In Depth
Tourism to get boost at Pacific Islands Forum
Wednesday 12 April 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, In Depth, National, Pacific Islands Forum
Cook Islands will play a huge role in bringing leaders of all Pacific nations together at this year’s 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
Seabed explorer: Who are Moana Minerals?
Saturday 4 March 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, In Depth
Seabed explorer vessel Anuanua Moana has been blessed and named as she prepares for research work in Cook Islands waters. Today she is scheduled to set sail for Atiu, then Aitutaki, before sailing to the Penrhyn Basin where she will start mapping the area with sonar. Moana Minerals chief executive Han Smit is at the helm of the operation and briefs deputy editor Al Williams on what they are up to in our area of the Pacific.
How Mangaians helped rescue Raro’s economy
Saturday 18 February 2023 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Features, In Depth, Memory Lane
At the beginning of the twentieth century migrants rescued Rarotonga’s population and economy, then in apparently ‘terminal’ decline. Within a few decades these migrants had become established Rarotongan families, traditional landowners and custodians of the culture. Is a similar process currently underway?
Daring to dream: Young women turn ‘side hustles’ into fulltime businesses
Saturday 18 February 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Features, In Depth, Local, National, Weekend
Businesswoman Ana File-Heather who is the founder of the Taki Tahi ‘start-up’ project facilitated a free online business incubator ‘Dreambuilder’ course for Cook Islands women last week.
‘The Lord saved our marriage’
Saturday 11 February 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Features, In Depth, National
Well known Cook Islanders Kevin and Tina Iro have been together for 37 years but their journey has not been smooth sailing. They parted ways in 2007 after ‘everything spiralled out of control’, but a divine intervention saved their marriage. They talk to editor Rashneel Kumar about the meaning of Valentine’s Day and the secrets to succeeding in their marriage.
Telling it like it is –Framhein’s 90-year journey
Saturday 11 February 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, In Depth, Memory Lane
Sharp, witty, wizened and well groomed, 90-year-old Apai Raropua Mataiapo Tutara Tekeu Emil Framhein still tells it like it is, good naturedly with no filter. Affectionately known as Apai or Papa Keu, Framhein shares some of his life’s journey with Cook Islands News senior journalist Melina Etches.
Spreading the spirit of love
Saturday 11 February 2023 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Features, In Depth, National
Valentine’s Day ‘organised chaos’ for gift retailers with 30-year romance. As gift retailer Island Craft gears up for its second-busiest holiday of the year, Valentine’s Day, business directors Fletcher and Vaea Melvin sit down with journalist Joanne Holden to share their love story and the secret to a lasting relationship.
A failure to connect? Leading telecom provider in spotlight
Monday 6 February 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Features, In Depth
The status of Vodafone as the lead controller of the telecommunications market in the Cook Islands has come under scrutiny thanks to a major report.
Stand up and speak: Domestic violence no longer a taboo topic
Saturday 14 January 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, In Depth, Weekend
Domestic violence should no longer be a topic of taboo, but an ongoing discussion among church, community and political leaders.
Award-winning journalist Barbara Dreaver tells it like it is
Saturday 24 December 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, In Depth
Saving a life, being arrested and held in jail in pursuit of getting information and the truth out there, has been all part of the job for journalist Barbara Dreaver, the 1News’ Pacific correspondent for TVNZ. Last month Dreaver was named Reporter of the Year 2022 at the New Zealand Television Awards.
Retiring Judge keeps Cooks on the books
Saturday 3 December 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, In Depth, Local, National
Justice Colin Doherty has a professional relationship with the Cook Islands which stretches back more than ten years. He balances work here with numerous responsibilities in New Zealand, including chairing the Independent Police Conduct Authority. He plans to hang up his gown and spend more time fishing when he turns 70 early next year . . . but has no plans to give up his gig here. In fact, he’s just been married here.
Reiner’s declaration of love for Raro
Saturday 19 November 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, In Depth, Memory Lane
Reiner Gatermann’s love for Rarotonga has brought him back to the island an incredible 21 times. He chats with senior journalist Melina Etches.
Cook Islands and the British Commonwealth membership
Saturday 19 November 2022 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, In Depth
Before the Cook Islands considers submitting an application to become a member of the United Nations, we should first consider submitting an application to become a Full Member of the British Commonwealth, writes historian Howard Henry.
From the pristine environment to stray dogs: Cook Islands visitors reveal their likes and dislikes
Sunday 30 October 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Features, In Depth
Tourists in the Cook Islands are still spending more and staying longer than before, but many have concerns about the environment and public infrastructure. Senior journalist Matthew Littlewood digs into the latest Cook Islands Visitor Survey report, and talks to visitors along the way.
91 years and counting
Saturday 29 October 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in In Depth, Local
At the age of 91, Rongo Ezekiela is trim, energetic and agile, and continues to watch his food intake and mobility routine. He shares his healthy lifestyle journey, and his work experiences with Government in the 1950s taking care of the transmitter masts and stations, with senior journalist Melina Etches.
Garth’s recipe for staying Young
Saturday 29 October 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, In Depth, Local
Veteran musician Garth Young is about to blow out the candles as he nears 90. The past couple of years have seen him make significant lifestyle changes as the work dried up during Covid-19. He’s starting to reap the benefits.
Human rights abuses and violations: Children, people with disabilities and LGBT+ community ‘vulnerable’
Monday 10 October 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Features, In Depth
According to the Human Rights Measurement Initiative (HRMI) children continue to be subject to high levels of abuse, there is still a stigma around people with disabilities and the government is complicit in allowing religious leaders to persist with homophobic attitudes in the Cook Islands.
Visitor arrival numbers dip, industry braces for ‘shoulder period’
Saturday 8 October 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Features, In Depth
Tourism providers are bracing themselves for the ‘shoulder period’ of the year, as visitor numbers are predicted to dip again.
ANZAC DAY: Recognising young veterans
Tuesday 26 April 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, In Depth
Before dawn broke on ANZAC Day, a crowd of more than 100 people respectfully and solemnly gathered at the Cenotaph for the Dawn Parade.
Buses and taxis are making a comeback
Monday 4 April 2022 | Written by Sian Solomon | Published in Features, In Depth
Fewer taxis are hitting the streets, but for many Cook Islanders, cabs and buses are inspiring a nostalgic and affordable fervour and return, which could lead to public transport becoming a more dominant mode of transportation.
