NEWS FROM AND ABOUT THE ISLANDS
Latest Update: 25th July, 2008
An exclusive summary created weekly by the web site author who is a former BBC journalist
Latest Update: 25th July, 2008
An exclusive summary created weekly by the web site author who is a former BBC journalist
The following stories are a summary of stories from Cook Islands News, the daily newspaper of the Cook Islands which is published Monday to Saturday inclusive. Its web site www.cookislandsnews.com is updated weekly, usually on a Wednesday (Cook islands time, Thursday GMT. The summary is published with the permission of the copyright owners Cook Islands News Ltd. Click on underlined headlines to open the full story from the newspaper
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RARO RESIDENTS URGED TO SAVE WATER
Residents of Rarotonga are being urged to save water and get leaks fixed, because dry weather is leading to shortages Levels in intakes are particularly low in inland areas from Tupapa to Avana and from Titikaveka through to Arorangi. Growers are also being asked to minimise irrigation while the water company works on clearning the intakes.
CONTROVERSIAL CHINA LOAN STILL NOT AGREED
A controversial loan of NZ$13 million from China still hasn't been agreed formally. The money is mainly to pay for a new indoor sports stadium which is being built on Rarotonga for the Pacific Mini Games and the world youth netball championships in 2009. A construction agreement with the Chinese has signed ahead of the loan agreement.
SUNDAY FLIGHT PROTEST CONTINUES ON AITUTAKI
Protests over Sunday flights to Aitutaki are continuing. Six people waving placards greeted the latest landings and the airport authority says strong language was used against security staff. The islanders say a six month trial of Sunday flights by Air Rarotonga is breaching their right to keep the Sabbath sacred.
FUEL PRICES RISE AGAIN
Fuel prices are going up again for the second time in less than 30 days. The Price Tribunal has has ruled that TAO retailers can increase the cost of a litre of petrol on Rarotonga to NZ$2.78 (from NZ$2.66 and litre of diesel to NZ$3.02 (from NZ$2.90). Prices in the outer islands will come down slightly but are still considerably higher than on the capital island.
MANIHIKI AIRPORT LAND CASE ADJOURNED
Land court applications arising from government plans to buy the airport site on Manihiki have been adjourned. A judge at Rarotonga High Court said a more culturally sensitive approach was needed. And he's directed that a resumed sitting should take place on Manihiki itself.
EDUCATION MASTER PLAN UNVEILED
A 15 year master plan for education in the Islands has just been launched. It includes more infomation and programmes for parents and carers of under 5s, a gradual upgrade of school librarires and improved vocational training opportunities.
POLICE TAKE OVER DOG REGISTRATION
The Cook Islands police are taking over responsibility for dog registration. The change in the system is partly because the curent law isn't being complied with. owners will have to a pay a fee of NZ$50 to register a male dog and NZ$60 for a female.
Residents of Rarotonga are being urged to save water and get leaks fixed, because dry weather is leading to shortages Levels in intakes are particularly low in inland areas from Tupapa to Avana and from Titikaveka through to Arorangi. Growers are also being asked to minimise irrigation while the water company works on clearning the intakes.
CONTROVERSIAL CHINA LOAN STILL NOT AGREED
A controversial loan of NZ$13 million from China still hasn't been agreed formally. The money is mainly to pay for a new indoor sports stadium which is being built on Rarotonga for the Pacific Mini Games and the world youth netball championships in 2009. A construction agreement with the Chinese has signed ahead of the loan agreement.
SUNDAY FLIGHT PROTEST CONTINUES ON AITUTAKI
Protests over Sunday flights to Aitutaki are continuing. Six people waving placards greeted the latest landings and the airport authority says strong language was used against security staff. The islanders say a six month trial of Sunday flights by Air Rarotonga is breaching their right to keep the Sabbath sacred.
FUEL PRICES RISE AGAIN
Fuel prices are going up again for the second time in less than 30 days. The Price Tribunal has has ruled that TAO retailers can increase the cost of a litre of petrol on Rarotonga to NZ$2.78 (from NZ$2.66 and litre of diesel to NZ$3.02 (from NZ$2.90). Prices in the outer islands will come down slightly but are still considerably higher than on the capital island.
MANIHIKI AIRPORT LAND CASE ADJOURNED
Land court applications arising from government plans to buy the airport site on Manihiki have been adjourned. A judge at Rarotonga High Court said a more culturally sensitive approach was needed. And he's directed that a resumed sitting should take place on Manihiki itself.
EDUCATION MASTER PLAN UNVEILED
A 15 year master plan for education in the Islands has just been launched. It includes more infomation and programmes for parents and carers of under 5s, a gradual upgrade of school librarires and improved vocational training opportunities.
POLICE TAKE OVER DOG REGISTRATION
The Cook Islands police are taking over responsibility for dog registration. The change in the system is partly because the curent law isn't being complied with. owners will have to a pay a fee of NZ$50 to register a male dog and NZ$60 for a female.
TOWN CINEMA UP FOR SALE
The landmark 'Empire Theatre' in Avarua, Rarotonga is up for sale by tender. The current owner, Harry Napa is also selling two other properties, Vaiora Factory and Kiikii Motel, as well as the Mac's Cafe in Pue.
The landmark 'Empire Theatre' in Avarua, Rarotonga is up for sale by tender. The current owner, Harry Napa is also selling two other properties, Vaiora Factory and Kiikii Motel, as well as the Mac's Cafe in Pue.
