Features
The migratory mysteries of Cook Islands’ Green turtles
Saturday 29 March 2025 | Written by webmaster | Published in Environment, Features, National, Weekend
Turtle tourism has become a popular year-round activity in Rarotonga, with both government and civil society groups working to ensure it is safer for turtles and people. In a two-part series, Gerald McCormack of the Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust writes about the distinct lifecycle of the Green sea turtle, which has a distinct lifecycle compared to Hawksbill turtles, the two types of ‘resident’ turtles that local turtle tourism is built around.
Church Talk: ‘Fearfully and wonderfully made’
Friday 28 March 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Psalm 139:14 serves as a powerful reminder of the dignity, value and purpose of human life as created by God. It also sums up about human existence, divine creation, intentionality in creation, and the relationship between God and humanity, writes Bishop Reynaldo Bunyi Getalado msp of the Catholic Church.
A beacon of progress: First transgender mayor hopes to inspire local community
Saturday 22 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Weekend
Six months into her term, Mauke’s new mayor Joanne Rongoape Stephens is celebrated as the Cook Islands’ first transgender mayor, inspiring the LGBTQ+ community and aiming to foster growth and unity in her island.
Rarotonga marks World Down Syndrome Day
Saturday 22 March 2025 | Written by Teitimoana Tairi | Published in Features, Health, Local, National, Weekend
A World Down Syndrome Day fundraiser held at Rarotonga’s Punanga Nui Market raised over $1000 for the Cook Islands Down Syndrome Association.
Chasing the horizon: Cook Islanders rise through the ranks to command luxury yachts
Saturday 22 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
In the Cook Islands, where the sea is both a livelihood and a way of life, two Cook Islanders have transformed their childhood dream into reality, becoming captains of luxurious super yachts.
Church Talk: Recognising and embracing God’s blessings in our lives
Friday 21 March 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Often, we focus on what we lack – whether it’s confidence, friends, or opportunities – and forget all the blessings God has already given us, writes Kayla Kaimarama-Willie of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Miss Cook Islands inspires Atiu youth through mentorship programme
Friday 21 March 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Entertainment, Features, National, Outer Islands
Reigning Miss Cook Islands and Maine Kūki ʻAirani Aotearoa 2024, Ngatepaeru Marie Maoate, is visiting the island of Atiu, connecting with youths through a mentorship and community engagement programme.
Twenty local actors cast in groundbreaking Cook Islands film project
Tuesday 18 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
In an exciting development for the local film industry, 20 aspiring Cook Islands actors have been cast in pivotal roles for six new short films set to be filmed in Rarotonga.
Sands of Rarotonga opens with new perks
Saturday 15 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National
The former Wellesley Hotel accommodation in Tutakimoa has been rebranded as Sands of Rarotonga, offering a more welcoming experience with new perks like free airport transfers and relaxed pool access for Lazy Trout diners, aiming to attract both tourists and locals.
Gospel song wins big at Te Mire Atu composers’ comp
Saturday 15 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
In a showcase of outstanding talent, composer Thomas Peyroux has once again won the prestigious Tauranga Vananga/Ministry of Cultural Development Te Mire Atu national composers competition.
Church Talk: We are called to live out Jesus’ love
Friday 14 March 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
In John 13:34-35, Jesus gives us a powerful command: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Minister Mokoroa stresses need to ‘accommodate’ diverse faiths
Friday 14 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National
Cook Islands needs to consider how to support and accommodate people of other faiths living here, says the Minister for Justice, as a parliamentary committee reviews submissions on a proposal to declare the country a Christian state.
Nga-Moeara returns to Māori Composers’ comp after 14 years
Thursday 13 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
Recording artist and popular singer, Teata Hauavaine Nga-Moeara, will showcase her talent on stage tonight in the prestigious Te Tae Pae Nui Te Mire Atu original Māori composers’ competition.
Sixteen composers for Te Mire Atu
Wednesday 12 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
Te Pae Tai Nui Mire Atu composers competition will hit the stage this week with a line-up of 16 exceptional, talented Cook Islands Maori creatives and singers.
The best sunrise view – Arore Mountain
Monday 10 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Go Local
Seeing the sunrise and the three motus of Muri, Ngatangiia from Arore Mountain gives you an overwhelming sense of victory as you see the beauty of God’s creation, writes Losirene Lacanivalu.
A beacon of faith and unity
Saturday 8 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features
Cook Islands became a beacon of faith and unity as they hosted the International World Day of Prayer service for the very first time.
National Council of Women encouraged to write an Alternate Report to UN CEDAW
Saturday 8 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, In Depth
The Uikaraurau Cook Islands National Council of Women (CINCW) summit addressed issues such as climate justice, Te Reo Maori revitalisation, and combating violence against women, with robust discussions and an outcome of outlined future action plans.
CITC Patai promises enhanced shopping experience
Saturday 8 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National
Titikaveka welcomed its newest addition to the local shopping scene this week with the opening of the CITC Patai Store, a facility boasting a $4.2 million investment.
Students gather for lent season
Friday 7 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National
Students of St Joseph’s School and Nukutere College gathered at the St Joseph’s Cathedral in Avarua with teachers and parents marking the beginning of the lent season.
Cook Islands women summit sets action plans for key issues
Friday 7 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
The three-day Cook Islands National Council of Women’s Uikaraurau summit, which concluded on Wednesday, addressed issues like climate justice, Te Reo Maori revitalisation, NCD prevention and combating violence against women, and outlined future action plans.
