Features
Returning home to serve her people
Friday 25 June 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
In the Cook Islands, the continuing battle between families for a suitable candidate to succeed an Ariki title is an ongoing issue that can shred families apart for generations.
CHURCHTALK: God desires mercy, not sacrifice
Friday 25 June 2021 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
We are fortunate that God calls sinners and not just saintly people. Jesus came to benefit those who understood their inherent need for Him (those who are sick and the poor in spirit of Matthew 5:3), writes Reverend Vakaroto Ngaro of Avarua Ekalesia.
A sweet scent of success
Friday 18 June 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Lafala Turepu set up Turepu Vanilla with an aim to produce a viable export product. Five years on, she says it was an ambitious and difficult goal but one that is not impossible. By Melina Etches.
Hope, faith and love unite Muri Night Market’s vendors
Friday 18 June 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, Go Local
The Muri Night Market has been revived this week following a long break. Those behind the operation say there is hope, faith and love as they look to the future.
Friends honour a living legend of music
Friday 18 June 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Entertainment, Features
Renowned musician Garth Young was treated to a special lunch by his friends who came together to honour his talent and musical contribution to the Cook Islands. By Alana Musselle.
CHURCHTALK: The ‘Pontius Pilate’ in us
Friday 18 June 2021 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Pontius Pilate who sure had power and authority to fight for the release of an innocent Jesus, instead released him for death because he feared more for his own life and stooped down to Jewish Religious bigotry, injustices, jealousies and lies, writes Bishop Tutai Pere.
Artists are ready for Jon Lindsay memorial
Friday 11 June 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Entertainment, Features
The Jon Lindsay Memorial Concert tonight at 6pm will feature 30 musicians inspired by the work of the renowned musician who passed away late last month.
Reliving memories of Mangaia’s boatmen shooting the reef
Friday 11 June 2021 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Features, Weekend
Taking cargo over the reef in the outer islands involved extraordinary seamanship. Boats and canoes crossed the edge of the reef on the crest of a chosen wave. But when the sea was rolling from the wrong direction, a crossing could be fraught with danger. By Rod Dixon on Mangaia.
A family of kayakers
Friday 11 June 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, Weekend
Cook Islands 2020 Sportswoman of the Year Jane Nicholas was back on Rarotonga this week for a brief break in a busy schedule before the upcoming Olympic Games. Al Williams caught up with Nicholas and her family.
Give to God what belongs to God
Friday 11 June 2021 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk
No matter who we are, it is not a choice between one and the other. For the God-like person, God is the only choice. There is no second, writes Bishop Paul Donoghue of the Catholic Church.
Keanui’s biodiversity bonanza
Saturday 5 June 2021 | Written by Gerald McCormack | Published in Features, In Depth
Residents often talk about Cook Islands biodiversity, but few have discovered as many unrecorded species as six-year-old Keanui Selam. His recent insect-catching expeditions led to the discovery of eight unrecorded species of Heteroptera, a group of insects known as true bugs, or typical bugs. By Gerald McCormack of the Natural Heritage Trust.
Cook’s buses get smart
Saturday 5 June 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, Weekend
The wheels keep turning for the Cook family who have been providing public transport on Rarotonga for more than 30 years. Al Williams caught up with them at their Nikao operation.
The challenges of drafting legislation in microstates
Saturday 5 June 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Features, In Depth
A decade ago, the powers that be decided the Cook Islands needed updated companies legislation and a digital registry of companies allowed to do business in the country. It was a ‘smart government’ initiative, where services offered by the state are efficient, cost-effective, and allow people to avoid the agony of long queues. But sometimes the best of intentions can lead to unintended consequences.
CHURCH TALK: A message of encouragement – something’s better than nothing
Friday 4 June 2021 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Sometimes the enormity of the task in front of us is so daunting, so overwhelming, that getting started and staying with it can feel impossible, writes Angaroakau Williams – second counselor in the District Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Will deep sea mining destroy what the ocean already provides humanity?
Saturday 29 May 2021 | Written by Gerald McCormack | Published in Features, Weekend
A precautionary approach of two concurrent nodule mines has the potential to provide a major new revenue stream for the Cook Islands of around US$90 million (NZ$124m) per year, writes Gerald McCormack, Natural Heritage Trust.
Life hasn’t been all rosy but Blake rises above it all
Saturday 29 May 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Like the bright colourful trademark ei katu she proudly wears, Rosie Blake – or Aunty Rosie, the former Consul General of the Cook Islands in New Zealand – is cheerful, bubbly and smilingly proud to be a Cook Islander. On a recent visit to Rarotonga she shared her experiences as the Consul General, a post she held from 2013 until October 2020.
Diving back into business
Saturday 29 May 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, Weekend
It’s been a tough 12 months for local tour operators who are now welcoming back guests. Al Williams reports.
Living the Good Samaritan’s legacy
Friday 28 May 2021 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Most of the time, we are so wrapped up in our own lives that we forget about our duty of care for the less fortunate brethren, writes Pastor Eric Toleafoa.
Super Flower Blood Moon tonight
Monday 24 May 2021 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, In Depth
Some people will still remember the solar eclipse in July 2010. For the next one we must wait until the morning of April 8 2024, but it will be only a partial eclipse from all islands of the Cook Islands, when the sun rises. But it’s not only solar eclipses that can beautify the local sky. Another opportunity to see something special is coming tonight. By Petr Horálek.
Pandemic a blessing in disguise
Saturday 22 May 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Features, Weekend
The local wedding industry witnessed the first international wedding in over a year on Thursday afternoon at the Pacific Resort Rarotonga.
