Features
Church Talk: Jesus wants us to be useful and purposeful in God’s Kingdom
Friday 24 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Christianity is more than just a set of beliefs, it is a way of life, a transformed life. It is faith translated into action, writes Pastor Ngatupuna Cork Tararo of the Ngatangiia AOG Church.
Artist finds her roots in Rarotonga
Monday 20 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, Weekend
Cook Islander Remiah Chanelle Mani is an extraordinarily gifted and self-taught artist who has a deep appreciation for her culture and vibrant hues of nature that inspire creativity.
Cook Islander returns home to lead Aitutaki’s Araura College
Saturday 18 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, Features, National, Weekend
James Kora, the newly appointed principal of Araura College in Aitutaki, is excited to return home to the Cook Islands after spending most of his life and career in New Zealand.
‘No longer dead Ministry’: Agriculture head Anguna-Kamana plots third term growth
Saturday 18 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Agriculture, Features, Local, National, Weekend
In 2018, on her first day as Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture, Temarama Anguna-Kamana was told that this was a ‘dead ministry’. Now in her third term at the helm, Anguna-Kamana still sees potential in the agriculture sector and envisions leaving the industry in a much better position than she inherited.
New discoveries add to Cook Islands’ rich biodiversity
Saturday 18 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Weekend
The Cook Islands Biodiversity and Ethnobiology Database recently added 338 new species, including four new intertidal air-breathing limpets, the Erythrina Borer moth not recorded in 90 years, and a mysterious moth never seen before, writes Gerald McCormack of the Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust.
Church Talk: To worship, serve God and to make Jesus known to all people
Friday 17 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Happy New Year to each and everyone. The festive seasons are now at low key while people are focused on new strategies for this year. Back to work, writes Reverend Vakaroto Ngaro of the Takamoa Theological College.
Spectacular show by Jewels of the Cook Islands
Monday 13 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Weekend
The Jewels Dine & Dance event was spectacular for many who attended the show on Friday night at the Edgewater Resort and Spa.
Protecting Aitutaki’s ‘beating heart’ using traditional conservation method
Saturday 11 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, Features, Local, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
Aitutaki residents gathered at their prized lagoon this week to continue the custom of protecting their marine environment through the re-establishment of the traditional ra’ui, a temporary fishing ban within the lagoon.
Family duty calls: Youngest councillor navigates life on remote Palmerston
Saturday 11 January 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Features, Local, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
At 23, Julianna Marsters is Cook Islands’ youngest Island Government councillor. However, she was elected not by her own choice, but because she was the only family member of eligible age.
Church talk: From chaos to cosmos – Mako takore i te Makokore
Friday 10 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
By allowing God’s Holy Spirit to move freely in our lives creates and transforms chaos into cosmos, disorderliness to orderliness, darkness to light and mortal to immortality, and perishable to imperishableness forever, writes Bishop Tutai Pere of the Apostolic Church.
Overseas contestants to compete for Miss Cook Islands title, announces MCIPA
Friday 10 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Entertainment, Features
The two pageant organisations in the Cook Islands are planning to host separate pageant events this year.
Aitutaki’s Maoate to fly Cook Islands flag at Miss Pacific Islands Pageant
Thursday 9 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Ngatepaeru Marie Maoate of Aitutaki will represent the Cook Islands at the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2025 in Honiara, Solomon Islands next month, marking the country’s return to the regional pageant after a hiatus since 2019.
Church groups request to amend constitution: PM
Wednesday 8 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown has confirmed that there have been requests from church groups to amend the constitution that will recognise the Cook Islands as a Christian nation.
Mateariki’s emotional return after pageant triumph
Monday 6 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Entertainment, Features
Maine Etu Kura 2024/Miss Akatokamanava Pivai Ambushia Mateariki was crowned the first runner up in the Maine Kuki Airani Aotearoa beauty pageant held over a month ago in Auckland, New Zealand.
Love in paradise: Fijian couple weds in Rarotonga
Saturday 4 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Weekend
On December 21, 2024, Rarotonga became the backdrop for a heartfelt celebration of love as Losirene Dasalusalu and her newly wedded husband, Ratu Osea Dasalusalu, tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony.
Church Talk: The Holy Family - A model of love, faith
Friday 3 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
We just celebrated Christmas 2024. We meditated the birth of the Messiah, the unwavering faith of Mary and the righteous Joseph. Together they comprise the Holy Family. The Holy family of Nazareth serves as the most perfect example or model of a family, writes Bishop Reynaldo Bunyi Getalado msp of the Catholic Church.
Positive trends in the Cook Islands property market
Monday 30 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Business, Features, National
November’s 2024 visitor arrivals and migration numbers are continuing on a positive trend, driving a solid economic recovery in the Cook Islands. Visitor numbers reached 13,419, showing a 7.7% increase over last year, with notable rises from Australia, Europe, and the USA. Beyond tourism, the return of 732 Cook Islanders and a net gain of […]
SIF grants address critical social needs across the Cook Islands
Monday 30 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features
The Cook Islands Social Impact Fund distributed $199,825.20 to 14 successful applicants, including organisations focused on child welfare, education, youth development, women’s empowerment and community health, to support their vital work in addressing social issues and improving the well-being of Cook Islanders.
‘Toughy’ bids farewell to 45-year banking career
Saturday 28 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
After a remarkable 45-year career spanning four different banks in the same building, a respected bank employee has retired, leaving a legacy of dedication and service to the community.
Walking for ‘Dear Love’: A journey of reflection and love
Saturday 28 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
A Cook Islands businesswoman walked the Camino de Santiago in memory of her late husband, finding solace and healing on the ancient pilgrimage route while honouring their shared love and dreams.
