In Depth
Cook Islands’ first Catholic cathedral gets major facelift
Monday 14 March 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Features, In Depth
Behind Nukutere College at Avarua in Rarotonga lies Cook Islands’ first Catholic cathedral dating back 123 years.
There is more to the Cook Islands than meets the eye
Saturday 12 March 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, In Depth
Kiwi environmental sociologist Dr Corrina Tucker has fallen in love with the Cook Islands. She is placing her footprints here one step at a time.
The world has stopped spinning
Tuesday 8 March 2022 | Written by Rahul Patil | Published in Features, In Depth
As the world comes to terms with the sudden death of arguably the best spinner to have ever played the game of cricket, Rahul Patil writes about a gifted genius who genuinely tried his best to make a difference in people’s lives by giving way more than what he received.
‘I didn’t work for the money, I worked for the country’
Saturday 26 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, In Depth
John Teaurima has been with Te Kukupa since 1988 and is preparing for her voyage of return to Australia.
Conservation area a balancing act
Saturday 12 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, In Depth
There is plenty of community buy in for a conservation area significantly damaged by storms on Rarotonga, but there is also an uncertain future.
Cook Islander gains PhD in sports and exercise science
Thursday 13 January 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, In Depth
One of the first Cook Islanders to gain doctorate degree in sports and exercise science wants to investigate acceptable and effective methods of implementing exercise programmes into Pacific islands communities.
‘Do it for yourself and your whanau’
Saturday 6 November 2021 | Written by Derek Fox | Published in Features, In Depth
When I was first asked to write this, I resisted. You see like all blokes I wasn’t interested in having my internal workings and ailments publicly aired. But then I thought of my soldier friend, whose company I might still be enjoying if he’d got help earlier, writes veteran broadcaster Derek Fox.
National security – an evolving concern
Monday 6 September 2021 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, In Depth
With Cold War tensions easing and the Pacific Islands becoming increasingly interconnected with the broader world, however, there was growing concern that threats to our way of life and even the existence of our countries could come from various places and take various forms, writes Dr Jim Gosselin.
Cook Islander takes to Youtube to spread the word on money matters
Saturday 4 September 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Features, In Depth
Developing and maintaining a healthy relationship with money has been a life-long goal for Gold Coast-based Cook Islander George Woonton. With help from YouTube, he’s now sharing what he’s learned along the way with the larger Pasifika community.
‘We are adaptable... you have to keep a smile on your face and stay positive’
Saturday 21 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, In Depth
Common themes pop up in conversation with business operators on Rarotonga in light of a Covid-19 community outbreak involving the highly infectious Delta variant in New Zealand . . . resilience, adaptability, diversification and strength.
Israel, once the model for beating Covid-19, faces new surge of infections
Wednesday 18 August 2021 | Written by The New York Times | Published in Features, In Depth
Questions are being raised about the Covid-19 vaccine’s efficacy as Israel, one of the most vaccinated societies, now has one of the highest infection rates in the world, By Isabel Kershner from the New York Times.
What to know about breakthrough infections and the Delta variant
Friday 13 August 2021 | Written by The New York Times | Published in Features, In Depth
Scientific understanding of the coronavirus variant is changing quickly. Here’s a recap of the most important findings. By Apoorva Mandavilli from the New York Times.
History made as Atiu invests Ngamaru Ariki and Rongomatane Ariki
Friday 23 July 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, In Depth
Hundreds of people descended onto the island of Atiu to witness the historic akamarokura’anga (investiture) of Ngamaru Ariki and Rongomatane Ariki conducted three days apart. By Melina Etches.
Gaining organic certification
Friday 16 July 2021 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, In Depth
New organic certification mechanisms are needed to make the costs worth the benefits. By Monica Evans of Global Landscapes Forum.
The Maori Vision of Antarctica’s Future
Wednesday 7 July 2021 | Written by The New York Times | Published in Features, In Depth
Maori may have been first to reach Antarctica, in the seventh century. But the past matters less than what lies ahead, Indigenous scholars say. By Sabrina Imbler from the New York Times.
Training the Next Generation of Indigenous Data Scientists
Wednesday 30 June 2021 | Written by The New York Times | Published in Features, In Depth
A new workshop explores the right of Indigenous people to govern the collection, ownership and use of their biological and cultural data. By Sabrina Imbler from the New York Times.
Keanui’s biodiversity bonanza
Saturday 5 June 2021 | Written by Gerald McCormack | Published in Features, In Depth
Residents often talk about Cook Islands biodiversity, but few have discovered as many unrecorded species as six-year-old Keanui Selam. His recent insect-catching expeditions led to the discovery of eight unrecorded species of Heteroptera, a group of insects known as true bugs, or typical bugs. By Gerald McCormack of the Natural Heritage Trust.
The challenges of drafting legislation in microstates
Saturday 5 June 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Features, In Depth
A decade ago, the powers that be decided the Cook Islands needed updated companies legislation and a digital registry of companies allowed to do business in the country. It was a ‘smart government’ initiative, where services offered by the state are efficient, cost-effective, and allow people to avoid the agony of long queues. But sometimes the best of intentions can lead to unintended consequences.
Super Flower Blood Moon tonight
Monday 24 May 2021 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, In Depth
Some people will still remember the solar eclipse in July 2010. For the next one we must wait until the morning of April 8 2024, but it will be only a partial eclipse from all islands of the Cook Islands, when the sun rises. But it’s not only solar eclipses that can beautify the local sky. Another opportunity to see something special is coming tonight. By Petr Horálek.
Another Group of Scientists Calls for Further Inquiry Into Origins of the Coronavirus
Thursday 20 May 2021 | Written by The New York Times | Published in Features, In Depth
A group of 18 scientists stated in a letter published in the journal Science that there is not enough evidence to decide whether a natural origin or an accidental laboratory leak caused the COVID-19 pandemic.
