Art
Paikea sets sail for Samoa
Tuesday 23 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, National, Tourism
Vaka Paikea is on its way to Apia, Samoa travelling the 800 nautical miles using traditional voyaging knowledge under the captaincy of master navigator Peia Patai.
The church that built Arorangi
Saturday 20 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Church Talk, Features, Weekend
Renovations are well underway and nearly complete at the Arorangi Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) in preparation for the 200-year commemoration of the arrival of Christianity to Arorangi on July 26. Tinomana Enuarurutini Ariki accepted the gospel to Puaikura on 26 July, 1823. Secretary of the Arorangi CICC, Okirua Teokoitu shares the church history with senior journalist Melina Etches and updates on the renovations.
Cook Islands reps attend training to preserve audiovisual taonga
Wednesday 17 May 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Features, Local, National
New Zealand’s audiovisual archive Ngā Taonga Sound and Vision supported by Manatū Taonga (New Zealand Ministry for Cultural Heritage) are providing two digitisation kits to the Cook Islands.
‘Biggest charity ball’ rakes in $30k
Saturday 13 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Two hundred and forty-four guests attended the extravagant Cook Islands Red Cross Society Crowning Ball fundraising event last Saturday which raised a whopping $30,000.
Preparations well underway for Bicentennial Celebrations in Atiu, Mitiaro and Mauke
Friday 12 May 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Church Talk, Features, Local, National
A group from Aitutaki is preparing to attend the 200th Anniversary of the arrival of Christianity on the neighbouring islands of Atiu, Mitiaro, Mauke and Rarotonga.
Hapū Wānanga shares with Nui Rarotonga
Wednesday 10 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
Women from Hapū Wānanga, Waikato New Zealand are visiting Rarotonga to assist with the new Pregnancy Care Centre ‘Nui Rarotonga’ - a free community based course focused on empowering women with knowledge and support about pregnancy, birth and baby arrival.
Te Hokianga o Ngāti Tūmatauenga ki Rarotonga II for ANZAC
Saturday 29 April 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, Weekend
Hundreds of Ngāti Tūmatauenga (The Tribe of the God of War) members – the Aotearoa New Zealand Army veterans and current officers – have reunited in Rarotonga for Te Hokianga o Ngāti ki Rarotonga II reunion and paid tribute to the fallen Anzac soldiers at this week’s Dawn Service.
A dazzling night of dance and spectacular costumes
Saturday 29 April 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The Junior and Intermediate performers who hit the stage at the annual Tauranga Vananga Te Mire Ura cultural dance competition on Thursday night, thrilled the large audience with their dazzling choreography and spectacular costumes.
Pride and joy for Cook Islands Māori culture
Saturday 15 April 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
The successful Rarotonga Schools Cultural Festival held earlier this week demonstrated the joy and pride children of the Cook Islands have for Maori culture.
Stage set for Youth Festival
Friday 14 April 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Features, Football, Sports
Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA) is excited to kick off their 4th edition of the Kia Orana Youth Football Festival which is set to begin in Rarotonga in a week’s time.
Loud and proud: Nootai wows crowd with powerful pe’e
Friday 14 April 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Education, Features, National
Nukutere College Year 9 student leader Elijah Nootai proudly showcased his love of culture on stage in front of a packed National Auditorium during the annual Rarotonga Schools Cultural Festival on Wednesday night.
Presentation on Paikea and ancestral connections
Thursday 13 April 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Features
Cook Islands archaeologist and Pacific programmer at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Ma’ara Maeva will be making a special presentation at the National Museum this afternoon from 12 noon to 2pm on “Paikea: Ancestral connections and stories woven in the stars”.
Religious celebration basis of Gragg’s new exhibition
Tuesday 11 April 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Art, Features
The artist who founded the Cook Islands’ premier art gallery has used a painting she created 15 years ago to showcase the ‘joy, variety, and innovation’ of one of the island nation’s oldest religious celebrations as a springboard for her latest exhibition.
Proud Cook Islander continues work of art
Saturday 8 April 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Features
Cook Islander Joyana Finch (nee Meyer) has released a new series of designs on her Mrs. J Finch website. Finch had released children’s science books ‘Buzz the Electron’ and ‘Violet the Photon’ in 2021 which she illustrated in Rarotonga.
Whale artwork complete, Vaka Paikea prepares for blessing and naming ceremony
Monday 3 April 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
The whale artwork on the starboard hull of Vaka Paikea is now complete and artist Tuaine “Katu” Teiti has started working on the port hull.
Coco House Bros announce 2023 gig calendar
Saturday 1 April 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Features
High profile DJs Coco House Bros (Mark Zow, Anthom and Doctor E) have released their 2023 gig calendar which includes the classic Sunset Sessions day parties at 21.3 Vaiana’s Bar, Rarotonga Sailing Club and Rehab Ministry.
Sharing soapmaking skills with fellow Cook Islanders
Monday 27 March 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Features, Go Local
Sophia Jensen-Johnstone loves challenges and always looks for new activities to venture into. Her latest craze is soapmaking – a skill she is now sharing with interested Cook Islanders.
Pacific artists represent at Aotearoa Art Fair
Tuesday 7 March 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Features
Bergman Gallery’s New Zealand-based artists Telly Tuita, Sylvia Marsters, Raymond Sagapolutele and Benjamin Work are reconnecting with each other and with the thousands of visitors at the Aotearoa Art Fair.
Comedy couple keep coming back for a taste of paradise
Wednesday 1 February 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Art, Features
Kiwi husband-and-wife comedians and writers Jeremy Elwood and Michele A'Court have lost count on the number of times they’ve been to the Cook Islands. They describe it as a destination where they can just “switch off”. The couple chat with deputy editor Al Williams.
Getting creative with Coco Brush
Saturday 28 January 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Features, Go Local
A new Rarotonga art class – with an island inspired twist – allows participants to learn a few simple painting techniques in a relaxed environment with their glass of wine, without worrying about being the ‘next Picasso’.
