Features
Vibrant and joyous celebration
Tuesday 29 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features
Gospel Day is a vibrant and joyful occasion that brings together the six Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) Ekalesia on the island to celebrate the love and teachings of Christ, and yesterday’s 2024 celebration was just that.
When rugby was simply a way of life
Saturday 26 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, In Depth, Memory Lane, Weekend
These reminiscences by local rugby stalwarts Amene Rangi and Bob Estall were assembled by staff reporter Melina Etches.
Long serving firefighter finds joy in voluntary service
Saturday 26 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
One of the longest-serving and oldest volunteers of the Puaikura Fire Brigade, Mathew Mataroa, who helped start the fire brigade over two decades ago, has no regrets about returning home to serve his people in firefighting battles.
Reuben Paterson – Finding Our Way
Saturday 26 October 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Features
Pearled skyscapes merge with an underwater world of hyper-vibrant corals ̶ a constant of constellations looking down on a changing world. The Man Who Lived Between Sunset and Moonrise, the new solo show by artist Reuben Paterson at Bergman Gallery, traverses the hours of stillness between dusk and dawn, a time when navigators make their way across the moana by a map of stars.
Elastic Island Adventures: Rarotonga author to visit in November
Saturday 26 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Features
Karen McMillan, author of the book Elastic Island Adventures: Rarotonga, will be in Rarotonga next month and her schedule includes visiting a school.
Passionate couple opens café to showcase Cook Islands flavours
Friday 25 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, Features, Food, Go Local, National
A Cook Islands couple is expanding their business from umu making and shows to opening a café, hoping to bring the authentic taste of local food to the modern culinary scene.
Historic investiture ceremony marks new era for Tamaiva Mataiapo title
Friday 25 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Features, National, Weekend
The cultural investiture ceremony of 78-year-old David Tuaeu with the traditional title of Tamaiva Mataiapo was held last month at the new Tamaiva marae in Murivai, Tupapa.
Church Talk: 201 years of the Gospel: ‘It’s an incredible honour’
Friday 25 October 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
What an incredible honour it is that this coming Monday, we will celebrate 201 years of the Gospel of Jesus Christ being welcomed and embraced into the Cook Islands, a nation that holds to His name and celebrates His goodness.
‘David and Goliath’ theme for Nuku Day
Friday 25 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features
Gospel Day draws an assembly from each of the Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) Ekalesia on Rarotonga to perform gospel dramas or “nuku” to commemorate the Arrival of Christianity to the Cook Islands.
Daughter of late ariki elected Te Maeu O Te Rangi Teikamata Ariki
Thursday 24 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Features, In Depth, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
In a significant occasion for the island of Mitiaro, the daughter of the late Mii Tungane Upokoati O’Bryan, Te Maeu O Te Rangi Teikamata Ariki OBE, has been elected to assume the esteemed title once held by her mother.
Wheels of fortune: 84-year-old grower finds success with mobile vending
Thursday 24 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Food, Go Local
An 84-year-old grower, Ian Tupe Takau Short, who lives alone and grows an organic plantation, is now trying street vending for a change.
Cook Islanders return from US Leadership Fellowship inspired to make a difference
Tuesday 22 October 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Weekend
Two Cook Islanders who participated in the second US–Pacific Institute for Rising Leaders Fellowship described the annual programme as an eye opener.
2019-2023: Empowering women, saving lives in the Cook Islands
Monday 21 October 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Memory Lane
In January 2019, Bluesky (formerly Telecom and now Vodafone) and the Ministry of Health conducted a “Text Health Cancer Awareness” programme. Over 7000 texts raised $18,000 which went towards cancer screening initiatives.
‘Love, Hope and Faith’: From community outreach to medical innovation 2013-2018
Monday 21 October 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Memory Lane
The New Zealand High Commissioner, Mr John Carter and Mrs Leoni Carter, were farewelled in July 2013. John was instrumental in procuring “pre-loved bras” donated from Curves Gym in Kerikeri, Northland. These bras were distributed to the women of the Northern Group islands.
Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation: A history of advocacy and resilience 2003-2012
Monday 21 October 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Memory Lane
The Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation (CIBCF) was born out of a grassroots movement in 2003, driven by a group of dedicated women determined to raise awareness and support for breast cancer in the Cook Islands. Dawn Baudinet, the immediate past president of the Foundation, explores the foundation’s journey, from its inception to its significant achievements in promoting breast health and providing vital services to the community.
Celebrating food and handmade treasures
Saturday 19 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National
Local produce, handicrafts and hot meals were showcased at the 2024 World Food Day celebration held at Terevete Park in Avarua yesterday.
Cook Islander named manager of country’s largest department store
Saturday 19 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Features, National, Weekend
A former sales assistant, who has worked diligently for a decade, has been promoted to the manager position of the country’s largest department store.
Children get a taste of sushi-making
Saturday 19 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Food
Children as young as six years old participated in a World Food Day Potiki Makona Kai Sumaringa Sushi workshop at Terevete Park yesterday.
Daughter adds new chapter to father’s memoir
Saturday 19 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane
A revised edition of Tom Neale’s memoir about his solitary life on the remote island of Suwarrow has been published, featuring a new chapter and epilogue written by his daughter, offering a fresh perspective on his experiences.
Cook Islands Games to culminate in spectacular dance, fireworks display
Friday 18 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
In the quiet hours before dawn, an excited group of dancers and drummers rise at 4.30am, driven by anticipation and passion for the closing ceremony of the 2024 Cook Islands Games that will be held tomorrow evening at the National Stadium in Nikao.
