More Top Stories
Cook Islands has its first mosque
14 November 2024
CI Muslim opens up about her faith and journey
16 November 2024
RAC to address mosque legality
19 November 2024
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
Features
Master Navigator and Canadian journalist team up on a history of voyaging
It has been almost 40 years since the first ocean-going vaka of the modern age arrived to the Cook Islands. Some readers will remember Hōkūle’a’s first visit in September 1985, and since then a growing fleet of canoes has come and gone from these shores, including several built or based here, such as Takitumu, Te Au O Tonga, Marumaru Atua, Paikea, and canoes built for the Festival of Pacific Arts in 1992. Jennifer Kingsley writes.
Read, read, read
To be a writer, you need to read, read, read, says children’s book author Karen McMillan, who recently wrote Elastic Island Adventures: Rarotonga.
Cook’s buses get smart
The wheels keep turning for the Cook family who have been providing public transport on Rarotonga for more than 30 years. Al Williams caught up with them at their Nikao operation.
The challenges of drafting legislation in microstates
A decade ago, the powers that be decided the Cook Islands needed updated companies legislation and a digital registry of companies allowed to do business in the country. It was a ‘smart government’ initiative, where services offered by the state are efficient, cost-effective, and allow people to avoid the agony of long queues. But sometimes the best of intentions can lead to unintended consequences.
CHURCH TALK: A message of encouragement – something’s better than nothing
Sometimes the enormity of the task in front of us is so daunting, so overwhelming, that getting started and staying with it can feel impossible, writes Angaroakau Williams – second counselor in the District Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Will deep sea mining destroy what the ocean already provides humanity?
A precautionary approach of two concurrent nodule mines has the potential to provide a major new revenue stream for the Cook Islands of around US$90 million (NZ$124m) per year, writes Gerald McCormack, Natural Heritage Trust.
Life hasn’t been all rosy but Blake rises above it all
Like the bright colourful trademark ei katu she proudly wears, Rosie Blake – or Aunty Rosie, the former Consul General of the Cook Islands in New Zealand – is cheerful, bubbly and smilingly proud to be a Cook Islander. On a recent visit to Rarotonga she shared her experiences as the Consul General, a post she held from 2013 until October 2020.
Diving back into business
It’s been a tough 12 months for local tour operators who are now welcoming back guests. Al Williams reports.
Living the Good Samaritan’s legacy
Most of the time, we are so wrapped up in our own lives that we forget about our duty of care for the less fortunate brethren, writes Pastor Eric Toleafoa.
Super Flower Blood Moon tonight
Some people will still remember the solar eclipse in July 2010. For the next one we must wait until the morning of April 8 2024, but it will be only a partial eclipse from all islands of the Cook Islands, when the sun rises. But it’s not only solar eclipses that can beautify the local sky. Another opportunity to see something special is coming tonight. By Petr Horálek.
Pandemic a blessing in disguise
The local wedding industry witnessed the first international wedding in over a year on Thursday afternoon at the Pacific Resort Rarotonga.
Bubble gives Kiwi journalists a week in paradise
Kiwi journalists flooded into Rarotonga this week as the Cook Islands travel bubble with New Zealand inflated. They shared their Cook Islands experiences with senior journalist Al Williams.
Work with nature ‘not against it’
When it comes to permaculture, it’s all about how much you want out of it. If you want a small change you do a little, but if you want a lot to change, you do a lot.
Local musician Jarome Pare gives NZ a taste of home
Covid-19 left Cook Islands musician Jarome Pare stranded in Auckland, but opened opportunities for him to perform all around New Zealand. Caleb Fotheringham reports from Auckland.
Another Group of Scientists Calls for Further Inquiry Into Origins of the Coronavirus
A group of 18 scientists stated in a letter published in the journal Science that there is not enough evidence to decide whether a natural origin or an accidental laboratory leak caused the COVID-19 pandemic.
Local filmmakers ‘Good as Gold’
A film made by three local filmmakers has made the top 15 of 437 films submitted in New Zealand’s favourite film making competition ‘48Hours’.
Dancing his way to the top
A new male champion was crowned at the senior dance competition while the dazzling Ambushia Mateariki retained the Female Dancer of the Year title at the lively event on Thursday night.
Carving a life in stone
Deeply respectful of the richness of Polynesian culture, a Rarotonga-based French stone carver feels his talent is his way of showing respect and adoration for the island which has not only become his new home but has given him a fresh lens on life.
Fit for a Queen: Cook Islands art in the Royal Collection
With the recent passing of Prince Philip, we wondered what official gifts had been presented to Queen Elizabeth II, her consort, and other royals during their Cook Islands visits. This is what we found. By Jean Tekura Mason and Rod Dixon.
CHURCH TALK: Helping a weaker brother
From beginning to end, our lives are to be dedicated to God. Therefore, whatever we do, we do it to the Lord – because Jesus is our Lord, writes Reverend Vakaroto Ngaro of Avarua Ekalesia.
Big Blueprint tivaevae – a blend of old and new
The Big Blueprint tivaevae ta’orei – the patchwork style of tivaevae made from 1-inch squares of fabric sewn onto a solid backing – is one of a kind. Its captivating abstract design is intriguing.
The enigmatic ature
Ature are mysterious. They are annual visitors to our islands, where they are caught, shared, and then devoured. But sometimes they don’t make an appearance, and it is not understood why. Journalist Emmanuel Samoglou spoke to fishermen and scientists to learn more about these small, yet revered fish.
