Features
Unfavourable winds delay Vaka Marumaru Atua’s departure for FestPAC Hawaii
Friday 3 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Unfavourable winds have delayed the much-anticipated departure of Vaka Marumaru Atua to Hawaii.
Headstone unveiling completes long journey for WWI soldier
Wednesday 1 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local
In a moving ceremony, the final chapter of a World War I soldier’s journey was completed as his headstone, which had been uplifted from another location, was finally placed on his grave.
Following in dad’s footsteps: Tamaiti-Phareily ready for Te Mire Ura debut
Tuesday 30 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, National
Captivated by the admiration he draws from his father, seven-year-old Tamaiti-Phareily Samson is participating in Te Mire Ura, Potiki (Junior) section culture competition on Thursday this week.
Historic ordination marks new chapter for Catholic Diocese
Monday 29 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National
In a significant and deeply moving ceremony, the Catholic Diocese of Rarotonga, Cook Islands, and guests witnessed an historic event – the Episcopal Ordination of their new coadjutor bishop, Reynaldo Bunyi Getalado, M.S.P., Bishop-elect.
Catholic diocese holds ordination ceremony for new coadjutor bishop
Saturday 27 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features
For the past several months, the Catholic Diocese of Rarotonga, Cook Islands, has been preparing for the ordination of Father Reynaldo Bunyi Getalado from the Mission Society of the Philippines (MSP) as the new coadjutor bishop. The ceremony will take place this morning.
Cook Islands vaka to set sail for Festpac 2024 in Hawaii
Saturday 27 April 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Features, Weekend
Cook Islands traditional canoe Vaka Marumaru Atua will set sail for Hawaii next week to participate in the 2024 Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (Festpac 2024) in Honolulu in June. Cook Islands Voyaging Society explains the country’s long history of sending vaka (voyaging canoes) to the regional cultural event.
Local dancers take centre stage in WiRepa’s show stopping designs
Saturday 27 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, Weekend
In a stunning display of creativity and style, acclaimed Aotearoa New Zealand/Cook Islands fashion designer Kharl-William WiRepa revealed his first fashion show on the island.
Church Talk: The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep
Friday 26 April 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
The imagery of shepherding has become so much part of the Christian mind that it becomes almost invisible, writes Bishop Paul Donoghue of the Catholic Church.
Veterans reflect on sacrifice and camaraderie at Anzac Dawn Parade
Friday 26 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National
The Anzac Day Dawn Parade, held yesterday morning at the cenotaph by the Ministry of Justice building, drew a large crowd of hundreds including the visiting Vietnam veterans from Aotearoa New Zealand.
Hundreds gather to honour fallen at Anzac Day Dawn Parade
Friday 26 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
President for the Cook Islands Boys Brigade Bob Williams (left) leads the uniform organisation representatives for the laying of wreaths during the Anzac Day Dawn Parade service yesterday morning.
Cook Island coastwatchers to be honoured at ANZAC day and beyond
Tuesday 23 April 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Memory Lane
The Cook Island community is preparing to commemorate the service of soldiers and local heroes this Anzac Day in New Zealand.
Out and proud: Miss Thunderhips shines in celebration of diversity
Monday 22 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
In a celebration of Anuanua Week’s talent, diversity, and inclusivity, the electrifying Miss Thunderhips competition took centre stage on Friday night featuring LGBTQ+ contestants, who showcased their talents captivating the enthusiastic full-house audience.
Balancing rights and culture: ‘Hard Talks’ panel discusses progress and challenges
Saturday 20 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
Thought-provoking candid conversations on human rights or tika’anga tangata on the evolving relationship of the LGBTQI Anuanua rights in the Cook Islands shed light on the challenges, progress, and aspirations for individuals in the community and abroad.
Church Talk: The power of words
Friday 19 April 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Have you ever said something in the heat of the moment that you did not mean, but it had a lasting impact on the person you said it to? How did you feel? Kayla Kaimarama-Willie of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints writes.
Catholic community gears up for arrival of new coadjutor bishop
Wednesday 17 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National
The newly appointed coadjutor bishop arrives in Rarotonga tonight to assist the retiring Bishop before eventually succeeding him.
Anuanua Festival marks historic shift towards equality in the Cook Islands
Monday 15 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Cook Islands celebrated the first anniversary of decriminalising same-sex relations with an art exhibition and speeches that highlighted the progress made towards a more inclusive society.
Tikotikoca wins Anuanua Wearable Art Piece Competition
Monday 15 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
Quincy Tikotikoca won the first-placing award in the 2024 Anuanua Wearable Art Piece competition for her stunning gown modelled by Kelera Ratu.
Faith and family fuel new bakery
Saturday 13 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Go Local, Hot on the Rock
Avarua Bakery has ventured into a brand new and exciting bakery retail business after the Covid-19 pandemic forced closure of their previous retail venture.
Anuanua Festival kicks off with dazzling wearable art competition
Saturday 13 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
In a fusion of art, fashion, and innovation, the dazzling Anuanua Wearable Art Piece competition took centre stage this week, captivating the judges and audience with its exceptional display of creativity and skill.
Church Talk: Our pursuit of God requires grit
Friday 12 April 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
I have learnt over the years that progress is neither swift nor easy and that success requires grit, writes Pastor Eric Toleafoa of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
