Features
Young crew members grow through challenges during historic voyage
Tuesday 9 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local
Vaka Marumaru Atua arrived home safely on Saturday from an “amazing” 21-day open ocean journey from Honolulu, Hawai’i. The crew of 16 completed the historic Transpacific voyage, showcasing impressive seafaring skills and the traditional wayfinding knowledge of the Pacific.
Insurance provider celebrates nine years in Cooks, pledges continued commitment
Monday 8 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National
A regional insurance company celebrated its ninth anniversary in the Cook Islands, highlighting its commitment to the local community and its achievements in providing insurance services.
Atiu dancers gear up for Te Maeva Nui despite late start
Monday 8 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The 2024 Te Maeva Nui Atiu cultural group is coming off strong with their preparations for the upcoming annual national cultural event.
Warm welcome for Vaka Marumaru Atua crew back in Rarotonga
Monday 8 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
On Saturday, hundreds welcomed the voyaging crew at Avarua Harbour, led by a pe’e from Tuaine Unuia - Anautoa Rangatira and spokesperson for Makea Karika George Ariki, followed by speeches from Kaumaiti Nui – Travel Tou Ariki and Deputy Prime Minister Albert Nicholas.
Giving ‘help and hope’ to build healthy relationships without violence
Saturday 6 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Go Local, Health, Local, National, Weekend
They say it takes a community to raise a child, and for new Te Punanga Ora’anga Matutu’s (TePOM) coordinator Rick Currie, it is quite simple; it will take a community to help reduce domestic violence and the issues surrounding it, especially for men.
Bradlee Anae living his dream as NFL player in America
Saturday 6 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Rugby league, Sports, Weekend
Bradlee Joseph Ioane Anae is living his dream.
String band battle closes Te 'Epetoma ō te reo Māori
Saturday 6 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Sounds of strings and song echoed through the Are Karioi Nui as six government department teams battled for the string band champion title, closing off Te ‘Epetoma ō te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani. Apii Avarua’s vibrant string band team led by Principal Engia Baxter featured women and just one male singing their hearts out on […]
Te Ra O Te Ui Ariki focuses on keeping traditional titles out of court
Saturday 6 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Features, National
Te Ra O Te Ui Ariki, a public holiday celebrated on the first Friday of July every year, pays tribute to the Ui Ariki, and Aronga Mana (traditional leaders) of the Cook Islands.
Church talk: Embracing God’s Abundance in Our Lives
Saturday 6 July 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Living in the Cook Islands, surrounded by the blue Pacific Ocean and vibrant island culture, it's easy to see the blessings that God has bestowed upon us. Yet, amidst the beauty, we often face challenges that test our faith and resilience, writes Pastor Eric Toleafoa of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Tatau, tatā and tuatua Māori - read, write and speak
Wednesday 3 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Education, Features, National
Tauranga Vananga Minister George “Maggie” Angene has called on Members of Parliament to do their part in preserving reo Māori Kūki 'Āirani by speaking the language during Parliament sittings.
Recognition for Pacific Coastwatchers ‘bittersweet’
Wednesday 3 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
More than 80 years after their service, Pacific Island Coastwatchers who kept watch for enemy aircraft and ships during World War II – fought between 1939 and 1945 – were formally acknowledged earlier this week in a poignant ceremony.
Tears and gratitude: Bishop Donoghue retires after 13 years of service
Tuesday 2 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features
Bishop Paul Patrick Donoghue retired after over a decade of service as Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Rarotonga, Cook Islands, paving the way for Bishop Reynaldo Bunyi Getalado’s installation as the new leader
Bishop Getalado takes the helm of the Catholic Diocese of Rarotonga
Monday 1 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features
Coadjutor Bishop Reynaldo Bunyi Getalado m.s.p has been installed as the new bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Rarotonga, Cook Islands.
Ex police officer brings back private investigation services
Saturday 29 June 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, Features, Go Local, Local, National, Weekend
A 51-year-old former police intelligence officer of 15 years, Allan Rua, is transitioning his skills and abilities to a private investigation service, a first on the island after many years.
Unplanned power outages disrupt businesses, tourism in Rarotonga
Saturday 29 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Economy, Features, In Depth, Local, National, Technology, Weekend
Unexpected power outages in Rarotonga caused frustration and disruption to businesses and residents, raising questions about the reliability of the power grid despite recent upgrades. By Losirene Lacanivalu, Talaia Mika and Melina Etches.
Church Talk: He set me free from my fear
Friday 28 June 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
A number of years ago when Tania and I were still living in Auckland, I scaled “my” hill, a place I often visit to pray. From this place I would often pray and watch over our city, and the 49,000+ citizens who lived within her boundaries, at that time.
Honouring the forgotten: Cook Islands coastwatchers to receive recognition
Thursday 27 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National
Cook Islanders are among the 25 Pacific Islands coastwatchers who will be recognised by New Zealand’s Governor-General for their service during World War II.
Niue community hostel fundraiser raises $325,000
Thursday 27 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Niue, Regional, Weekend
The Cook Islands Niue Community and Friends (CINCF) monster raffle fundraiser raised $325,000.
Eight teams gear up for annual Cook Islands’ cultural spectacle
Thursday 27 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
Te Maeva Nui, the nation’s biggest and most prestigious cultural celebration of the country’s self-governance, is gearing up to hit the stage at the end of next month.
$250k FestPAC investment ‘money well spent’ on culture, says Kairua
Wednesday 26 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
Cook Islands’ budget for the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC), which wrapped up in Honolulu, Hawaii over a week ago, was around a quarter of a million dollars.
