Cook Islands News

Cultural arts have received a major boost through funding support aimed at preserving and celebrating Cook Islands heritage for future generations. Nine recipients who will receive a share of $82,000 through the Te Rito O Taku Peu Tupuna Charitable Trust were hosted at a signing ceremony last week. The trust was established in 2020 by the founders of CIC Ocean Research, one of the three deep-sea mineral exploration companies operating in the Cook Islands, to support cultural and community initiatives.

Seabed mining company-backed trust funds cultural and educational projects - Cook Islands News Cultural arts have received a major boost through funding support aimed at preserving and celebrating Cook Islands heritage for future generations.

The Mateariki siblings Ambushia and Tamaivaariki once again proved why they are among the Cook Islands’ premier dancers, as they reclaimed the Te Mire Ura International Dancer of the Year titles at the National Auditorium on Friday night.

Mateariki siblings reclaim Te Mire Ura crowns in emotional farewell performance - Cook Islands News The Mateariki siblings Ambushia and Tamaivaariki once again proved why they are among the Cook Islands’ premier dancers, as they reclaimed the Te Mire Ura International Dancer of the Year titles at the National Auditorium on Friday night.

Cook Islands Opposition supports the National Energy Response Framework, emphasising that early and calm preparation is preferable to leaving families, businesses, and the Pa Enua uncertain. However, opposition leader Tina Browne says, “Government must lead from the front.” Last week, the Cabinet approved a National Energy Response Framework that outlines how the Cook Islands will respond at each stage of the ongoing global fuel crisis caused by the Middle East conflict. The country is now in the second phase of its five-phase energy response framework, designed to proactively manage global fuel supply crises and related economic risks.

Opposition supports energy framework, urges government to lead by example - Cook Islands News Cook Islands Opposition supports the National Energy Response Framework, emphasising that early and calm preparation is preferable to leaving families, businesses, and the Pa Enua uncertain.

The matangi, or wind, does not ask how strong you are before it blows. It comes with force, and it tests whatever it finds in its path. What is strong will stand. What is not will be blown across the motu, writes Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.

Thomas Wynne: Strength to strength, but who will be standing? - Cook Islands News The matangi, or wind, does not ask how strong you are before it blows. It comes with force, and it tests whatever it finds in its path. What is strong will stand. What is not will be blown across the motu, writes Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.

The rapid growth in visitor arrivals, once considered a hallmark of success, is now viewed as an outdated measure within regenerative tourism models. However, the Cook Islands continue to prioritise arrival figures as a measure of success, as new air links open the door to increasing numbers of visitors, wites Te Ipukarea Society - TIS.

Te Ipukarea Society: Tourism growth along with growing waste ‘burden to our little paradise’ - Cook Islands News The rapid growth in visitor arrivals, once considered a hallmark of success, is now viewed as an outdated measure within regenerative tourism models. However, the Cook Islands continue to prioritise arrival figures as a measure of success, as new air links open the door to increasing numbers of visi...

A new book is shedding light on the remarkable rise – and gradual decline – of movie-going culture in the Cook Islands, where cinemas once played a central role in island life, writes Rod Dixon.

Cook Islands’ golden age of cinema remembered in new book - Cook Islands News A new book is shedding light on the remarkable rise – and gradual decline – of movie-going culture in the Cook Islands, where cinemas once played a central role in island life, writes Rod Dixon.

Apii Avarua has continued its historic dominance as they secured first place for the 16th time at the 2026 CITC Prince of Wales Primary School Athletics Championships.

Apii Avarua claims 16th victory at 2026 Athletics Championships - Cook Islands News Apii Avarua has continued its historic dominance as they secured first place for the 16th time at the 2026 CITC Prince of Wales Primary School Athletics Championships.

The Cook Islands Government says the reinstatement of $20 million in New Zealand funding represents a significant contribution to the country's finances, accounting for about five per cent of this year’s total government appropriation of $375 million.

Reinstated $20m funding worth 5 per cent of govt budget: OPM - Cook Islands News The Cook Islands Government says the reinstatement of $20 million in New Zealand funding represents a significant contribution to the country's finances, accounting for about five per cent of this year’s total government appropriation of $375 million.

Cook Islands tourism industry has warned that the country remains highly vulnerable to a global economic slowdown, despite Government assurances that a potential 5 per cent GDP decline remains an unlikely, worst-case scenario.

Tourism industry warns of economic vulnerability despite government assurances - Cook Islands News Cook Islands tourism industry has warned that the country remains highly vulnerable to a global economic slowdown, despite Government assurances that a potential 5 per cent GDP decline remains an unlikely, worst-case scenario.