Blue Day drives donations for Autism Cook Islands programmes

Metua Douglas Foster and his parents, Teina Foster (Mother) and Steve Redick (father), running the fundraising Schools, businesses and government agencies showed their support for the autism community by wearing blue and making donations at the...

Cook Islands passport 'off the table at the moment' – report

The Cook Islands has put a controversial proposal to create its own passport on the "back burner", Prime Minister Mark Brown has told local media. It comes after a standoff with New Zealand amid fears the plans would fracture the relationship...

Canada warns travelers of rising dengue cases in Philippines

October 30, 2025 | 11:47am MANILA, Philippines — The Government of Canada has advised its citizens traveling to the Philippines to exercise a “high degree of caution” following rising cases of dengue fever. In a health notice issued on October 27,...

Building momentum for sustainable catchment and lagoon health

The University of Newcastle (UoN), Australia during their water catchment assessments in Rarotonga earlier this month. NES /25071605. As part of the ongoing GEF7-funded Project ENUA (Enhancing Nature’s Unique Areas), the University of Newcastle...

Cook Islands PM Brown offered state visit to China later this month

By Rashneel Kumar, Cook Islands News Prime Minister Mark Brown Photo: RNZ Pacific / Lydia Lewis Prime Minister Mark Brown will be accorded a state visit to China this month, highlighting growing cooperation between the two countries. The state...

Cook Islands PM to China on state visit

Prime Minister Mark Brown is set to become the first Cook Islands leader to be accorded a state visit to China, highlighting growing cooperation between the two countries. The state visit was initially announced in December 2024, during a visit by...

Kiwi travellers urged to prioritise health insurance as dengue outbreaks surge across the Pacific

Travellers from New Zealand planning a getaway to tropical destinations are being urged to grab comprehensive travel insurance, as dengue fever cases continue to climb in certain Pacific countries. Fiji has been particularly hit hard, reporting...

Cook Islanders share stories of friendship with Australia

Prime Minister Mark Brown and Pa Puia Rangatira - Rota Williams, both celebrated Australia Day at the Australian High Commission ‘Stories of Friendship’ exhibition on Wednesday last week. MELINA ETCHES/25012904 The strong and growing relationship...

Cook Islands committed to global efforts to end plastic pollution

The Cook Islands was represented by a delegation of 10 from the Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Infrastructure Cook Islands, National Environment Service, University of Melbourne and the Secretariat of the Pacific...

Ruta Mave: ‘Fit, healthy, active, proud nation’ 60 years ago

Ruta Tangiiau Mave. Photo: CI NEWS There is a lot of talk about the New Zealand China thing right now but what no one is talking about is the elephant in the room, writes Ruta Mave. Us, our people, we are the elephant in the room, and not one lone...

Cook Islands Tourism celebrates local changemakers

Cook Islands Tourism has awarded funds to three non-government organisations and a community member, all of whom exemplify enhancement to the well-being of Aitutaki’s people, environment and tourism landscape. Photography: Te'Aumata Rairi/25012321...

Health system gaps highlighted in five-year National Strategic Plan

Health secretary Bob Williams. at the launch of the Cook Islands National Health Strategic Plan (Ara-Tango Anga’anga) 2023-2027 in 2023 LOSIRENE LACANIVALU / 23110442 Cook Islands’ healthcare system faces significant challenges in strategic...

Health ministry reviews nursing guideline and Act

Nurses at Rarotonga Hospital celebrated International Nurse’s Week on Monday. TMO / 25051218 Te Marae Ora (TMO), Ministry of Health is expected to review and update the nursing care guidelines and Nurse Act ensuring an effective health system for...

The migratory mysteries of Cook Islands’ Green turtles

Green turtles are listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List as “threatened” due to a global population decline. The Nature Conservancy/25032822 Turtle tourism has become a popular year-round activity in...

Sugary drinks, alcohol taxes eyed to boost health funding

A draft gazette listing categories of unhealthy products and drinks in the Cook Islands that will face increased taxation has been finalised, according to Bob Williams, Secretary for Te Marae Ora (TMO) Ministry of Health. 25070801 The proposal to...

Cummins learns about Cook Islands

Elaine Jericho A World Day of Prayer service was hosted at the Cummins Lutheran Church on Friday, March 7. Elaine Jericho welcomed 35 women and men to what is a worldwide movement of Christians of all denominations, and led everyone in a time of...

Carrigan to lock for Kangaroos, JT returns for Tonga

The Kangaroos have taken the first Test from England and only need to win one of the remaining two to retain the Ashes. This week they travel to Liverpool to play at Everton's home ground, Hill Dickinson Stadium. A change of referee to Australia's...

New Zealand’s record of colonial oppression of the Cook Islands

Last month, New Zealand’s political and media establishment erupted in outrage over the decision by the Cook Islands government to sign a wide-ranging strategic partnership agreement with China without consulting Wellington. Map of the south-west...

Audiologist helps Cook Islanders to hear again

A Cromwell audiologist has returned to work after a busy week volunteering in the Cook Islands. This was the first time Melanie Mackenzie took part in the volunteer programme run by the New Zealand Hearing Group, a group of 13 independent hearing...

Five Cook Islanders awarded counselling scholarships to boost community support

David Pori, Selane Tairea, and police constable Vaai Basinet are three of the five Punanga Turuturu Itivaine’s USP Diploma of Counselling recipients. MELINA ETCHES/25031004 Five individuals from Rarotonga and Atiu received scholarships from...