly elected Manihiki MP George “Maggie” Angene says he is happy to have received a letter from Prime Minister Mark Brown confirming the removal of his ministerial responsibilities, adding he had kept his word not to resign. The post Angene accepts ministerial removal, vows to keep serving appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-22 19:16:11

Cook Islands, US, NZ Officials begin feasibility work on Omoka Wharf
United States Ambassador to the Cook Islands Jared Novelly will join Prime Minister Mark Brown and New Zealand’s High Commissioner on a visit to Tongareva (Penrhyn) today, launching the feasibility and planning phase of the NZ$101.5 million Omoka Wharf project. The post Cook Islands, US, NZ Officials begin feasibility work on Omoka Wharf appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-22 19:08:57

Opinion editorial: A lifeline for Tongareva, and a promise to our Pa Enua
The Cook Islands is a large ocean state. Our fifteen islands are scattered across almost two million square kilometres of ocean, and for the families of our Pa Enua, our outer islands, that ocean is both our greatest inheritance and our hardest daily reality. The post Opinion editorial: A lifeline for Tongareva, and a promise to our Pa Enua appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-21 19:33:32

Cook Islands begins new era with long-awaited homecoming
After 28 years travelling the Pacific, the Cook Islands senior men’s national team will return home to Rarotonga for the first time since 1998 when they host Tahiti in the first of two international matches this weekend. The post Cook Islands begins new era with long-awaited homecoming appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-21 19:27:14

MV Tuitui Moana’s maiden voyage pushed to November
Cook Islands Government’s new cargo-passenger vessel, MV Tuitui Moana, will remain at Avatiu Port for at least two more months before making its first Pa Enua voyage, its operators have confirmed. The post MV Tuitui Moana’s maiden voyage pushed to November appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-19 20:19:18

Police undergo officer safety training refresh
Cook Islands Police have undergone a refresher training under the Officer Safety Pacific (OSP) programme. The post Police undergo officer safety training refresh appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-19 20:15:42

Angene ready to join Opposition, Heather wants personal apology
Independent MP George “Maggie” Angene is ready to bury the hatchet and work with Cook Islands United Party leader Teariki Heather in Opposition following a decade-long public feud. The post Angene ready to join Opposition, Heather wants personal apology appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-19 20:13:04

United seeks Opposition Office makeover, CIIC freezes decision
Cook Islands United Party is requesting government support to renovate the Opposition Leader’s office before moving in, but the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) has put all works on hold pending a broader review. The post United seeks Opposition Office makeover, CIIC freezes decision appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-19 20:03:17

Thomas Wynne: Playing against the team
Can you run against the team, in the opposition, and still turn up to the winning team’s prizegiving? Thomas Tarurongo Wynne writes. The post Thomas Wynne: Playing against the team appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-19 20:01:19

Te Ipukarea Society: What can we learn from seabird conservation around the Pacific?
Representatives from our local Cook Islands seabird monitoring team, including representatives from Te Ipukarea Society (Alanna Smith and Brennan Panzarella), National Environment Service (Kas Silk) and New Zealand Volunteer Service Abroad (Gemma Langley), recently had the opportunity to attend the 4th World Seabird Conference. The post Te Ipukarea Society: What can we learn from seabird conservation around the Pacific? appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-19 20:00:04

Cook Islands Boys’ Brigade honours NZ mentor after 50 years of service
A New Zealander has retired after 50 years of voluntary leadership with the Cook Islands Boys’ Brigade, leaving a lasting legacy through youth mentorship, tourism promotion and donations of brass band instruments. The post Cook Islands Boys’ Brigade honours NZ mentor after 50 years of service appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-19 19:57:07

Brewing success and packing punches: Cook Islander carving out dual legacy
For Cook Islander Elisha John Sema Robati, the journey into business has been about much more than owning a café. It has been a ride influenced by family and faith – and by the courage to embrace an opportunity and make it his own. The post Brewing success and packing punches: Cook Islander carving out dual legacy appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-19 19:55:16

Mangaia’s flying fox dilemmahanging in the balance
A brief reopening of the island’s rā‘ui on flying foxes (bats) has renewed an old question: how can Mangaia protect the moā kirikiri while sustaining it as a valued food source? Rod Dixon writes. The post Mangaia’s flying fox dilemmahanging in the balance appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-19 19:49:30

Nikao-Sokattak to host Avatiu in premier men’s showdown
The spotlight falls firmly on Nikao Field today as league leaders Nikao-Sokattak FC prepare to host third-placed Avatiu FC in a Premier Men's clash that could have major implications for the championship race. The post Nikao-Sokattak to host Avatiu in premier men’s showdown appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-19 19:44:07

Netball World Cup dream ends
Cook Islands went down 50–72 to Samoa in their final Netball World Cup Oceania Qualifier match, missing out on qualification for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney, Australia. The post Netball World Cup dream ends appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-18 19:15:55

Athletics CI welcomes strong turnout for Round Raro Race
Athletics Cook Islands is pleased with the turnout at the 49th Round Rarotonga Road Race which will be held tomorrow morning. The post Athletics CI welcomes strong turnout for Round Raro Race appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-18 19:14:18

Rarotonga hosts Auckland Darts
About 56 members of the Auckland Cook Islands Darts Association (ACIDA) have arrived to Rarotonga for a nine-day darts tournament against the Darts Cook Islands Association (DCIA). The post Rarotonga hosts Auckland Darts appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-18 19:12:31

Penrhyn port deal puts focus on military use of infrastructure in the Pacific – law expert
The planned upgrade of Penrhyn’s port in the northern Cook Islands is putting a new focus on what happens when Pacific infrastructure serves both civilian and military interests. The post Penrhyn port deal puts focus on military use of infrastructure in the Pacific – law expert appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-18 19:12:27

Documentary celebrates Aitutaki’s digital denture programme
New Zealand filmmaker Lola Sheenagh has celebrated the official launch of her first feature-length documentary, “Akaieie Te Mata Katakata, Beautiful Smiling Faces”, in Aitutaki. The post Documentary celebrates Aitutaki’s digital denture programme appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-18 19:06:42

Letter: Wider political context of PM’s ultimatum
Dear Editor, The Prime Minister’s ultimatum to George “Maggie” Angene to resign his ministerial role by the end of the week may appear dramatic when viewed in isolation. But this situation did not suddenly emerge this week. The post Letter: Wider political context of PM’s ultimatum appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-18 19:03:05

Church Talk: Seeing clearly through Christ
This week, I came across a picture of a cheetah, and at first, I honestly couldn’t see it. I thought, where is this cheetah everyone is talking about? Kayla Kaimarama-Willie of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints writes. The post Church Talk: Seeing clearly through Christ appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-18 19:00:15

Fire brigade chief urges community to take care with burning
Two bush fires this week have prompted Teimurimotia Volunteer Fire Brigade chief Alistair Macquarie to again urge residents to take care when lighting fires, particularly as dry conditions continue, despite the much-needed rain on Wednesday. The post Fire brigade chief urges community to take care with burning appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-18 18:57:16

PM Brown assures government operations unaffected by petitions
Prime Minister Mark Brown has assured that government operations remain uninterrupted following the recent general election and petitions, emphasising that the country’s constitutional processes continue to be observed. The post PM Brown assures government operations unaffected by petitions appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-18 18:50:23

PM’s ultimatum to Angene: ‘Resign by end of the week’
Prime Minister Mark Brown has given Minister George “Maggie” Angene an ultimatum to resign from his ministerial role by the end of the week. The post PM’s ultimatum to Angene: ‘Resign by end of the week’ appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-17 19:12:51

Rarotonga’s barefoot veteran still pacing the next generation
The annual Round Rarotonga Road Race returns this weekend for its 49th edition, and among the 306 participants will be a familiar figure taking part in his 35th race. The post Rarotonga’s barefoot veteran still pacing the next generation appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-17 19:10:11

Cook Islands notch first victory in Oceania Netball Qualifier
Cook Islands got their first win in the Netball World Cup Oceania Qualifier on Tuesday night, beating Papua New Guinea (PNG) 64–54 in a close match in Nuku’alofa, Tonga. The post Cook Islands notch first victory in Oceania Netball Qualifier appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-17 19:07:58

Panthers finish on top, semi-finals set
Defending champions Tupapa Panthers finished at the top of the Rarotonga Club Super 15s premier men’s points table following the conclusion of the preliminary competition last Saturday. The post Panthers finish on top, semi-finals set appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-17 19:05:35

Cook Islands joins regional Chemical Weapons Convention Meeting
Cook Islands has joined States Parties from across Asia to strengthen regional cooperation in support of the Chemical Weapons Convention. The post Cook Islands joins regional Chemical Weapons Convention Meeting appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-17 19:03:05

Mama’s Reef fishing competition attracts 32 participants
The popular annual Cook Islands Game Fishing Club Mama’s Reef Fishing Competition attracted 32 participants on Saturday, with competitors catching 233 fish weighing a combined 25.87 kilograms using bamboo rods. The post Mama’s Reef fishing competition attracts 32 participants appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-17 19:01:16

Letter: Matapo’s big political move
Dear Editor, Hon. Stephen Matapo’s formal decision to join the Cook Islands Party is good news, and I fully support it. The post Letter: Matapo’s big political move appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-17 18:58:29

Over 12,000 votes cast in first 24 hours for tourism champions
Te Mato Manava Tūroto (Cook Islands Tourism Corporation) has announced the 25 finalists for the 2026 Te Iki'anga a te Iti Tangata – People’s Choice Awards, held as part of Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto – Tourism Month. The post Over 12,000 votes cast in first 24 hours for tourism champions appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-17 18:55:51

Consumers to ‘bear the cost’ as Cook Islands Ports Authority raises tariffs by 2 per cent
Cook Islands Ports Authority implemented an annual two per cent tariff increase on July 1, 2026, to match rising prices, acknowledging costs will ultimately fall on consumers. The post Consumers to ‘bear the cost’ as Cook Islands Ports Authority raises tariffs by 2 per cent appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-17 18:52:31

US military presence at Penrhyn port ‘being negotiated’, says ambassador
The United States says a military presence at a planned port upgrade in the northern Cook Islands, located near a former US World War II airfield, is “all being negotiated”. Tiana Haxton of RNZ Pacific reports. The post US military presence at Penrhyn port ‘being negotiated’, says ambassador appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-17 18:28:58

Team Cook Islands named for Dakar Youth Olympic Games
Team Cook Islands has announced a 13-athlete delegation set to compete at the 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal, from October 31 to November 13. The post Team Cook Islands named for Dakar Youth Olympic Games appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-16 18:51:31

Cook Islands face tough battle to keep 2027 World Cup hopes alive
Cook Islands needs to win their remaining two matches in the Netball World Cup Oceania Qualifier to remain in contention for a spot at the World Cup. The post Cook Islands face tough battle to keep 2027 World Cup hopes alive appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-16 18:49:46

Letter: Health leadership starts at home
Dear Editor, I read with interest your report on Health Secretary Bob Williams’ call for strong Pacific leadership at the second Pacific Conference on Health and Climate Change in Fiji. The launch of the Pacific Network for Health and Climate Change Action Plan 2026–2028 is welcome. But it is difficult to reconcile that regional call to action with the health crisis in our own backyard. The post Letter: Health leadership starts at home appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-16 18:48:21

Nikao Cemetery vandalism sparks outpouring of community support
Community volunteers have rallied to repair graves at Nikao Cemetery after headstones were vandalised and removed from their graves over a week ago, an incident that shocked the community. The post Nikao Cemetery vandalism sparks outpouring of community support appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-16 18:48:06

NES partners with Pa Enua schools to strengthen environmental education
The National Environment Service (NES), through the Pacific Ocean Litter Project (POLP), has partnered with Enuamanu School in Atiu, Mangaia School, Mitiaro School and Mauke School through the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to strengthen environmental education, recycling awareness and waste management in the Pa Enua. The post NES partners with Pa Enua schools to strengthen environmental education appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-16 18:40:06

Cook Islands Party expands to 14 seats as Mauke MP Matapo joins
Cook Islands Party (CIP) has increased its majority to 14 seats after Mauke Member of Parliament (MP) Stephen Matapo joined as a member, CIP confirmed in a statement yesterday. The post Cook Islands Party expands to 14 seats as Mauke MP Matapo joins appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-16 18:37:21

Cardiovascular cases spike as overall new NCDs slow across Cook Islands
Despite new non-communicable disease cases slowing overall, cardiovascular cases rose by six in the second quarter as health authorities roll out their 2026–2030 NCD Action Plan. The post Cardiovascular cases spike as overall new NCDs slow across Cook Islands appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-16 18:34:06

CISNOC officer attends global digital seminar in Italy ahead of Dakar 2026
Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) media and communications officer Christopher L.K. Browne has returned from the Association of National Olympic Committees’ (ANOC) second Digital Communications Seminar, held in Varese, Italy, from September 8 to 10, 2026. The post CISNOC officer attends global digital seminar in Italy ahead of Dakar 2026 appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-15 20:00:13

Eels unleash lethal attack as Panthers survive Bears scare
Avatiu Eels and defending champions Tupapa Panthers made strong finishes in the Rarotonga Club 15s preliminary rounds with crucial wins ahead of the semi-finals this weekend. The post Eels unleash lethal attack as Panthers survive Bears scare appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-15 19:57:11

Cook Islands fall to Tonga Tala in Netball World Cup Qualifiers opener
Cook Islands made a losing start to their Netball World Cup Qualifiers campaign against hosts Tonga on Sunday night, going down 55–81 in Nuku’alofa. The post Cook Islands fall to Tonga Tala in Netball World Cup Qualifiers opener appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-15 19:53:37

Digital dentistry pilot transforms smiles in Aitutaki
Dr Kirianu “Dash” Nio is celebrating the successful completion of a pilot digital dentistry project and documentary highlighting its impact on the people of Aitutaki. The post Digital dentistry pilot transforms smiles in Aitutaki appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-15 19:50:32

China hosts 23 Cook Islanders for deep-sea resource training
Twenty-three Cook Islanders have returned from China with new knowledge and perspectives on deep-sea resource management following a 10-day training programme designed to strengthen local knowledge and capacity in this area. The post China hosts 23 Cook Islanders for deep-sea resource training appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-15 19:48:16

Tongareva youth delegation heads to Aotearoa for CICC convention
A group of youth from Tongareva (Penrhyn) is preparing to represent the northern island at the 2026 CICC Youth Conference in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa New Zealand, from September 26 to October 5. The post Tongareva youth delegation heads to Aotearoa for CICC convention appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-15 19:44:36

Careless driving and speeding drive up crash numbers
Motor vehicle crashes this month have been steady, the Cook Islands Police report, with minor incidents reported over the weekend. The post Careless driving and speeding drive up crash numbers appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-15 19:41:01

Five-star luxury vessel Le Jacques Cartier brings 126 passengers to Rarotonga
Cruise ship Le Jacques-Cartier arrived in Rarotonga on Sunday with 126 passengers, who disembarked to enjoy the island’s scenery. The post Five-star luxury vessel Le Jacques Cartier brings 126 passengers to Rarotonga appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-15 19:39:53

Petrol station targeted in early morning burglary, cash and tobacco stolen
Cook Islands Police are investigating a burglary at Avatiu’s Pandanus Petrol, where a thief fled with a $500 cash float and dozens of rolling tobacco packets early Sunday morning. The post Petrol station targeted in early morning burglary, cash and tobacco stolen appeared first on Cook Islands News .
2026-09-15 19:37:28