More Top Stories
I don’t expect much change: PM Brown on US Elections
6 November 2024
Fifth weekly Sydney flight to Rarotonga announced
23 October 2024
CIIC directors seek $350,000 in damages over defamatory claims
21 October 2024
Man found guilty of rape, burglary
24 September 2024
Tenants face water bill burden
8 October 2024
Concerns over Minister’s role in inmate work releases: PAC
5 October 2024
Tourism contribution set to surpass half-billion dollar mark
25 September 2024
Parliament’s 12 sitting days sufficient for business: Clerk
24 September 2024
Parliament Clerk sparks outrage over deep sea mining statement
23 September 2024
Parliament’s 12 sitting days sufficient for business: Clerk
24 September 2024
Tapaitau and Charlie-Puna released to ‘family jobs’
21 September 2024
Police apprehend four juveniles in connection with motorcycle thefts
23 September 2024
Deep sea dilemma: Cook Islanders weigh the cost of mineral riches
21 September 2024
Anxiety on the rise: Cook Islands faces mental health challenge
7 September 2024
Cook Islands deep sea mining poll sparks controversy
7 September 2024
MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
3 August 2024
Rising seas, rising costs: Climate impacts on Cook Islands economy
2 September 2024
Inflation eases but concerns remain
31 August 2024
Prime Minister defends $659,000 MPs travel bill
23 August 2024
Taxpayers foot $659,000 bill for MPs travel and allowance
22 August 2024
Corruption report exposes ‘bribe and sexual favours’
17 January 2023
PM Brown eager to hand over Forum chair role to Tonga
13 August 2024
ICI explains road works delay in front of old Sheraton site
10 August 2024
Diaspora dismayed over lack of Te Maeva Nui livestream
8 August 2024
Everyone is a winner, says Culture
7 August 2024
Local women outshine global peers in business leadership
8 August 2024
Housing crisis hits tourism industry
27 July 2024
MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
3 August 2024
Challenging ‘rape culture’
8 July 2024
Articles by Moana Makapelu Lee
Concerns about reclaiming land on Avarua waterfront
Monday 3 February 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Economy
A new waterfront park with sports courts for our young people is all well and good – but what about the environmental impact and cyclone risk?
Our photographer without borders
Saturday 1 February 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Local
Alex King’s image was trying to tell a unique story about Pacific Islands connections when she shot this image at Taputapuatea. According to the judges of a prestigious photography competition, she succeeded.
Calls for Demos to be sacked
Saturday 1 February 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Politics
Culture Minister George Maggie is calling for the sacking of the Democratic Party staff member behind an “inappropriate post” from Mona Ioane’s funeral.
Theatre play challenges seabed mining
Friday 31 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Entertainment
Young theatre director believes it’s important to return home to tell Cook Islands stories like the experience of LGBTQ+ mapu and the environmental response to seabed mining.
Cook Islands Maori to lead new Catholic tertiary institute
Thursday 30 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Local
Christianity was a big part of colonialism, but it also helped provide education to Pacific peoples, says new Catholic university boss.
Future vision: Avarua, the Monaco of the Pacific
Thursday 30 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Economy
Architects have laid out bold new plans to transform Avarua’s waterfront with a swimming pool, sports courts and – ultimately – a museum, cultural centre and sweeping new park reclaiming the lagoon right out to the reef.
I am sad at what I am seeing'
Tuesday 28 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Local
Floods came to the doors of homes and businesses on Avatiu stream yesterday – but unlike November, the water didn’t cross the thresholds. Moana Makapelu Lee and Jonathan Milne investigate whether stream-clearing has made a difference.
Resource police to 'keep roads safe'
Tuesday 28 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Crime
Government must take action to stem Cook Islands’ rising road toll, says the Road Safety Council.
Three cruises unable to make land
Tuesday 28 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Economy
Unfavourable weather has forced the cancellations of all three cruise ships that were to have visited Rarotonga and Aitutaki this month.
The shape of our future
Saturday 25 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Hot on the Rock
The chance to get in shape for their families has inspired 110 people to sign up for a new fitness challenge, starting Monday.
Aitutaki Sharks stranded
Saturday 25 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in League
Sad day for Aitutaki as its ‘struggling’ league team withdraws from the national competition and the club executive quits en masse.
The last horses
Saturday 25 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Weekend
As a horse rider, journalist Moana Makapelu Lee knows what it is to care for such proud animals. Up the Turangi valley road, she discovers Rarotonga’s last three horses – and meets the woman who is helping them live out the rest of their lives in calm and dignity.
Niuean musician supports hostel
Thursday 23 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Local
Sing it and they will come … Moana Makapelu Lee reports on an RnB artist’s dream to help his people in Cook Islands build their new community hall.
Shock horror! We reveal who's bringing power to the people
Wednesday 22 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Local
It was a mystery worth of serious journalistic inquiries: Who was responsible for the multiplug hanging off Tupapa night market’s controversial power board? Moana Makapelu Lee investigates.
Three more drink-drive arrests
Wednesday 22 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Crime
Three people have been arrested and charged for driving over the legal limit over the weekend.
Mangaia pets get vets
Tuesday 21 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Local
Te Are Manu vets Dr Josie Wyre and Dr Ellen McBryde have returned to Rarotonga after a successful vet trek to Mangaia, desexing and checking over local cats and dogs.
Electric George: Save money, save the planet
Sunday 19 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Politics
You might notice something different about the Minister of Culture George Maggie these days – but you won’t hear it.
Tempting fate on our storm-prone coastlines
Sunday 19 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Weather
Howard Henry says we are building a rod for our own backs with intensive development causing coastal erosion – making us ever more vulnerable to storms.
All eyes on high tide as Cyclone Tino passes
Sunday 19 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Weather
Two are missing in Fiji, hundreds evacuated in Fiji, Tuvalu and Tonga, and the storm tail threatens to lash Cook Islands today.
Cyclone Tino: Warning about the high tides
Friday 17 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Weather
The west side of Rarotonga is expected to be the worst affected area as the tail of Tropical Cyclone Tino whips the southern Cook Islands tomorrow.
