Features
Punanga Nui Market turns 30
Saturday 26 November 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, Go Local
It’s been 30 years since vendors gathered to sell their tasty homemade goods, produce, and locally-made wares at what is now popularly known as the Punanga Nui Market. Auntie Mii Upu, aka Mrs Q, was there in 1992 and can be still found at the Avarua site, five days a week, selling her own brand of crafted materials.
Making her voice heard
Saturday 26 November 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Features, Weekend
Teherenui Koteka wants Cook Islands and Pasifika people to survive and thrive in the topsy-turvy world of creative arts both here and abroad. The playwright talks to senior journalist Matthew Littlewood about her latest work and her aspirations for the future.
The location is just brilliant: Hospo veteran finds his tropical paradise
Saturday 26 November 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, Go Local
Aro’a Beachside Inn and its beachside restaurant Shipwreck Hut are getting a makeover after a visiting Kiwi fell in love with the place.
Continue to trust in God regardless of circumstances
Friday 25 November 2022 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
One way you can talk to God is through prayer. Talk to Him about your experiences, and remember to also pause, and listen to His words of strength and comfort, writes Pastor Eric Toleafoa from the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Cook Islands and the British Commonwealth membership
Saturday 19 November 2022 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, In Depth
Before the Cook Islands considers submitting an application to become a member of the United Nations, we should first consider submitting an application to become a Full Member of the British Commonwealth, writes historian Howard Henry.
‘It’s like coming back home’: Shortland Street star shares his connection with Cook Islands
Saturday 19 November 2022 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, National
Ben Mitchell has visited the Cook Islands several times but it was during a recent trip that he felt a connection which brought him closer to his ‘ancestral homeland’.
Reiner’s declaration of love for Raro
Saturday 19 November 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, In Depth, Memory Lane
Reiner Gatermann’s love for Rarotonga has brought him back to the island an incredible 21 times. He chats with senior journalist Melina Etches.
Fixing our eyes on Jesus
Friday 18 November 2022 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
In the first edition of this topic, Finishing Well, we looked at Paul’s testimony near the end of his life; he had fought the good fight, he had finished his race and was looking forward to the crown that would be awarded to him, by Jesus. And we also looked at two kings who started well in their zeal and service to God, but they ended in witchcraft and worshipping other gods. Sadly, they did not finish well. By Paul Kauri, lead pastor at The Arepua Gateway Assembly of God Church.
Missing teenager: ‘We’re not sure whether he is still alive’
Tuesday 15 November 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Editor's Pick, Features, Local, National
Parents of a 19-year-old male who has been missing since late July fear their son is dead.
‘We will remember them’: Armistice service for fallen Cook Islands WWI heroes
Friday 11 November 2022 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National
At the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month – we will remember them. Today is Armistice Day which marks the agreement to end World War I with peace negotiations that began at 11am on 11 November 1918.
CHURCH TALK: ‘He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me’
Friday 11 November 2022 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
The disciples and followers of Jesus endured their share of confusion and hardship, but they also enjoyed some wonderful blessings of effective service, writes Reverend Vakaroto Ngaro of Ekalesia Avarua.
High-profile trial likely to start in second half of 2023
Saturday 5 November 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, Crime, Features, National
The high-profile trial of a senior politician and two former prominent civil servants is likely to take four weeks and begin late next year.
Remembering Cyclone Martin: ‘Many took that flight and never came back’
Saturday 5 November 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, Outer Islands
It was a cyclone like no other, and its impact is still felt by those who lived through it. Rebecca Hosking-Ellis talks to Cook Islands News senior journalist Matthew Littlewood about her memories of Cyclone Martin and the toll it took on the Manihiki community.
Cooks icon honoured at Tourism Summit finale
Saturday 5 November 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Entertainment, Features, Local
Cook Islands Tourism chief Karla Eggelton has shared heartfelt words with other Pacific leaders as a week of meetings has come to an end on Rarotonga.
Sustainability versus economic recovery: It’s a balancing act
Saturday 5 November 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Features, Local
It’s been a massive week for tourism in the Cook Islands as industry representatives from multiple nations have descended on Rarotonga to focus on sustainability. However, there is still uncertainty in the region as it’s a battle in an ever changing market.
CHURCH TALK: Salvation and the Word of God
Friday 4 November 2022 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk
No one has power to become a witness of Jesus Christ without having received the Gift of the Holy Ghost, writes Bishop Tutai Pere, BA, LTh, OBE, of the Apostolic Church.
Turama: in memory of those who have passed
Wednesday 2 November 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local
Amanda Blake-Pauka arranges fresh flowers for the grave of her late brother, Remy Blake who passed away suddenly at a young age in 1973, for All Saint’s Day or Turama which falls on November 1 every year.
Dame Valerie Adams: More than gold charity screening
Wednesday 2 November 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Athletics, Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Sports
Rarotonga will have an exclusive screening of movie “Dame Valerie Adams: More Than Gold” to fundraise for the Athletics Cook Islands youth development squad.
‘We are resilient’
Tuesday 1 November 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, Memory Lane
On November 1, 1997, Cyclone Martin struck the island atoll of Manihiki with waves higher than the highest coconut tree, claiming 19 lives. Today marks the 25-year anniversary of the destructive cyclone – the most catastrophic storm to hit the Cook Islands. Anna and Willie Katoa and their daughter Katarina are some of the survivors. Ana was five months pregnant when the waves struck, tragically they lost their seven-year-old daughter Maureen (older Maureen) who was presumed drowned. ‘Resilience’ is the word that springs to Anna’s mind when she emotionally recollects the surreal fight for survival during their three days at sea from the devastation of Cyclone Martin.
From the pristine environment to stray dogs: Cook Islands visitors reveal their likes and dislikes
Sunday 30 October 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Features, In Depth
Tourists in the Cook Islands are still spending more and staying longer than before, but many have concerns about the environment and public infrastructure. Senior journalist Matthew Littlewood digs into the latest Cook Islands Visitor Survey report, and talks to visitors along the way.
