Features
Beyond the numbers: How tourism benefits everyday life in the Cook Islands
Saturday 2 March 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Business, Economy, Features, Go Local, National, Tourism, Weekend
January saw a record breaking 10,368 visitors arrive on our shores. They’re staying longer, and spending more on average. But what do these facts and figures look like in the daily lives of Cook Islanders? Cook Islands News journalist Candice Luke spoke to locals about how the tourist dollar is affecting them, their families, and their businesses right now.
Aere ra e Papa Harry: A tribute to the life and legacy of beloved Suwarrow Park Ranger
Saturday 2 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
“Suwarrow belongs to you and me and to every Cook Islander. This is our home. We have the responsibility to protect and to take care of our home.” – Tuakeu “Harry” Papai.
Turning illness into inspiration, Upokoina’s story of resilience
Saturday 2 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Upokoina Bishop-Cuthers, a Cook Islands woman who battled cancer, created her own homeware brand CuBis Creations to inspire others and support her family.
Artist gifts Cook Islands themed collection to university
Saturday 2 March 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Art, Features
University of South Pacific’s Rarotonga campus has received a donation of 11 screen printed original works by New Zealand-based artist Jean Loomis.
Church Talk: Ignite your prayer life
Friday 1 March 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Greetings to all you lovely people: To those who are prayer lovers and prayer warriors. I thought to bring our message this morning in support and recognition of the Women’s International Prayer Day coming shortly. I thought how fitting this message is for all of us to ignite our prayer life.
Vaka voyage sails to silver screen in fight for ocean health
Thursday 29 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Entertainment, Features
In 2021, a special voyage was taken by three Cook Islands non-government organisations. Cook Islands Voyaging Society, Kōrero o te ‘Ōrau, and Te Ipukarea Society teamed up for a tour to each of the 15 islands, a first for the traditional vaka Marumaru Atua.
Ma’uke Mission: Exploring 200 years of London Missionary Society connection
Saturday 24 February 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
A book which captures some aspects of the London Missionary Society connections with Ma’uke, will be launched next week.
Descendants reunite across the Pacific
Saturday 24 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane
Over 300 descendants from Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, Tahiti, Marquesas, Rarotonga, and Mangaia participated in the George Outher Brown Reunion this week at Te Are Kariori National Auditorium.
Apostolic Church of the Cook Islands bids farewell to Samoan graduates
Saturday 24 February 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
The Apostolic Church of the Cook Islands bid farewell to three Samoan students who recently completed their five to six years of training in Rarotonga and graduated as full-time pastors and evangelists.
Avarua landmark falls: Iconic flamboyant tree cut down after 130 years
Saturday 24 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane
The iconic flamboyant tree that graced the Avarua roundabout in town for around 130 years is no more.
Church Talk: Did Jesus just ignore her?
Friday 23 February 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
It is in God’s nature to be gracious, and compassionate, full of mercy, so quick to forgive and so slow to become angry, and many verses in the Bible testify to His nature, writes Pastor Paul Kauri, the General Superintendent of Cook Islands Assemblies of God.
Friends use humour, fun in bid to save Cook Islands language
Saturday 17 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Art, Features
Three friends in Christchurch are using their online platform Kūki Learning to teach Cook Islands Māori language and culture in a fun and engaging way, despite facing challenges with limited time and resources.
Personal trainer fights for a happier, healthier community
Saturday 17 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National
Heart diseases, stroke, and heart attack made up 53 per cent of NCD (non-communicable disease) deaths in the Cook Islands from October to December last year. A new grassroots initiative ‘Gym and Juice Club’ may help to battle the Cook Islands’ increasing NCD diagnoses and waistlines.
‘You now have your new shepherd’: Cook Islands Catholic prepares for new bishop
Saturday 17 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features
Pope Francis has appointed Reverend Father Reynaldo Bunyi Getalado, M.S.P., as the new coadjutor bishop of Cook Islands. Fr. Getalado is a Filipino priest who has served in various locations throughout his career, including Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, and Tuvalu. Melina Etches reports.
Church talk: Unity through diversity in faith
Thursday 15 February 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Our 200-year history of Christianity, whether we are part of our more traditional churches, or our more vibrant faith communities, should stand to confirm that the Lord lives in all our faith communities.
Young entrepreneur spreads culture and joy through temporary tattoos
Wednesday 14 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Art, Business, Features, Local
A young Cook Islands teen runs a successful temporary tattoo business at the market, connecting with customers through his art and cultural heritage.
Cook Islands, NZ leaders celebrate Waitangi Day, pledge stronger ties
Saturday 10 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Waitangi Day and the first visit of Aotearoa New Zealand’s new Deputy Prime Minister, Winston Peters, and Minister of Health and Pacific Peoples, Dr Shane Reti, was marked with a special garden reception at Ngātipā, the official residence of New Zealand. New Zealand High Commissioner Tui Dewes hosted the special evening on Wednesday, February 7, attended by around 200 people.
Heather invested as new Tamakeu Mataiapo
Saturday 10 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Features, National, Weekend
Joseph Heather was invested as the new Tamakeu Mataiapo of Teimurimotia, a traditional title also held by his late mother Puretu a Tangiiau Api Heather, in a ceremony attended by hundreds and marked by cultural significance.
Pacific first: Wichman wins prestigious human rights award
Saturday 10 February 2024 | Written by RNZ | Published in Features, Weekend
Valery Wichman, a leading figure in the Cook Islands’ LGBTQI+ movement, was presented with the Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law in Wellington.
God hears the cries of the innocent
Friday 9 February 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
“And He (God) said, what hast thou done? The voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto Me from the ground … Kua tuatua maira Aia (te Atua), I aa na koe? Te kapiki maira te reo o te toto o toou teina Kiaku, mei te one maira.” – Genesis 4: 8-12.
