Cook Islands News

Dear Editor, Having recently been indisposed to respond to William Numanga, I take that opportunity now. The concern -- as William agrees -- is our sovereignty. Perhaps, for William, more of a concern than he dares say.
The very exemplar of rapidly eroding sovereignty is the Cook Islands. Sugar-coating the Penrhyn project as a "life line" for the Pa Tokerau and ignoring who the real relationship partner is, their trade negotiation record, and why they are here at all is wilful and dangerous ignorance.

Letter: The cost of US partnership - Cook Islands News Dear Editor, Having recently been indisposed to respond to William Numanga, I take that opportunity now. The concern -- as William agrees -- is our sovereignty. Perhaps, for William, more of a concern than he dares say.

Newly elected Manihiki Member of Parliament George “Maggie” Angene has confirmed he will not join the Cook Islands United Party (CIUP), clarifying that his recent meeting with party leader Teariki Heather was only to resolve differences, not to discuss party membership.
In the meantime, he is in the process of formalising his home base.
“Manihiki will be my home base, and I should be moving all my machinery and equipment in the coming weeks to the island, where I can best serve the people. I am waiting on the departure dates of the new ship,” Angene said

Angene remains independent, confirms Manihiki home base - Cook Islands News Newly elected Manihiki Member of Parliament George “Maggie” Angene has confirmed he will not join the Cook Islands United Party (CIUP), clarifying that his recent meeting with party leader Teariki Heather was only to resolve differences, not to discuss party membership.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is marking 80 years since its first branch was organised in the Cook Islands today.
The milestone marks eight decades since the first branch was established in Muri, Rarotonga, on October 6, 1946.
Members gathered on Sunday to commemorate the anniversary with a special cake and to reflect on the generations who have contributed to the Church’s history in the Cook Islands.

Eight decades of faith: LDS Church marks 80th anniversary - Cook Islands News The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is marking 80 years since its first branch was organised in the Cook Islands today.

Cook Islands rock musician Taupukea “Boogie” Pita, a familiar and much-loved figure on Rarotonga’s entertainment scene, has been remembered as a talented musician, entertainer, sportsman, father and friend who brought laughter and music to generations of people.

The rock icon who brought music, laughter and life to Rarotonga - Cook Islands News Cook Islands rock musician Taupukea “Boogie” Pita, a familiar and much-loved figure on Rarotonga’s entertainment scene, has been remembered as a talented musician, entertainer, sportsman, father and friend who brought laughter and music to generations of people.

Commercial deep-sea mining (DSM) in the Cook Islands and other pro-mining Pacific countries could begin as early as 2027, an Australian-based think tank predicts. However, the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) maintains that exploration will continue until 2032.

SBMA maintains exploration of deep-sea minerals continues - Cook Islands News Commercial deep-sea mining (DSM) in the Cook Islands and other pro-mining Pacific countries could begin as early as 2027, an Australian-based think tank predicts. However, the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) maintains that exploration will continue until 2032.

The Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) will run safeguarding training in Rarotonga this month, giving sporting organisations and community groups the tools to protect athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers.
Anyone interested in taking part, or wanting more information, can contact CISNOC directly or reach out via phone: 24095.

Safeguarding training comes to the Cook Islands - Cook Islands News The Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) will run safeguarding training in Rarotonga this month, giving sporting organisations and community groups the tools to protect athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers.

Former New Zealand foreign minister Murray McCully praised the Cook Islands’ Sovereign Wealth Fund Act, which aims to manage ocean resource revenues for long-term national and intergenerational benefit.
McCully, speaking at the Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce luncheon at The Islander Hotel on Wednesday, said the passing of the Sovereign Wealth Fund Act was a step in the right direction as the race for critical seabed minerals heats up in the Pacific.

McCully praises Cook Islands sovereign wealth fund initiative - Cook Islands News Former New Zealand foreign minister Murray McCully praised the Cook Islands’ Sovereign Wealth Fund Act, which aims to manage ocean resource revenues for long-term national and intergenerational benefit.

Cook Islander Kaiyah Atai, who plays for the Warriors in the NRL Women’s Premiership, was named the club’s Player of the Year, reflecting her rapid rise from playing league for fun to excelling on the professional stage.
Atai became the second Cook Islander to be named NZ Warriors 2026 Harvey Norman NRLW Player of the Year, following fellow player and captain Apii Nicholls, who received the award last year.
For the 24-year-old, the award comes after a rapid rise in rugby league that began with her playing the sport for fun with friends before representing the Cook Islands through Vaine Moana and eventually earning an NRLW contract with the Warriors.

Atai claims top NRLW honour with Warriors - Cook Islands News Cook Islander Kaiyah Atai, who plays for the Warriors in the NRL Women’s Premiership, was named the club’s Player of the Year, reflecting her rapid rise from playing league for fun to excelling on the professional stage.

Concerns about Rarotonga’s dog population have been ongoing for several years, with Police now preparing to begin an island-wide campaign to improve compliance with dog registration and animal-control requirements.
The first phase of the campaign will begin on Monday, with police officers visiting households around Rarotonga to raise awareness and prepare dog owners for compliance checks.
Police said their initial focus would be on dog registration and the number of dogs permitted per household.

Police launch island-wide dog registration campaign - Cook Islands News Concerns about Rarotonga’s dog population have been ongoing for several years, with Police now preparing to begin an island-wide campaign to improve compliance with dog registration and animal-control requirements.

George “Maggie” Angene remains an interim Cabinet Minister on full pay as Parliament has yet to receive official revocation paperwork from the King’s Representative, two weeks after his sacking by the Prime Minister.
Cook Islands Parliament has yet to receive an official instrument from King’s Representative Sir Tom Marsters revoking Manihiki MP George “Maggie” Angene’s appointment as Cabinet Minister.
Clerk of Parliament Tangata Vainerere told the Cook Islands News that, as far as the required due process was concerned, a warrant has to be issued by the King’s Representative on the advice of the Prime Minister.

‘Sacked’ Minister keeps pay - Cook Islands News George “Maggie” Angene remains an interim Cabinet Minister on full pay as Parliament has yet to receive official revocation paperwork from the King’s Representative, two weeks after his sacking by the Prime Minister.