Features
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.
Mangaia’s Bicentennial Celebration opens with grand ceremony
Monday 10 June 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Church Talk, Environment, Features, Local, National
Mangaia came to a standstill on Saturday for the historic Bicentennial Celebration’s opening ceremony, marking 200 years of Christianity on the island.
Mangaia triples in size: Island gears up to feed 1000 visitors for Bicentennial Celebration
Saturday 8 June 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
A celebratory atmosphere fills Mangaia as hundreds arrive for the long-awaited Bicentennial Celebration kicking off today with the official opening ceremony.
New book explores impact of Christianity on Mangaia
Saturday 8 June 2024 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Church Talk, Features, Memory Lane
Mangaia accepted Christianity 200 years ago this month. A permanent peace – te au o te Evangeria - was the main dividend of the new religion and, according to a new book to be launched this weekend, peace justified the sacrifice of ancient customs and traditions to achieve, writes Rod Dixon.
Carrying on Jack Cooper’s legacy
Saturday 8 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National, Weekend
Bound by a love for Rarotonga and a chance encounter with a dog named Lulu, the new owners of Trader Jacks aim to uphold the legacy of its founder, the late Jack Cooper.
‘We heard the call, we came’: Cook Islands delegation electrifies audience at FestPAC
Saturday 8 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
A spirit of unity and deep emotional pride in celebrating the unique cultures of the Pacific permeated the air at the opening ceremony of the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) in Honolulu, Hawaii on Thursday night. Melina Etches reports from Honolulu.
A life of ups and downs
Saturday 8 June 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Weekend
Cook Islander Helen Henry reflects on the life of Lady June Hillary, who passed away recently.
Church Talk: Let me see again
Friday 7 June 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
I am aware that as I step down as Catholic bishop of the diocese of Rarotonga, I have to be ready to lay aside many of the privileges that have come my way as head of a church, writes Bishop Paul Donoghue of the Catholic Church.
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.
