Tuesday 29 October 2019 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Entertainment
Tajiya Sahay, 26, was this weekend crowned Miss Cook Islands 2019. Next month she will fly out to contest Miss World in London. But the crowd at the National Auditorium had no idea of the extraordinary journey she had made to win the title.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.