Features
Day 6: Rough seas can’t dampen vaka voyage spirits
Friday 17 May 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Weekend
Vaka Marumaru Atua left Rarotonga for Hawaii, to attend the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture from June 6-16, on Friday morning.
Customs officer inspires next generation
Thursday 16 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
In celebration of the International Day for Women in Maritime to be observed tomorrow (Friday, May 17), Maria Matua-Ioane, the chief customs officer, shares her insights to inspire the next generation to consider a career in this dynamic and fundamental sector.
‘This is a celebration for us’: Matavera women gather to celebrate life after loss
Tuesday 14 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Te Au Vaine Purotu o Takitumu group of women gathered to celebrate motherhood, and their own lives despite facing the difficulties of losing their partners/husbands.
Cook Islands women making waves in maritime industry
Tuesday 14 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Technology, Weekend
Cook Islands women in the maritime industry will gather on Friday to recognise their achievements and presence in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
Cook Islander finds dream job on luxury yachts
Monday 13 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local
Inspired by his family’s maritime heritage, a Cook Islander, who works on a luxurious superyacht sailing the world, encourages others to pursue a similar career.
Te Au Vaine Purotu o Takitumu celebrates motherhood and resilience
Monday 13 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Celebrating motherhood, resilience, and unity, widowed women from Vaka Takitumu have come together to celebrate their strength, support, and their invaluable role as mothers.
Senior dancers captivate audience with spectacular performances
Saturday 11 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
A sensational performance by the talented Te Mire Ura Senior dancers on Thursday night left the over 1000-strong audience awestruck.
A feast for the eyes: Umukai transports viewers to the Cook Islands
Saturday 11 May 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Features
Three walls of paintings, Bergman Gallery at the Aotearoa Art Fair was a multiplicity of colours, forms, practices and voices that told stories from across the Pacific region, writes Rachel Smith.
A sea of opportunity: Mitiaro native sails on voyage of self-discovery
Saturday 11 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
A Cook Islander living in New Zealand has joined the crew of Vaka Marumaru Atua on its 25-day voyage to Hawaii to participate in the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture and learn from master navigator Captain Peia Patai.
Vaka Marumaru Atua crew embarks on cultural voyage to Hawaii
Saturday 11 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
After a week of waiting for fair winds to lead them on their way, the Vaka Marumaru Atua crew was farewelled at Avarua wharf yesterday morning at 8am by family, friends, and Kōrero O Te `Ōrau organisation.
Church Talk: Glorify God in serving others
Friday 10 May 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
God has graced us with spiritual gifts so we may use these to edify each other for humble service in the Body of Christ, writes Tangata Vainerere, historian at CICC Heritage Centre.
Breaking barriers in filmmaking: Award winning director creates first Pacific film in sign language
Thursday 9 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
In an important milestone for the Pacific film industry, local filmmaker Glenda Tuaine has been awarded a prestigious fellowship funding from the Pacific Islanders in Communications (PIC) to create her latest short film, ‘Deaf Girl Dancing’. Melina Etches reports.
Sew good! Vaimaanga women keep tradition alive while making a living
Thursday 9 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Business, Features, Local, National
Selling tie-dye bed sheets or pareu is not only a source of income, but also a way of keeping the art of hand printing or tie-dye alive for young mothers and older women.
Film Raro2 returns to empower storytellers
Wednesday 8 May 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Rarotonga is set to host a digital capacity-building and filmmaking project called Film Raro2.
Family passion fuels Mateariki
Wednesday 8 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Te Mire Ura Dancer of the Year competition continue this week with the senior division competitors, aged 17 and over, hitting the dance floor on Thursday, May 9, at Te Are Karioi (National Auditorium), from 6pm.
Stuck in the doldrums? Vaka Marumaru Atua crew waits for fair winds
Wednesday 8 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Tourism, Weekend
Eager to set sail for the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (Festpac 2024) in Hawai’i from June 6–16, the Vaka Marumaru Atua crew awaits favourable northwesterly winds for their departure from Rarotonga.
Super mum: Young mum shares her journey of motherhood
Saturday 4 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Other Sports, Weekend
Young mothers face challenges every day, and local rugby league player Sunielia Tom’s message is to live in the moment, avoid stressing yourself out, be patient with your child, and find strength in prayer.
Young dancers steal the show at Te Mire Ura Dancer of the Year comp
Saturday 4 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
A group of exceptionally talented Potiki kids took centre stage at Te Are Karioi National Auditorium on Thursday night, charming the delighted audience with their awe-inspiring performances.
Setting sail for the future
Saturday 4 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Tourism, Weekend
Vaka Marumaru Atua voyage to the Festival of Pacific Arts in Hawaii aims to revive traditional navigation techniques and celebrate cultural heritage, with a young crew mentored by experienced navigators.
Church Talk: ‘Our most holy faith’ To tatou akarongo maata rava atu
Friday 3 May 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Jesus paid a great price, an ultimate sacrifice of His own Godly life for the salvation of all in the world – but with the gift of freedom of choice – “that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life”, writes Bishop Tutai Pere of the Apostolic Church.
