Top Headlines
Major infrastructure, health and survey upgrades progressing in Penrhyn
New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel have been making good progress in their construction, maintenance, health and hydrographic survey tasks on the island of Penrhyn in the northern Cook Islands.
November set aside for electoral petition hearings
The three electoral petitions filed with the Cook Islands High Court will be heard in November; however, no specific dates have been set yet.
Public urged to verify bank-related requests
Cook Islands residents are being targeted by a wave of scam calls, with fraudsters impersonating Bank of South Pacific (BSP) representatives to seek sensitive banking information. In some cases, the scammers appear to know the recipient’s first and last name.
Cook Islands Police seek legal advice on cocaine disposal options
Cook Islands Police are still determining how to dispose of the 26.49 kilograms of cocaine that washed ashore on the reef in Mitiaro in July this year.
Bank reassures customers on system security amid impersonation scams
More Cook Islanders are reporting suspicious phone calls from scammers posing as Bank of South Pacific (BSP) representatives, prompting renewed warnings for customers to protect their banking and personal information.
National
‘Gross breach of trust’: Former Manihiki bank teller jailed for stealing $89,000
McCully calls on private sector to counter bureaucracy and drive growth
Apii Avarua brings 110th anniversary festivities into the streets with town parade
Weather intelligence part of aviation and maritime decisions: Hosking
Cocobots unveil custom robot ahead of FIRST Global Challenge in South Korea
Watching a locally built robot collect balls, shoot them to a set height and then balance itself along a raised pole gives a glimpse of the months of fascinating work behind the Cook Islands Robotics Club’s Cocobots team.
Creative Centre celebrates Australian support for health, wellbeing programme
The national anthem, led by Tuakana Puna and joined by the Creative Centre’s clients, provided a heartwarming start to a special morning at the headquarters yesterday.
Sports
Gold Coast outpaces Residents in Mantis-Hoff Shield opener
Gold Coast Kuki Airani opened the Mantis-Hoff Shield series with a 34-4 win over the Cook Islands Residents yesterday, using a fast-paced attack to put the home side under pressure at Nukupure Park in Ngatangiia.
Cook Islands men’s golf team shines with silver at inaugural Pacific Cup
Cook Islands National Men's Golf Team is celebrating a significant achievement after claiming the Silver in the inaugural Pacific Cup, held at Atimanoa Golf de Tahiti.
Cook Islands Residents to face Gold Coast Kukis
The Cook Islands Residents rugby league team will face the Gold Coast Kukis in an exhibition match tomorrow, Wednesday 30, as the Mantis-Hoff Series comes home to Rarotonga, giving local players the chance to test themselves against a strong Australian-based side.
Cook Islands women ready to write their next chapter at the FIBA Women’s Polynesian Cup
Cook Islands women’s national team heads to Tahiti with a renewed sense of purpose as they prepare for the FIBA Women’s Polynesian Cup 2026 to be held later this month.
Limitless Academy’s five-island run sets sights on mental health support
Limitless Sports and Wellbeing Academy has announced an historic event called Limitless Run the 5 Islands with Us, which will see participants conquer a collective distance of 122 kilometres spanned across five different islands within the Cook Islands.
Apii Arorangi Netball under 11 Rising Stars
Apii Arorangi acknowledged the Rising Stars organisers after winning second place in the U11 netball competition.
Opinion
Ruta Mave: Harvest Moon - Gratitude, balance and reflection
The Harvest Moon was on Saturday, it is the first full moon closest to the autumn equinox - in the northern hemisphere, down south it is the spring equinox; summer is coming. Ruta Mave writes.
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.
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.
Letter: Market survey
Dear Editor, This survey is just nonsense. If you look at the clip advising the public about a survey.
Letter: Take the next step on cremation
Kia Orana Editor, In an earlier letter, a question was raised whether the Cook Islands should establish its own cremation service. I believe it is time to move that conversation forward.
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.
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.
Features
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.
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.
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.
A Day at Muri Beach Club – No Check-In Required
You don’t have to be staying at Muri Beach Club Hotel to enjoy a little taste of the resort life. Muri Beach Club Hotel’s Day Pass gives outside guests the opportunity to spend the day enjoying the hotel’s beachfront facilities, swimming pool and relaxed adults-only environment – whether you are visiting Rarotonga, staying elsewhere on the island, or simply a local looking for somewhere different to unwind.
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.
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.
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.
Pacific
Pacific nations call for stronger international support at Fisheries Summit
Representatives of Pacific Island countries and territories shared practical solutions and called for stronger international support for the people and communities who depend on the ocean. Representatives from the Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Palau, New Zealand and Australia, supported by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and […]
New Cook Islands High Commissioner to Fiji to focus on trade and business growth
Cook Islands’ newly appointed High Commissioner to Fiji, Michael “Mike” Henry, sees the role as “both a challenge and a very interesting opportunity”.
Minister Elikana calls for Pacific-led solutions to economic and security risks
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration Tingika Elikana joined Pacific counterparts on the Dialogue’s “Leaders on Economic Security” panel arguing that economic resilience for small island states cannot be separated from institutional architecture.
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.
Fiji Consul urges expatriates to get medical insurance
The Honorary Consul (HC) of Fiji to the Cook Islands, Wayne Insimo, is calling on Fijian nationals to take proactive steps, such as securing medical insurance, to protect themselves and their families when working or travelling abroad.
PM Brown wants action, not strategy, at 55th PIF Leaders’ Meeting
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown is pushing for concrete decisions on regional architecture and partnership frameworks rather than further strategy discussions at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Koror, Palau this week.
More Top Stories
Cook Islands, US, NZ officials begin feasibility work on Omoka Wharf
22 September 2026
Penrhyn welcomes port project, rejects military base rumours
25 September 2026
PM Brown sacks Angene despite Manihiki petition
21 September 2026
Angene accepts ministerial removal, vows to keep serving
22 September 2026
CIIC partners with US firm for deep-sea minerals exploration
22 August 2026
2026 Cook Islands General Election Preliminary Results
13 August 2026
Cook Islands Party set for historic fifth term in government
13 August 2026
Kata: 2026 elections
26 June 2026
Cook Islands General Election set for August 12
25 June 2026
Mason begins role as Solicitor General
4 July 2026
Government prioritises fuel supply stability
7 April 2026
