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The following stories are a summary of the latest 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). A selection of its stories are summarised on these pages with the permission of the copyright owners Cook Islands News Ltd. Links are to the full story on the newspaper's web site.

ISLANDERS URGED TO "EAT HEALTHY"

A consultant with the World Health Organisation has urged islanders look to the past for a healthy future. Speaking at a three day workshop in Rarotonga, Dr ross Spark said modern diets and lifestyles were taking their toll through a range of non-communicable diseases now prevalent in the population.

CHINA CONSTRUCTS LAW AND ORDER IN THE ISLANDS

China is going ahead with plans to build a new police headquarters for the islands on Rarotonga. The news came at the opening of the new courthouse in Avarua which was also funded by the Chinese government. Construction of the HQ will begin next year.

TIARE FESTIVAL REACHES CLIMAX

The crowning of the Tiare Queen will provide the climax to the annual flower festival, which began last week. Schools, businesses and Government offices have been decorated and a pageant staged at the National Auditorium as part of what is probably the most colourful festival in the islands calendar.

FINANCIAL BLACK LIST STATUS UNDER REVIEW

The Cook Islands is to have its status on a financial blacklist reviewed. A delegation from the inter-governmental body, the Financial Action Task Force is going to review the banking infrastructure and measures to combat money laundering. Up to now, they've not been considered good enough.

PACIFIC BLUE LAUNCHES LOW COST FLIGHTS TO RAROTONGA

The low cost New Zealand airline, Pacific Blue has announced it will start flying weekly to Rarotonga from 19 March, 2005. The service will operate every Saturday from Sydney, via its home base of Christchurch. Connecting services will be available from Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide.

The airline is offering a launch fare of NZ$249 (UK£93, US$172)). It says its new service has been greeted with great excitement by the tourist industry in both New Zealand and the Cook Islands. It will operate the flights using the latest 737-800 jets. Pacific Blue is a wholly owned subsidiary of Virgin Blue which has pioneered low cost flights in Australia and the Pacific.

AITUTAKI FINDS FAME IN NEW ART FORM Exclusive

A new concept in art has been launched in London and the picturesque lagoon of Aitutaki features among the "exhibits". ChillArt combines original film footage and specially composed music to engage the imagination of the viewer in a unique way. The work has been created by Natascha McQueen who has many years experience as a producer of television features and documentaries. Click on the headline to see what it looks like and be among the first in the world to find out more.