Features
Cook Islands joins Pacific nations in exhilarating FestPAC opening ceremony
Friday 7 June 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) in Honolulu, Hawaii, got off to an exhilarating start with Cook Islands and other Pacific nations showcasing their vibrant culture on stage last night.
Papa Tapi Taio leaves lasting legacy
Friday 7 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Memory Lane
A huge crowd including close family and friends gathered yesterday to bid their final farewell and respects to Pera Mataiapo Tutara Tapi Teremoana Taio, a well-known former Cabinet Minister and businessman who dedicated his life to the community.
Warm welcome for Marumaru Atua crew as FestPAC opens in Hawai’i
Thursday 6 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Thousands gathered at Mokapu in Kāneʻohe Bay yesterday morning for the Waʻa Ceremony, which kicked off the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) from June 6-16 in Hawaii.
Cook Islands community in Hawaii thrilled to reconnect with delegation
Wednesday 5 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
The Cook Islands community in Hawai’i is enjoying the cherished opportunity to reconnect with families and friends, while also making new connections with the visiting Cook Islands delegation. Melina Etches reports from Honolulu.
‘We’re step ahead of everybody’ Cook Islands leads race to host 2032 FestPAC
Wednesday 5 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Cook Islands is one of the two countries that has submitted its bid to host the 2032 Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC). Melina Etches reports from Honolulu, Hawaii.
Cook Islands performers gear up for FestPAC debut in Hawai’i
Wednesday 5 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
After months of intense rehearsals, the Cook Islands National Arts Theatre (CINAT) performers are “really excited” to showcase their culture at the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) in Hawaii.
Spectacular send-off: CINAT wows crowd with FestPAC performances
Tuesday 4 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Rarotonga residents got a sneak peek of Team Cook Islands’ performances for the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) during a special fundraising event at the National Auditorium on Friday night.
Aloha! Cook Islands delegation arrives in Hawaii for FestPAC 2024
Tuesday 4 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
The 160-member Cook Islands team has arrived in Honolulu, Hawaii, ready to participate in the upcoming 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) from June 6-16.
‘We want to show the rest of the world who we are’
Saturday 1 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
A sense of anticipation and cultural pride is amongst the Cook Islands delegation as they prepare to depart Rarotonga tomorrow evening for Honolulu, Hawaii. for the highly acclaimed 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) to be held from June 6-16.
Island time and warm smiles
Saturday 1 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local, Weekend
Cook Islands News senior journalist Melina Etches recently visited Atiu to cover the Tamariki Api’i Kūki ʻĀirani – TAKA Educational Trust sponsorship handover. While there, she delved into the island’s unique lifestyle, exploring cultural sites and meeting the welcoming locals.
Cook Islands sets an example for Pacific women in politics: Clark
Saturday 1 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, In Depth, Weekend
An advocate for women parliamentarians, former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark says the Cook Islands sets an example for other Pacific Island countries when it comes to female representation in Parliament.
Local students participate in Chinese comp
Saturday 1 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Education, Features, National
A Chinese Bridge Competition held at the University of the South Pacific (USP) Cook Islands Campus this week saw students participating in Chinese language and proficiency and discussing their understanding of the Chinese culture.
Church talk: Judge not
Friday 31 May 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
When it comes to our own prejudices and grievances, we often justify our anger as righteous and our judgment as reliable and only appropriate, writes Kayla Kaimarama-Willie of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Local chefs get culinary boost
Friday 31 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Food, Local, National
The first CITC Culinary Workshop Series drew around 40 food professionals from the hospitality industry on the island.
Opposition MPs walk out of PAC over chair appointment
Friday 31 May 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Features, National, Parliament, Politics
The three Opposition Members of Parliament have quit the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) over the appointment of the new chair, leaving four Government MPs reviewing the Appropriation Bill 2024-25.
Cook Islands unveils stunning uniforms for FestPAC
Friday 31 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
With just two more sleeps until their departure, the 160-strong Cook Islands delegation to Honolulu, Hawai’i for the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) is making final arrangements for the world’s largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders.
Children’s author sparks elemental shift in Cook Islands Māori
Thursday 30 May 2024 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Art, Features
A children’s book author is working to introduce new words into the Cook Islands Māori language, which if successful will make the Cook Islands the first Pasifika nation to expand their language into sciences such as physics, chemistry and biology.
Atiu’s passionate guardian: Jim revives culture and connects youth to heritage
Thursday 30 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local, National, Outer Islands
A humble, unassuming and skillful young man, Joshua Jim is a passionate guardian of his home island Atiu’s cultural heritage.
Team Cook Islands prepares for FestPAC with fundraising concert
Wednesday 29 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Cook Islands is sending a 160-member delegation to the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture in Hawaii, with a fundraising concert and official send-off planned before their departure.
Decades of dedication: Ngametua pledges continued service to women’s fellowship
Wednesday 29 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National
Mata o te au Orometua Vaine Ngateitei, Akevai Ngametua, president of the Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) Women’s Fellowship, has been “serving God” alongside her husband Orometua Ngateitei Reverend Moutaiki Ngametua for over four decades.
