Features
Canadian visitor calls for more travel options between the Cooks and Northern Hemisphere
Tuesday 6 June 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Features, Weekend
A long-time visitor from Canada is calling for more connections to Rarotonga to bring more of his fellow Canadians to the Cook Islands.
Death of Ariki’s daughter, an attempt to introduce Christianity to Mangaia
Saturday 3 June 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, In Depth, Weekend
Historian and author Howard Henry has been fascinated by the birth of Christianity in the Cook Islands for many years. In a weekly series, Henry chronicles the arrival of Christianity to the Cook Islands and its role in building the nation. In his fifth article he talks about how Aitutaki’s Tamatoa Uma-tetiki Ariki embraced Christianity and the first attempt to introduce the Christian faith to the people of Mangaia.
Something old, something new…
Saturday 3 June 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Art, Features
Nina Oberg Humphries wants more Cook Islands and Pasifika artists to explore their heritage by making something new out of something old. She talks to Cook Islands News journalist Matthew Littlewood about her upcoming exhibition Taura for the Bergman Gallery.
A lifelong journey of nurturing our people
Saturday 3 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, Weekend
Pastor Tevai Matapo OBE known affectionately as Bobby is an ‘incredibly extraordinary’ man who has touched the lives of so many people.
Rediscovering ancestral roots
Saturday 3 June 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, Memory Lane
A Mangaia family has made new connections across thousands of kilometres of ocean through the magic of DNA, oral histories and historical records. On Rarotonga, Geoff Halston shares details of a reunion and emotional ties which now connect them.
Church talk: Human and Godly wisdom
Friday 2 June 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
World leaders are frantically travelling to world summits for high powered discussions and consultations making mention of anything to do with mother earth but devoid of the Master of the Universe, Jesus Christ, writes Bishop Tutai Pere of the Apostolic Church.
Alf – a man who fell in love
Friday 2 June 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Memory Lane
When the late Alfred George Manu first came to Rarotonga 22 years ago, he didn’t expect to fall in love. The original plan was to fulfill his rugby league contract as an outstanding premier player, get a few casual jobs and go where the southerly trade winds would take him. But Alf fell in love.
40 Years Behind Bars: A love letter to the Cook Islands
Friday 2 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
A striking carved memorial stone sits atop Jack Cooper’s grave at the Ngati-Raina cemetery in Titikaveka – fitting for a man who had dedicated half his life to his businesses and tourism in the Cook Islands.
Muso brings flavour to Raro dance parties
Friday 2 June 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Entertainment, Features
Dance music comes to Rarotonga this weekend with a music legend leading the way.
Paikea arrives in Samoa
Thursday 1 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
After eight days at sea and seven nights, Vaka Paikea arrived into Apia Samoa on Tuesday night (Samoa) with its Captain, Master Navigator Peia Patai and nine crew safe and well.
Drummers embrace culture
Thursday 1 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
Tereora College had the blessing ceremony for their brand new set of drums yesterday in time for rehearsals for the upcoming ‘CITC Pump the Beats Emo’anga Tangi Kaara 2023’ drumming competition which will be held on 30th June.
Arorangi CICC on track for June rededication
Wednesday 31 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, Local, National
The Arorangi CICC church renovations team are steaming ahead in their preparations for the 200-year Arrival of the Gospel commemoration in Arorangi, which will be completed in time for the rededication of the church on Thursday June 22.
All eyes on Japan
Tuesday 30 May 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Art, Features, Pacific Islands, Regional, Weekend
There’s one thing glaringly obvious when I land in Tokyo - it’s big and it’s fast. Overwhelming at first, as the bus carrying me to my accommodation makes a two- hour journey through the massive metropolis. Al Williams was in Hiroshima, Japan to cover the G7 Summit and gives his account of a journey made possible by the Embassy of Japan in New Zealand.
Agronomist Purea awarded OBE for public and community service
Monday 29 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, Weekend
Dr Teariki (Mat) Matairangi Purea, an agronomist by profession, was conferred and presented with the Queen’s Award – “Officer of the British Empire” (OBE) – in the King’s Chamber at the Cook Islands Consulate in Tamaki Makaurau, Aotearoa New Zealand for his services to public services, community and the pacific region.
Simply sensational
Saturday 27 May 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Features, In Depth, League, Sports, Weekend
It takes a bit of convincing to get the victorious Arorangi Bears coach Bobby Hansen to agree to an interview. Hansen says he doesn’t like to “pre-empt things” and apologises for snubbing Cook Islands News for pre and post-match interviews during the season. The newspaper caught up with him during his work break in Aroa where he lays bare the secrets that led to Arorangi’s drought breaking win.
Stitching together friendships – Vainetini in good and bad times
Saturday 27 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
Tuitui (sewing), creating tivaivai and textile crafts is a time for sharing. It is a communal activity when women gather to share, to build friendships, to talk and share a meal while working on their designs. Melina Etches reports.
Virtues in Paradise: The coconut wireless
Saturday 27 May 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
“Judge not lest ye be judged.” (Mathew 7:1) Let’s not take lightly these words calling us to humility as we speak about our fellow humans.
‘The Spirit of God is forever present … everywhere – all the time’
Saturday 27 May 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Historian and author Howard Henry has been fascinated by the birth of Christianity in the Cook Islands for many years. In a weekly series, Henry chronicles the arrival of Christianity to the Cook Islands and its role in building the nation. This is his fourth article in the series.
Budget draws mixed reactions: ‘Not enough’, says Opposition
Saturday 27 May 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, Features, In Depth, National
The 2023/24 Budget attempted to offer something to the vulnerable while also reining in on expenditure. Cook Islands News senior journalist Matthew Littlewood talks to various stakeholders about their take on the Budget.
Avaavaroa experience gives birth to new passion project
Saturday 27 May 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, Features, In Depth, National, Weekend
Award-winning Cook Islands photographer Alex King has embarked on a new journey involving something she is passionate about – protecting the environment. King talks to Cook Islands News online editor Losirene Lacanivalu about “Te Ara o te Akau – The Meaning Behind the Reef” and the role the country’s newest non-government organisation (NGO) can play in fulfilling her passion.
