Features
Thousands flock to witness Te Maeva Nui’s best, empty seats mar closing night
Wednesday 7 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
Te Maeva Nui 2024 showcased strong, solid and stunning cultural performances of a high standard from each respective team, representing their districts and home islands with pride as they celebrated 59 years of Cook Islands self-governance.
Former Tereora students dig deep for college projects
Wednesday 7 August 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Education, Features, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
Tereora College Former Students Association president Teina Etches was overwhelmed by the strong support of former students who attended the Projects Fundraiser Dinner held late last month.
Vendors thrive at annual Trade Days
Saturday 3 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National
As the three-day annual Trade Days came to an end yesterday, young businessman Kesomi Tatola said the chance to showcase the beauty of the Cook Islands through the arts and crafts each vendor had was a great experience.
‘Then, now and forever British’: The mystery of Mangaia’s Victoria flag
Saturday 3 August 2024 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
A Pilot Jack, with Queen Victoria’s head painted on the hoist, has become a symbol of office for successive chiefs of Mangaia. Following annexation by New Zealand the flag also became a symbol of the islanders’ resistance to colonial rule and their determination to retain sovereignty over their lands, writes Rod Dixon.
Te Maeva Nui: A journey through time and tradition
Saturday 3 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The combination of powerful drumming and dancing, dazzling vibrant costumes, thrilling performances and non-stop energy on stage is creating a mesmerising spectacle at the 2024 Te Maeva Nui held at the National Auditorium.
Vibrant performances light up Te Maeva Nui
Friday 2 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
This year, seven groups representing different islands and districts of Rarotonga showcased their unique and captivating dances, chants and music, which have been passed down through generations.
Resort pays tribute to devoted employee
Friday 2 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National
The Pacific Resort in Rarotonga on Tuesday celebrated the life of one of its dedicated employees who passed away last week after a short illness.
Church Talk: Jesus is the living Gospel
Friday 2 August 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
The gospel is a term that comes from the old English word ‘godspell’ which means ‘good news’, writes Reverend Mata Tumu-Makara of the Cook Islands Christian Church.
Cancer survivor and advocate honoured as Woman of the Month
Friday 2 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Health, Local, National, Weekend
Myra Tatakura is a warrior, a true inspiration and a shining example of courage, resilience and compassion. As a breast cancer survivor, she has faced immense challenges with steadfast strength, battling the disease with determination and never losing sight of her faith in the Lord.
Pukapuka Nassau make bold statement as dancers shake up the competition
Friday 2 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, National
Although their traditional dances are the pride of Pukapuka and Nassau, they have found that they often receive lower scores in the annual Te Maeva Nui festival when performing their cultural heritage.
Pa Enua vendors add flavour to Trade Days
Thursday 1 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Features, Food, Go Local, Local, National
Close to 100 vendors, including some from the Pa Enua, showcased and sold a variety of crafts and food at the Punanga Nui Market on the first day of the Bank of the Cook Islands (BCI) sponsored Trade Days yesterday.
Te Maeva Nui leaves lasting impression on visitors
Wednesday 31 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Art, Culture, Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, National
The opening ceremony of Te Maeva Nui 2024 has left a great impression on most of the visitors who got to witness the uniqueness of the Cook Islands culture.
Emo Aito Māori race adds spice to annual Te Maeva Nui cultural festival
Wednesday 31 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
Hundreds gathered at the Avarua Town Centre at midday yesterday to witness the spectacular start of the 59th Te Maeva Nui cultural festival, celebrating the Cook Islands’ self-governance.
50 years of service: Ex-chief customs officer honoured
Wednesday 31 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
One of the longest-serving former employees of the Cook Islands Customs Service, Ngapoko Ngatamaine, was recognised for his outstanding service at the opening of the 26th Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) Annual Conference on Monday.
Emo Aito Māori races to kick off Te Maeva Nui 2024
Tuesday 30 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Te Emo Aito Māori fruit-carrying races will be held this afternoon following the official opening of Te Maeva Nui 2024 at 12.30pm at the Avarua Town Centre.
‘The greatest celebration’
Saturday 27 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
Te Maeva Nui, as we know it today, is the most important annual festival in the Cook Islands and the best time to experience all aspects of Cook Islands traditional and modern culture.
Star navigators to jet planes: From ancient voyagers to modern arrivals
Saturday 27 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, Go Local, National
The theme for this year’s Te Maeva Nui Festival is “Te au Tauranga Rongonui o taku enua/matakeinanga – The important ports of my island/tribe.”
‘Our culture reminds us of who we are and where we come from’
Saturday 27 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
Kia Orana tatou katoa i te aroa kenakore o to tatou Atu. Te rekareka nei au ite akaaravei ia tatou na roto i teia tataanga; ia tatou e tapapa atu nei no teia tuatau akamaaraanga ite ivangauruanga ma iva mataiti na tatou rai tatou e akaaere.
Cultural groups gear up for spectacular Te Maeva Nui
Saturday 27 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
The annual Te Maeva Nui is Cook Islands’ biggest and greatest cultural performing arts festival that showcases the rich cultural heritage and traditions of its people in commemoration of the country’s self-governance in 1965.
From public service to PhD: Allsworth’s journey to uncovering public sector corruption
Saturday 27 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
A well-known Cook Islander celebrated a double milestone, turning 65 and completing his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies, which focused on corruption in the Cook Islands public sector.
