Features
Smiling in the face of adversity
Tuesday 19 April 2022 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Weekend
Cook Islanders, like others in many South Pacific nations are known for their warm-hearted greetings. Cheek-to-cheek kisses and loving embraces are followed by the laying of sweet-smelling Tiare Maori Ei on head or neck.
Retracing our breadfruit roots
Tuesday 19 April 2022 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Go Local
An initiative to revitalise breadfruit orchards in the Cook Islands can save millions of dollars on imported food.
New tug boat costs over $1m
Saturday 16 April 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
The new tug marks another milestone in the continued infrastructural development of the Port of Avatiu, which handles about 90 per cent of the food and materials imported into the Cook Islands and 100 per cent of the fuel, says Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Restoring pa’ua populations in Aitutaki
Saturday 16 April 2022 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Weekend
A significant number of pa’ua, or giant clams, bred through a Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR) programme have recently been outplanted in Aitutaki in an effort to revive local populations of these vital marine animals.
Chocolate – An Easter treat not to be shared
Wednesday 13 April 2022 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features
Chocolate is poisonous to dogs mostly because of its theobromine content, explains Te Are Manu Vet Clinic’s medical director Michael Baer.
Murals transform Rarotonga into open-space gallery
Saturday 9 April 2022 | Written by Sian Solomon | Published in Features, Weekend
Once upon a time, authorities in Rarotonga harassed graffiti artists and muralists regarding them as vandals. But now, the popular tourist destination celebrates and even funds their art, which can be found everywhere and supersized.
The fight against NCDs
Saturday 9 April 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Features, Weekend
The Cook Islands is facing another health crisis on top of the Covid-19 pandemic, with nearly half of its adult population affected by some form of Non-Communicable Disease (NCD).
Hope in the midst of chaos
Friday 8 April 2022 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
The world of nature and creation provides and supplies humanity with all kinds of natural and physical resources to sustain life, but humanity in his own ego, ignorance and greed squanders, abuses and exploits beyond measure …, writes Bishop Tutai Pere.
Meyer’s passion for beauty brings her back to Raro
Thursday 7 April 2022 | Written by Sian Solomon | Published in Features, Go Local
A new and private spa called ‘The Beauty Room’ has opened its’ doors to the public.
Buses and taxis are making a comeback
Monday 4 April 2022 | Written by Sian Solomon | Published in Features, In Depth
Fewer taxis are hitting the streets, but for many Cook Islanders, cabs and buses are inspiring a nostalgic and affordable fervour and return, which could lead to public transport becoming a more dominant mode of transportation.
Taking forward steps in spite of struggles
Saturday 2 April 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, Weekend
Rarotonga tourism operators Kave and Jules Tamaariki have put the pandemic behind them and are taking forward steps.
Cook Islander thrives in real estate business
Saturday 2 April 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features
From a broke single dad of five living in South Auckland to getting ranked among the best in New Zealand real estate business, Cook Islander Charlie Brothers shares his rag to riches journey with Cook Islands News journalist Melina Etches.
White sandy beaches lure Kiwi academic out of retirement
Saturday 2 April 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, Weekend
Professor Heather Worth thought she had retired when she settled in Ophir – a small settlement in Central Otago, New Zealand – until an opportunity came her way to swap the icy cold temperatures for the tropical shores of Rarotonga.
Lest we forget
Friday 1 April 2022 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Humankind must take full responsibility for what is happening in the world and not blame God for it, writes Bishop Paul Donoghue of the Catholic Church.
Cook Islands model wants to ‘empower indigenous women’
Friday 1 April 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local
African Cook Islander Ernestina Bonsu-Maro has placed second runner up in the 2022 Miss Top Model Pageant.
Tāote – Cook Islands’ medical pioneers
Monday 28 March 2022 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Features, Weekend
With very few resources and little official encouragement, the Cook Islands first local doctors tackled epidemics and eliminated diseases, laying the foundations for the modern Cook Islands medical service.
Recovering in paradise
Monday 28 March 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Features, Go Local
He survived a potentially life-threatening spinal injury, but now former rugby player Michael ‘Fats’ Fatialofa is adjusting to Cook Islands time. He and his wife speak to Matthew Littlewood about what they hope for the future.
Breaking down mental health barriers
Saturday 26 March 2022 | Written by Sian Solomon | Published in Features, Weekend
A renowned Cook Islands researcher and psychologist has returned home to better understand and study the impacts of mental health issues in the pacific and the country.
Following in the footsteps of her grandmother
Saturday 26 March 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Following in the footsteps of her paternal grandmother, Eileen Story has launched her political career and will stand in the 2022 general elections as a candidate on the island of Mauke.
Rising cost of living in the Cook Islands
Saturday 26 March 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, Weekend
The cost of living in the Cook Islands is climbing as the world feels the credit crunch while accommodation and travel expenses here return to pre Covid-19 levels.
