Features
$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.
‘The tī was coffee’: Mangaia relives its café past
Tuesday 25 June 2024 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
If you think sipping lattes is a sign of Ponsonby-style modernity – think again. Mangaia was doing it a century ago, writes Rod Dixon.
A family dynasty built on hard work and humility
Tuesday 25 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features
The Anae siblings, all elite athletes in their respective sports, credit their strong work ethic, instilled by their Cook Islander mother, for their success.
CINAT team having a blast in Hawaii, dismisses stranded rumours
Saturday 22 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Cultural expert and one of the team leaders of the Cook Islands National Arts Theatre (CINAT) performing arts team, Mark Short says the team is fine and enjoying their time in Hawaii.
Young drummers steal the show
Saturday 22 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
Apii Avarua has again proved its prowess in the annual Rarotonga primary schools Tangi Ka’ara Drumming Competition winning the champion trophy on Thursday night.
Evans earns Masters and Honorary Doctorate
Saturday 22 June 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Education, Environment, Features, National, Weekend
Renowned Cook Islands marine conservationist Jacqueline Evans had a double celebration recently – graduating from her year-long studies at Harvard University and receiving an Honorary Doctorate from the Université du Littoral Côte d'Opale (ULCO) in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France.
Cook Islands leaves lasting impression at FestPAC
Saturday 22 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The lively iconic neighbourhood of Waikiki in Honolulu, Hawai’i – a world-renowned tourist destination – played host to a celebration of the rich cultures of 27 Pasifika nations.
Tereora, Titikaveka vie for Tangi Ka’ara title
Friday 21 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
A group of enthusiastic Api’i Tuarua secondary school students will perform in tonight’s highly anticipated CITC Pump the Beats Emo’anga Tangi Ka’ara Drumming Competition at the National Auditorium.
Looking back, looking forward: Mangaia reflects on 200 years of Christianity
Friday 21 June 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Mangaia celebrated 200 years of Christianity with a week-long festival featuring chants, dances, historical reenactments, book launches and memorial plaque unveilings.
‘Miscommunication’ sparks confusion, Cook Islands delegation ‘not stranded’
Thursday 20 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
The Cook Islands delegation attending the FestPAC in Honolulu clarified that they are not stranded and are returning home in two groups due to pre-planned limited flight seat availability.
Four honoured for dedication to public service and community
Tuesday 18 June 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
Cook Islands Government has announced four recipients of the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours awards, three of them women, honoured for their service to health, mental health, education, culture, and the community.
Rarotonga a special place for New Zealand Minister Jones
Monday 17 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, New Zealand, Regional, Weekend
New Zealand’s Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Shane Jones’ visits to Rarotonga are not just a break from his political and ministerial duties; they’re also a chance to reconnect with friends.
Young Cook Islands leader encourages youth: “Never be afraid, take up challenges”
Monday 17 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Features
Nineteen-year-old Nicolea Mateariki, who returned from representing Cook Islands at the Young Pacific Leaders Forum during 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC), has a message for young people: “Never be afraid, and always take up challenges.”
Pacific voyaging organisations forge new path of collaboration
Monday 17 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
A gathering of all the voyaging organisations from Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia, including around 10 Pwo navigators, was held last week before master navigator Peia Patai and Vaka Marumaru Atua left Hawai’i for Rarotonga on Saturday.
Mangaia Bicentennial ends on a high note
Monday 17 June 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features, National, Outer Islands
The weeklong of festivities came to an emotional closing on Saturday with thousands converging at the Bicentennial Arena for the official farewell ceremony of the Mangaia Bicentennial Celebration.
Hawaiian carvers defend protocols, Tavioni says ‘It is a Pacific Festival and not Hawaiian only’
Monday 17 June 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Art, Features, Local, National, Regional
A group of Hawaiian carvers responded to accusations that a respected female Cook Islands carver was barred from the official carving area at the 13th Pacific Arts Festival and Culture in Honolulu due to a kapu on women carvers.
‘Love our little paradise’ : Cook Islands unites for World Oceans Day
Saturday 15 June 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Environment, Features, National
A local non-government organisation nears harvesting a milestone 10,000 crown-of-thorns starfish from Rarotonga reefs since launching Operation Taramea in 2020.
Mangaia’s Craft and Trade a sell-out success!
Saturday 15 June 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Features
The Craft and Trade Exhibition during the Mangaia Bicentennial Celebration ended yesterday at the Oneroa Market.
Cook Islands drum up excitement at FestPAC with captivating shows
Saturday 15 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The pulsating drums, magnificent performers, vibrant costumes and skilled artisans from Cook Islands are capturing crowds at the 13th Pacific Arts Festival and Culture in Honolulu, Hawai’i, with their captivating shows and highly crafted artistic skills.
From floods to ‘real rainbow’: Artist returns to Rarotonga with uplifting exhibition
Saturday 15 June 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Art, Features
After losing his house in the devastating Auckland floods, a New Zealand artist returned to Rarotonga for the first time in five years to showcase his latest exhibition, a collection he describes as a ‘real rainbow’.
