Features
A legacy of learning and service
Monday 25 September 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
The New Zealand Volunteer Service Abroad Te Tūao Tāwāhi (VSA) has been operating in the Cook Islands for 60 years, providing support in education, health and well-being, and the environment. Cook Islands News senior journalist Melina Etches, who attended the organisation’s 60th anniversary last week, writes about its objectives and achievements.
Athletes eye personal bests
Sunday 24 September 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Athletics, Features, Sports, Weekend
Over 200 athletes and officials will represent the Cook Islands at the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands, this November. Cook Islands News online editor Losirene Lacanivalu interviews Athletics Cook Islands squad members Tatiana Sherwin, Max Teuruaa, Daniel Tolosa, and Piri Nga on their preparations and expectations for the regional games.
Empowering young women
Sunday 24 September 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
The Girl Guides Association Cook Islands proudly represented the country at the 38th World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) conference in Nicosia, Cyprus, along with 152 countries.
‘The guy with the golden voice’
Sunday 24 September 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Entertainment, Features
A Cook Islander known as the ‘guy with the golden voice’ was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the recent Pacific Music Awards for his contributions to the music industry, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of many.
Exploring challenges and opportunities for women in business
Sunday 24 September 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Features, National, Weekend
The first ever Ambassador of Ireland to the Cook Islands, Jane Connolly, has met with the Cook Islands Business and Professional Women (BPW) this week to discuss advancing women in business and professional arena.
Church Talk: Real intent in our relationships
Friday 22 September 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
There is a principle of ‘real intent’ that reflects on who we are and why we do things. Doing things with real intent is about giving your all and showing true commitment. If applied in our relationships, whether it be with family, at work, or with God, using real intent will bless our lives, writes Tamatoa Jonassen of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Dining Table: Outstanding experience at On the Beach
Tuesday 19 September 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Food, Go Local
Spend the evening overlooking the blue horizon as the sun sets at OTB, On the Beach Bar and Restaurant at Manuia Beach Resort Arorangi and you cannot miss the friendly welcome and hospitality of not only the staff, but OTB’s very own top chef and owner Philip Nordt.
New cafe, old family recipes
Monday 18 September 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, Food, Go Local
From family recipes passed down for generations to a Nikao-based bakery satisfying the sweet tooth of Rarotonga’s students for more than 40 years, Turamatuitui Bakery continues to grow as its cafe offshoot relocates to Avarua.
‘Our guardian angels’: Terminally-ill visitor thanks community for help
Monday 18 September 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, Health, In Depth, National, Tourism
A terminally-ill Australian grandfather, whose dying wish was to holiday in Rarotonga with his family, was faced with spending his final trip in “crippling, excruciating pain” – until the Cooks community stepped in.
Church Talk: Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer
Friday 15 September 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Are the trials you have been through or problems you are currently facing causing you to lose hope? Writes Eric Toleafoa of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Baptism in the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Thursday 14 September 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Baptism marks a special day for many on the second day of convention.
Marumaru Atua heads for Palmerston
Wednesday 13 September 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
Vaka Marumaru Atua has departed for Palmerston Island on a chartered trip to collect the Project Working Group (PWG) who are working with the island community to address the rat problem.
Cooks resort group nabs three trophies at travel awards
Tuesday 12 September 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Go Local, National, Tourism, Weekend
A Cook Islands resort group has scooped three trophies at the World Travel Awards.
Upholding the provisions of the Rarotonga Treaty
Monday 11 September 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, In Depth, National, Pacific Islands, Pacific Islands Forum, Weekend
The Rarotonga Treaty remains a cornerstone of our approach to a nuclear-free zone
Cook Islanders recognised by Pasifika Medical Association
Saturday 9 September 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, Health, National
The 27th Annual Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) conference on Rarotonga (6-8 September) closed yesterday at Te Are Karioi Nui, and continues in Aitutaki on September 11.
Wheel of Fortune?: The‘revolutionary’ invention that was born on Rarotonga
Saturday 9 September 2023 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Art, Features, Memory Lane
For two decades Rarotonga was home to the inventor Henri Rey who partnered with local resident William McBirney to form the Rey Wheel Company of Detroit, Michigan. Story by Rod Dixon and Allan Tuara.
Church Talk: You’ll be remembered for how you finished
Friday 8 September 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
I’ve been reading through the book of Hebrews lately. I preached a message in Mangaia using this book as a reference, and I recently used this book for our Bible Class at Tereora College this week, writes Paul Kauri, lead pastor at The Arepua Gateway Assembly of God Church.
Jehovah’s Witnesses return to Rarotonga to host their first large convention since 2019
Thursday 7 September 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National
After a three-year pandemic pause, one of the world’s largest convention organisations will resume a series of worldwide programs, with Rarotonga set to host two events spanning two consecutive weekends from 9 September to 17 September.
Students acknowledged for Tangi Kaara participation
Monday 4 September 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Education, Features, Local, National
Culture is the “heart” of the CITC (Cook Islands Trading Corporation), and for many years the company has sponsored numerous cultural activities and events.
Being connected to the environment
Saturday 2 September 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Weekend
Climate change is not new, chairperson of the environmental non-government organisation Kōrero o te 'Ōrau in Rarotonga Dr Teina Rongo says.
