Features
A taste of Cook Islands at Pacific Partnerships for Prosperity Pavilion
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features, National, Pacific Islands Forum
The pride and flavour of Cook Islands will be on show at the Pacific Partnerships for Prosperity (PPfP) Pavilion, showcasing the work of 55 registered food and crafts vendors and exhibitors, at the Punanga Nui Market next week.
Pacific leaders welcomed in traditional Cook Islands style
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, National, Pacific Islands Forum
Pacific leaders arriving for the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting hosted by the Cook Islands are being welcomed at the Rarotonga International Airport in traditional Cook Islands style, with a traditional chant, riveting drum beats, and enchanting dancers.
Café operators brew-ing up for Pacific Islands Forum
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, Go Local, National, Pacific Islands Forum
Café operators surrounding the venue for a Pacific Islands Forum gathering at the National Auditorium are anticipating patron numbers will reach those of peak tourism season during the event.
Seamstresses sew up a storm for Forum Meeting volunteers
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, Go Local, National, Pacific Islands Forum
The 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting has brought a flurry of activity to the island’s seamstresses as they sew up a storm to diligently produce uniforms for the workers engaged in organising the Forum.
Resort ready to roll out the red carpet (and smiles!)
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Go Local, National, Pacific Islands Forum, Tourism
Nautilus Resort in Muri is ready to welcome Pacific Island leaders who will be attending the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Rarotonga.
Refurbished rooms ready for Forum guests
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Go Local, National, Pacific Islands Forum, Tourism
The Edgewater Resort and Spa and Club Raro Resort are looking forward to welcoming Pacific Islands Forum delegates to their resorts.
Spick and span: Agencies partner to give Rarotonga a facelift for Forum
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, National, Pacific Islands Forum, Weekend
It’s taken six months to get there as Rarotonga looks set to be spick and span for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
Last minute touches as leaders prepare to meet
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, National, Pacific Islands Forum
Thousands of people are anticipated to converge on the National Auditorium (Are Kariori Nui) over the coming week, with months of planning and preparation behind the scenes.
Church Talk: Testimony of Christ
Friday 3 November 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
A testimony does not necessarily just happen spontaneously. Gaining a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ requires some effort, and often comes as a result of obedience to the principles of righteousness in the face of challenges or trials, writes Tamatoa Jonassen of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
A reel deal: Participants get hooked on fun at Annual Reef Fishing Competition
Tuesday 31 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Fishing, Sports, Weekend
Despite unfavourable weather conditions, 74 participants took part in the popular Mama Reef Annual Bamboo Rod Fishing Competition held a week ago on Saturday, October 21.
New pilot programme to provide in-homecare support to elderly and vulnerable in Rarotonga
Monday 30 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features
Rarotonga Home Healthcare ‘Toku Nei Ora’anga Ora – My Health, My Life’, a local privately owned health care service provider on the island is pleased to announce a recent new partnership with Pacific Homecare, a Charitable Trust organisation providing home-based health care and Whānau Ora services in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Men’s Touch team puts faith in youth for Pacific Game
Saturday 28 October 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Pacific Games, Sports, Weekend
The Cook Islands open men’s touch team is gearing up for next month’s Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands with a squad dominated by youth.
Virtues in Paradise: Too blessed to be stressed
Saturday 28 October 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Here in Paradise, we have an abundance of Tall Poppy Syndrome. This happens when someone has a reputation for being responsible, knowledgeable, and helpful and ends up overextended, writes Linda Kavelin-Popov.
Nuku Day brings joy to attendees
Saturday 28 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features
More than 600 members from the six Ekalesia of the Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) on Rarotonga came together on Nuku Day (Gospel Day) celebrations to commemorate and celebrate the arrival of Christianity.
Uproar: A heart-warming, heart-wrenching coming-of-age story
Saturday 28 October 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Entertainment, Features
As the credits rolled on the Cook Islands premiere of New Zealand feature film Uproar on Tuesday night, a packed Empire Theatre erupted in applause.
A century of grace: Whitta credits God for her long life
Saturday 28 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
One of the Cook Islands oldest living persons says there is no secret to long life, other than the ‘Amazing Grace of God’.
Whitta’s 100th birthday a Royal affair
Saturday 28 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
As a delightful surprise during her 100th birthday party on Wednesday, October 25, Tepaeru Whitta nee Araitia was presented with a special birthday card from both King Charles III and the Governor General of New Zealand, courtesy of the King’s Representative, Sir Tom Marsters.
Piho’s turtle bubble photo makes a splash in New Zealand
Friday 27 October 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Features
Award winning Cook Islands photographer Charlotte Piho has been recognised again for her stunning wildlife photography.
Church Talk: Jesus, our anchor of hope
Friday 27 October 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
In a world facing uncertain times, people are looking for answers. They are seeking for hope now more than ever, writes Pastor Eric Toleafoa of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Rarotonga celebrates Nuku Day with biblical dramas and joyous singing
Friday 27 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features
A good crowd of over 200 visitors and locals gathered at Teimurimotia Park in Titikaveka yesterday to witness the wonderful Nuku Day (Gospel Day) biblical drama presentations celebrating the arrival of Christianity to the Cook Islands.
