Features
Sunset on the season: Final cruise ship for the year
Monday 18 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Features, Weekend
The final cruise ship for the year, AIDAsol, arrived in Rarotonga yesterday, carrying over 1400 passengers.
C+ to cinematic success
Saturday 16 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Entertainment, Features
From a C+ on the only film paper he sat in university to writing and directing shorts and feature films, Hamish Bennett says developing a “unique voice” is the key to standing out in the entertainment industry. Joanne Holden reports.
From flycatchers to forests : How the Cook Islands are championing nature
Saturday 16 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, Features, National, Weekend
Home to the Rarotonga flycatcher, Cook Islands fruit-dove and coconut crab, the 15 South Pacific islands that comprise the nation have a rich natural heritage. Around 60 per cent of the nation’s land is still covered by tropical forest, and its lagoons and seas have an abundance of diverse marine life.
Big turnout for festive park event
Saturday 16 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Entertainment, Features
Rarotonga’s annual Christmas in the Park has enjoyed its “best turnout” in years with more than 2000 people coming together for an evening of festive cheer. Joanne Holden reports.
Considering the 2023 Tainted Cryptocurrency : Recovery Bill Civil liberties, privacy and due process
Saturday 16 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Features, National, Weekend
This week the 2023 Tainted Cryptocurrency Recovery Bill was tabled in Parliament and referred to a select committee for consideration and report. Cook Islands crypto expert, Ano Tisam says the Bill, making its way through Parliament, raises some serious concerns about civil liberties, privacy and due process. Melina Etches reports.
Church Talk: Christmas celebrates God’s love
Friday 15 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Christmas is more than just a holiday or tradition. At its heart, Christmas is about love; the love that our Heavenly Father has for all of us, writes Tamatoa Jonassen of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Taane returns with ‘One Man Band’ show
Thursday 14 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
One of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most beloved musicians, Tiki Taane, is finally back in Rarotonga and ready to take the stage at Trios Garden Bar this Friday (tomorrow).
Rarotonga’s annual Christmas at the Park on tonight
Thursday 14 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Entertainment, Features, Local, National
School pupils will be bolstering volunteer numbers at Rarotonga’s annual Christmas at the Park this year as the island community comes together to support the more than $7000 event.
Pope announces new leadership for Cook Islands Catholic Church
Tuesday 12 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National
Pope Francis has appointed Father Reynaldo Bunyi Getalado of the Mission Society of the Philippines (MSP) as new coadjutor bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Rarotonga, Cook Islands.
Aitutaki's newest resort expanding
Monday 11 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, National, Tourism, Weekend
Construction continues on a new Aitutaki resort which opened more than a month early to accommodate the Pacific Islands Forum.
Mum and daughter attend COP28
Monday 11 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
Cook Islands' Nanette Woonton is at the COP28 event in Dubai in her capacity as the Communications and Outreach Advisor for SPREP.
The Castanie Centre: A tribute to founding father of Catholic faith
Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Church Talk, Features
Nestled behind Nukutere College, the country’s 126-year-old first Catholic Church cathedral has been restored, renamed, and blessed. The ‘sacred building’ will now serve as a library, an art centre and a place of gathering for Nukutere College student and the diocese.
Dreams fulfilled: Rarotonga students celebrate academic achievements
Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Features, National, Weekend
This week saw more school prizegiving ceremonies held across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Today, Cook Islands News presents the senior awards list for Apii Avarua, Apii Nikao, and Papaaroa Adventist School.
I still wake up thinking about it: Foster on All Blacks’ Rugby World Cup loss
Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, In Depth, Rugby Union, Sports
The sting of the Rugby World Cup final loss, over a month ago, still lingers for former All Blacks coach Ian Foster as he embarks on the next chapter of his life. Losirene Lacanivalu reports.
Spreading festive cheer on Rarotonga
Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
The Tropical Christmas Committee is pleased with the activities of the festive period which continues today with the Santa on Tour from 8.30am to 11.30am, starting at CITC Supermarket to the Punanga Nui Market and through town.
Church talk: Journey with Jesus this festive season, let Him direct your path
Friday 8 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
With 2023 closing in on us – it’s time once again to plan celebrations for the festive season, writes Pastor Eric Toleafoa from the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
A Cook Islander representing global university Pasifika distance learners
Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features
An Australia-based Cook Islander elected as a student representative for Pasifika distance learners at Massey University is working on forming a “Kuki Club” for students and alumni around the world.
Empowering and beautiful: Next generation of te reo Māori speakers say knowledge is power
Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by RNZ | Published in Art, Features, Pacific Islands, Regional
Members of an Aotearoa New Zealand whānau (family) recently visited Rarotonga as they try to preserve their language and identity for the next generation. By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific Journalist.
Santa’s coming to town (and he’s bringing fireworks!)
Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Art, Features, Local, National
Rotaract Rarotonga is gearing up for its annual Christmas in the Park event, which will be held on Thursday, December 14, at the National Auditorium.
From Manchester to Rarotonga: Global grooves unite in feel-good December concert
Wednesday 6 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
The amazing cello and accordion duo will be gracing the stage tonight, bringing a delightful blend of folk, pop, and even some stripped-back pop punk tunes to a ‘feel-good’ December concert at Tamarind House in Tupapa.
