Art
Cook Islands prepares for Festival of Pacific Arts 2024 with 100-strong delegation
Friday 12 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
Cultural experts Mark Short and his partner Jane Rubena will be leading the Cook Islands Performing Dance Troupe to the world’s largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders at the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) which will convene in Honolulu, Hawaii, from June 6 to 16 this year.
Crafting memories at Tie Dye Rarotonga
Saturday 6 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Art, Features
Cook Islands News reporter Candice Luke enjoyed a Christmas break learning block printing and experiencing Cook Islands hospitality at Tie Dye Rarotonga, run by a passionate artist and her supportive family.
Walls come alive: Epic murals tell stories of land and sea
Sunday 24 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
Two murals, one depicting the Cook Islands’ marine life and the other representing its societal pillars, were blessed in a ceremony this week.
‘Peace and love to all’: Santa prepares for tropical Christmas in the Cooks
Saturday 23 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Santa is busy preparing for a long night on December 24 and has a message for Cook Islands kids.
Call for comprehensive arts curriculum in the Cook Islands
Wednesday 20 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Art, Education, Features, National
The principal of a Rarotonga primary school wants to see a comprehensive arts curriculum developed for the Cook Islands after a successful first year for the country’s only contemporary dance class.
The Castanie Centre: A tribute to founding father of Catholic faith
Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Church Talk, Features
Nestled behind Nukutere College, the country’s 126-year-old first Catholic Church cathedral has been restored, renamed, and blessed. The ‘sacred building’ will now serve as a library, an art centre and a place of gathering for Nukutere College student and the diocese.
Spreading festive cheer on Rarotonga
Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
The Tropical Christmas Committee is pleased with the activities of the festive period which continues today with the Santa on Tour from 8.30am to 11.30am, starting at CITC Supermarket to the Punanga Nui Market and through town.
Empowering and beautiful: Next generation of te reo Māori speakers say knowledge is power
Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by RNZ | Published in Art, Features, Pacific Islands, Regional
Members of an Aotearoa New Zealand whānau (family) recently visited Rarotonga as they try to preserve their language and identity for the next generation. By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific Journalist.
Santa’s coming to town (and he’s bringing fireworks!)
Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Art, Features, Local, National
Rotaract Rarotonga is gearing up for its annual Christmas in the Park event, which will be held on Thursday, December 14, at the National Auditorium.
Nukutere’s ‘superpower’ students raise $3505 through art auction
Wednesday 29 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Education, Features, National
A special silent auction exhibition showcasing the artwork of Nukutere College’s remarkable ‘superpower’ students raised an impressive $3505.
‘Superpower’ students unleash their creativity in silent auction
Thursday 23 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Education, Features, National
Vivid art pieces created by special needs “superpower” students at Nukutere College are set to go up in a two-day “silent” auction which starts today.
Sewing tells a story
Wednesday 22 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, Local, National
Te Are Pa Metua, Rarotonga’s elderly centre for senior citizens, has acquired a valuable creative tool for its members - a brand new sewing machine.
Colourful mural bids farewell to Cook Islands departures
Friday 17 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
Passengers departing from the Cook Islands can now enjoy a magnificent mural adorned with bold and vibrant colours in the airport’s departure terminal.
Cook Islands community delivers ‘impressive setup and hospitality’ for 52nd PIF Leaders’ Meeting: A ‘very beautiful’ event
Saturday 11 November 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Features, National, Pacific Islands Forum, Weekend
Though leaders from the region did not agree on all the matters they discussed during this week’s Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, there’s one thing no one disputes: the people of the Cook Islands staged a spectacular event, writes Rachel Reeves.
Pacific leaders welcomed in traditional Cook Islands style
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, National, Pacific Islands Forum
Pacific leaders arriving for the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting hosted by the Cook Islands are being welcomed at the Rarotonga International Airport in traditional Cook Islands style, with a traditional chant, riveting drum beats, and enchanting dancers.
Seamstresses sew up a storm for Forum Meeting volunteers
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, Go Local, National, Pacific Islands Forum
The 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting has brought a flurry of activity to the island’s seamstresses as they sew up a storm to diligently produce uniforms for the workers engaged in organising the Forum.
Last minute touches as leaders prepare to meet
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, National, Pacific Islands Forum
Thousands of people are anticipated to converge on the National Auditorium (Are Kariori Nui) over the coming week, with months of planning and preparation behind the scenes.
Piho’s turtle bubble photo makes a splash in New Zealand
Friday 27 October 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Features
Award winning Cook Islands photographer Charlotte Piho has been recognised again for her stunning wildlife photography.
Artists wanted for 2024 Hawaii Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Wednesday 25 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Next year the world's largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders is to make a spectacular re-appearance at the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (FestPAC) which will convene in Honolulu, Hawaii, 6–16 June 2024.
Cooks photographer makes waves across the ocean
Wednesday 25 October 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, National
Award-winning photographer and turtle tour operator Charlotte Piho has been selected to represent the Oceania region in the Middle East.
