Features
Tangaroa and Feu’u reunite for artistic showcase
Monday 19 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Art, Features
Renowned Cook Islands artist Mahiriki Tangaroa and the godfather of the Pacific contemporary art, Fatu Feu’u, will join forces to host an exhibition to showcase their love for art later this month.
Record nominations for Cook Islands People’s Choice Awards, voting opens today
Monday 19 August 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Entertainment, Features, National, Tourism, Weekend
Cook Islands Tourism yesterday announced the finalists for the 2024 Cook Islands People’s Choice Awards (PCA), celebrating excellence in the tourism industry and the wider community.
Newcomers top mayoral race in 2024 Island Govt Election
Saturday 17 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
Six new mayors are set to lead the charge after finishing on top in the preliminary count of the Island Government Election 2024, held this week across the Pa Enua.
Third time’s a charm: Teenage sweethearts find their way back to each other
Saturday 17 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Weekend
A couple who first met as teenagers, separated, and reunited after 17 years, finally tied the knot in a heartwarming ceremony in Rarotonga.
Local and New Zealand carvers unite to save fading tradition
Saturday 17 August 2024 | Written by Solomone Taukei | Published in Art, Features
The decline of traditional carving in the Cook Islands and New Zealand due to globalisation threatens the loss of cultural heritage, prompting efforts to revive and preserve this ancient art form.
‘Only in the Cooks’: Retiring judge shares fond memories of Cook Islands
Saturday 17 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Features, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
After 12 years of dedicated service to the Cook Islands justice system, High Court Judge Dame Judith Potter is hanging up her robes, leaving a legacy of legal expertise, and taking with her some ‘only in the Cooks’ memories.
Young artist paints a bright future
Saturday 17 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Art, Education, Features, National
A 15-year-old artist is thriving and supporting herself with her God-given talent, which she has been using to earn money since she was nine.
Local electronics company claims regional reseller of the year title
Friday 16 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, Local, National
A local company, CIPS Electronics/Jaycar, has become the first Pacific Island reseller company to win the Australia/New Zealand and Pacific Islands Reseller of the Year award 2023-2024.
Church Talk: Shining brightly for Jesus
Friday 16 August 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
We live in a world where darkness (confusion, fear and sin) seems to be everywhere. But Jesus calls us to be something different. He calls us to be the light of the world. Today, we will explore what it means to live out that calling in our lives, writes Pastor Eric Toleafoa of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Cook Islands to celebrate 60 years with extended festivities
Wednesday 14 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
The Government has started planning for the country’s big celebration of the 60th Constitution Day next year, including the budget. The celebration is expected to be slightly longer than this year’s event.
Cook Islands leads charge in war against invasive species
Tuesday 13 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Features, National, Weekend
Cook Islands is hosting a regional meeting this week to address the significant threat of invasive species to the country’s ecosystems, food security and biodiversity, while sharing knowledge and seeking solutions with other Pacific nations.
War of the wings: The Rimatara lorikeet and how I learnt to hate the Atiu mynah
Monday 12 August 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, Features, Local, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
After a seven-year battle using a combination of poisoning, trapping and shooting, the Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust successfully eradicated an initial population of around 6000 mynahs from Ātiu, making it the world’s largest island-based mynah eradication project. Roger Malcolm, a resident hotelier on Ātiu and one of the key people behind the eradication project, shares his own battle with one of the most invasive bird species in the world.
From pest to past: Ātiu’s epic battle against invasive myna
Saturday 10 August 2024 | Written by Gerald McCormack | Published in Environment, Features, National, Outer Islands
After six years of no reported mynas on Ātiu, the Natural Heritage Trust is declaring its Eradication Project a success. The removal of a population of about 6000 mynas made it the world’s largest myna eradication on an island. It dwarfed the second largest island-eradication of 1641 mynas on North Island in the Seychelles completed in February 2019. By Gerald McCormack, Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust.
Mariri honours mother’s dream
Saturday 10 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Weekend
A 30-year-old mother of four and a local teacher of over five years has made her dream and her mother’s come true, graduating with a Bachelor of Education from the University of the South Pacific (USP) amid a hectic lifestyle.
‘Helava Walk for Life’ aims to raise funds for cancer treatment
Saturday 10 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Weekend
Friends and family of an 18-year-old Rarotonga resident who is diagnosed with lymphocytic leukaemia will be holding a “Helava Walk for Life” fundraiser to assist with her further treatment in Singapore.
Winning costume sparks outrage
Saturday 10 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
A week after the 2024 Te Maeva Nui cultural festival, controversy continues over Oire Tupapa Maraerenga’s winning costume, which was originally designed for the CINAT team. The Ministry of Cultural Development has dismissed claims of unfair advantage.
Church Talk: A word from our Jubilee Celebration
Friday 9 August 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
It has been an outstanding time for The Assemblies of God Cook Islands celebrating our Jubilee Celebration Conference, writes Paul Kauri, the General Superintendent of Cook Islands Assemblies of God Church.
Journey of Pacific Mothers comes to Rarotonga screen
Friday 9 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features, Health, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
A locally shot documentary feature film exploring the importance of women’s birthing choices through the stories of Pacific mothers reclaiming indigenous practices premieres in Rarotonga tomorrow.
Diaspora dismayed over lack of Te Maeva Nui livestream
Thursday 8 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The decision not to livestream the annual Te Maeva Nui festival due to copyright concerns has sparked widespread disappointment among the Cook Islands diaspora and those in remote areas.
Everyone is a winner, says Culture
Wednesday 7 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The organisers of Te Maeva Nui 2024 have clarified the results of the prize giving on Sunday following reports that a specific team had won and been named champions.
