Entertainment
Getting crafty at OkotopaFest
Sunday 27 October 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment
Dominic Infornon was aged 12 when he began learning guitar. He was growing up in the Philippines city of Olongapo Zambales, home to a US naval base.
Tiara will be bittersweet
Sunday 27 October 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment
Miss Cook Islands contestant Memory Richard, has mixed feelings about the pageant finale tonight at the National Auditorium.
From courtroom to Hula Bar stage
Friday 11 October 2019 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Entertainment
Rapper Tom Francis’ musical career looked like it was over when he was convicted of a ‘king hit’ on an innocent man sitting in his parked car. Now, he is rebuilding his life in Cook Islands. Jonathan Milne and Astrid Austin report.
The science of beauty
Thursday 10 October 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment
Beauty pageants aren’t for everyone, says the winner of Miss Cook Islands New Zealand. But for all the stress, the personal rewards are enormous. Article by Melina Etches and photos by Gerardus Verspeek.
Miss Cooks NZ 'stunning' in her triumph
Tuesday 8 October 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment
“I’m honoured and proud,” says Terito Story, after being crowned Miss Cook Islands New Zealand.
'It means reflection'
Saturday 5 October 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Entertainment
Art lovers are promised a whole different experience of women’s art at an exhibition opening in Rarotonga.
Maiden inspires women in maritime
Wednesday 2 October 2019 | Published in Entertainment
Tracy Edwards became the skipper of the first ever all-female crew to enter the Whitbread Round the World yacht race.
Miss Cook Islands: 'Don't be pretentious'
Saturday 28 September 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment
As the seven contestants prepare for next month’s Miss Cook Islands pageant, the first woman to wear the tiara has some advice for this year’s contestants: be natural. We meet Cook Islands' 1960 beauty queen.
Freddie Tira comes home
Saturday 28 September 2019 | Published in Entertainment
The people of Rarotonga thought one of the country’s most celebrated singers had died 50 years ago – so they were surprised and delighted to find him singing in Hong Kong’s top hotel! Now, Freddie Tira really has passed. Professor Jon Tikivanotau Jonassen remembers his friend.
10 guitars, 3 ukuleles
Saturday 28 September 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment
Koka Lagoon Boys Papa Jack, Aberahama Tauta and Junior Koronui will compete tonight in the first LBV string band competition under the stars.
Young singers delight big crowd
Saturday 28 September 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment
Jeremiah Kaimarama from Apii Arorangi gave it his all in the Junior Song Quest.
Rarotonga hosts FIA world cup
Friday 27 September 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment
Fia’s biggest hit is Fly Away – but yesterday he flew in to Raro.
Miss Cook Islands: Earthy Emma to honour Grandie
Friday 27 September 2019 | Published in Entertainment
Ever since Emma Kainuku-Walsh moved back home 2017, she’s been encouraging her family and friends back in New Zealand to follow suit as she’s found it challenging being away from them.
Miss Cook Islands: A Memory of the world
Wednesday 25 September 2019 | Published in Entertainment
Beauty contestant can boast a taste in Korean movies, Malaysian laksa, Australian work experience, Fiji heritage – and Rarotongan heart and soul. Jaewynn McKay reports.
'There's no one way to live life'
Tuesday 24 September 2019 | Published in Entertainment
The top three ambitions on Eva Parker’s list are to graduate as a lawyer, to work in an international organisation and to travel the world.
Miss Cook Islands: For Maruia, women can do everything!
Monday 23 September 2019 | Published in Entertainment
Pacific Games league rep Maruia Willie reckons she’s built more for the sports field than like a stereotypical model – and that’s certainly not stopping her entering Miss Cook Islands. Jaewynn McKay meets her.
Miss Cook Islands: 'We can do this'
Sunday 22 September 2019 | Published in Entertainment
Pearl’s a singer, but unlike the Pearl in Elkie Brooks’ 1977 hit single, Pearl Lazaro is also a dancer, actor, guitar player, composer, sailor, volleyball, touch and netball player, a Christian and a student who excelled at school.
Out on the back porch at Charlie's
Saturday 21 September 2019 | Published in Entertainment
Between them, Laura Collins and the Back Porch Blues Band possess more than 150 years of onstage experience and a half-dozen lifetimes worth of love for rhythm and blues.
MISS COOK ISLANDS: Tourism star to 'give it a go'
Friday 20 September 2019 | Published in Entertainment
Greymouth is the largest town in the West Coast region in the South Island of New Zealand, it’s part of an area called the Grey District which has a population of just under 14,000.
Colosseum, Machu Picchu – and Miss CI
Thursday 19 September 2019 | Published in Entertainment
Tajiya is well on the way to visiting the Seven Wonders of the World. Now, says Jaewynn McKay, she’s overcoming her shyness to discover an eighth life-changing experience.
