Features
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’.
Aunty Kura inspires young at FestPAC
Friday 14 June 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
In Pacific dance and creative circles, Aunty Kura Taruia needs no introduction.
Ukulele maker’s act of kindness at FestPAC Hawai’i
Friday 14 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
As the vibrant energy of the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) thrums through the streets of Honolulu, Ricky Adamu, the renowned ukulele maker, has his own story that extends beyond his exceptional craftsmanship.
Church Talk: ‘Like Father, like Son – Mei te Metua, e mei te Tamaiti’
Friday 14 June 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
To be truly holy and live according to God’s will, we must strive to love, care for, and get along with all people, regardless of their beliefs or actions. Otherwise, we, as members of the church, risk being no different from the unsaved and unbelievers, lacking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, writes Bishop Tutai Pere of the Apostolic Church.
Atiu artisan keeps traditional Ava art alive at FestPAC 2024
Thursday 13 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Tereapii Ardmore Manu from the island of Atiu is embracing the traditional art of transforming the humble Ava (banyan) tree root bark into a stunning array of decorative and functional items.
Pacific traditional leaders sign Tuurama Ariki Declaration
Thursday 13 June 2024 | Written by RNZ | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
A historic meeting of traditional leaders has been a poignant moment at the 50th anniversary Pacific arts and culture festival in Hawai'i.
Chipping away at perfection: Cook Islands carvers captivate crowds at FestPAC
Thursday 13 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Amidst the vibrant cultural performances and artistic demonstrations at the 13th Pacific Arts Festival in Honolulu, skilled carvers from the Cook Islands have set up their workspace under the shade of a large, fruit-bearing mango tree at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, Hawai’i.
Unveiling of monuments marks emotional day at Mangaia Bicentennial
Wednesday 12 June 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, National, Outer Islands
The unveiling of the monuments in Oneroa was the highlight of day three of the Mangaia Bicentennial Celebration on Monday.
FestPAC gathering strengthens Pacific identity
Wednesday 12 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
As the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) enters its second week, Cook Islands Consul General in Aotearoa New Zealand, Keu Mataroa, expresses his deep appreciation for the rich cultural artistry and talent showcased in Honolulu, Hawai’i.
Pump the Beats returns with new format for 2024
Wednesday 12 June 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The Cook Islands Trading Corporation (CITC) is excited to announce the return of the highly anticipated CITC Pump the Beats – Te Emo’anga Tangi Kaara Challenge for 2024.
Cultural clash at FestPAC: Respected female carver excluded due to gender protocol
Wednesday 12 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Culture, Editor's Pick, Entertainment, Features, Local, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
A respected female Cook Islands carver, Awhitia Tavioni, was excluded from the official carving area at the 13th Pacific Arts Festival and Culture in Hawai’i due to a local kapu (rule) against women carvers, sparking a debate about cultural protocols and gender equality.
Resort celebrates leadership milestone with staff graduation
Tuesday 11 June 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National
In a testament to its commitment to nurturing talent and leadership, The Edgewater Resort and Spa recently held a graduation ceremony for 21 team members who successfully completed its 12-week Step Up Leadership Training Programme.
Bataillard shares gift of traditional massage at Festival of Pacific Arts
Tuesday 11 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
When her daughter Tepaeru was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Tekura Nancy Bataillard found herself searching for and discovering through her own personal journey the healing mana of natural remedies and traditional massage.
‘Come back home, Mangaia needs you’: Numangatini Tangitamaiti Ariki makes emotional plea at Bicentennial
Tuesday 11 June 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National, Outer Islands
Numangatini Ariki has made a humble plea with the visiting Mangaians to return home during the opening ceremony of the island’s Bicentennial Celebration on Saturday.
‘Strengthen our culture … Not cut and paste from New Zealand’
Tuesday 11 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Culture, Education, Features, National
“Strengthen our culture” was the message of the 19-year-old Cook Islander Nicolea Mateariki at the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) Young Pacific Leaders sessions in Honolulu, Hawai’i.
