KAP. 4.

75 m in length and up to 4.5 m draught at the eastern wharf. The
western side of the basin takes yachts and fishing vessels. The harbours
at Mangaia and Atiu are used mainly for the export of pineapples.
Apart from the substantial harbour improvements undertaken in
recent years in Rarotonga, extra work has been carried out in the outer
islands, particularly Aitutaki and Atiu. A new harbour was built at Atiu
by the New Zealand Army.
In all the islands there is a problem from the shallow depth of water,
which limits access to the lagoon to cargo-carrying lighters. It is possible
for small to medium-sized vessels to enter the lagoons of Penrhyn
and Suwarrow but a clearance should be sought and local advice
obtained.
Shipping services. The New Zealand Line operates cargo services
from Auckland to Rarotonga and Aitutaki via Niue. There are occasional
direct calls to Mangaia and Atiu.
Local shipping. Inter-island services are provided by Silk and Boyd
Ltd, the Manuvai and Mataora.
COMMUNICATIONS. The internal telephone service in Rarotonga
was replaces in 1983 with a modern automatic service. Smaller networks
operate throughout the group. Overseas telephone calls are made
direct through Cable & Wireless. Every inhabited island has a radio
station, maintaining direct communication with Rarotonga, which in
turn connects with all other countries. Postal and telegraph services are
available on all the islands. On several islands the Post Office is also the
liquor bond store. A telex service from Rarotonga operates world-wide
via New Zealand.
Radio, TV. The government-owned radio station IZC broadcasts
daily in English and Maori. New programmes include bulletins from
New Zealand and Australian national stations. Locally-owned Radio
Ikurangi operates an FM station with general programmes.
Newspapers. The Cook Islands News is government-owned and printed
in English and Maori. It is issued daily, except Sunday, by the Cook
Islands Broadcasting and Newspaper Corporation. There are two
weekly newspapers published by the main political parties, The Weekender
by the Democratic Party and Te Akatauira by the Cook Islands
Party.
Water, electricity. Rarotonga has water galleries and intakes direct
from streams. Aitutaki is supplied by bores and tanks filled by rain from
house roofs. All other islands use tanks.
395