Features
Finding success amidst challenges
Saturday 27 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National
A 44-year-old businesswoman and mother of four, Flora Pupuke-Robati, is optimistic despite the challenges faced by women in business, which were highlighted during the inaugural Taki Tahi Summit earlier this week.
Hair stylist inspires next generation
Saturday 27 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Go Local
A 29-year-old Cook Islander based in Australia returned home to share his expertise with aspiring local hair artists and offered his professional services locally, for which thousands of people worldwide eagerly await appointments.
Church Talk: The price of paradise- Salvation in Jesus is free but aren’t cheap
Friday 26 July 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
All things natural are free but aren’t cheap – Te au mea natura ravarai mea oronga ua ia mai tereira, e akatarauanga ngao ra te tiki, writes Bishop Tutai Pere of the Apostolic Church.
Plaque commemorates life, work of missionary couple
Friday 26 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane
Over half a century later, families and spiritual and traditional leaders gathered to unveil a plaque in memory and honour of the late Reverend Mataā Va’a of the London Missionary Society (LMS) Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) and his wife Talailalo Isaia.
17-year-old artist supports family with stunning pareu paintings
Thursday 25 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Art, Features, Go Local, Local, National
At 17, Jeremiah Tangianau from Rutaki is making life easier for his family, not just with his paintbrush but with his commitment to his parents.
Inaugural Taki Tahi Summit tackles challenges faced by women in business
Wednesday 24 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National
The inaugural Taki Tahi Women in Business Summit has been successful in reaching its goal of encouraging and inspiring women in business and entrepreneurs while also helping them overcome the challenges they face daily.
‘Can’t help falling in love’ with this cause: Elvis tribute to raise funds
Tuesday 23 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Two Elvis impersonators from New Zealand will perform in the Cook Islands to celebrate a local Elvis artist’s 60th birthday and raise money for charity.
Penrhyn schools celebrate culture in historic festival
Saturday 20 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Features, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
While schools in Rarotonga showcase their cultural heritage, the small but mighty schools of Omoka and Tetautua in Penrhyn/Tongareva, 1400 kilometres away, are making history.
Tongareva to host string band competition
Saturday 20 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National, Outer Islands
Tongareva is hosting a string band competition themed on Te Maeva Nui and Ariki Day to remind the younger generation of the island its legacy.
Bishop Paul reflects on 13 years of service in the Cook Islands
Saturday 20 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features
Bishop Paul Donoghue, the eighth Bishop of the Cook Islands Catholic Church who served for 13 years, has retired, leaving a legacy of strong faith development, good relationships with other religions and the community, and overcoming administrative challenges.
Church Talk: True happiness lies beyond the material
Friday 19 July 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
By focusing on faith and fearing God’s judgment, we can avoid prioritising worldly possessions and lead a more meaningful life, writes Bishop Reynaldo Bunyi Getalado msp of the Catholic Church.
Family business builds on legacy: Wichman children lead Cook Islands Building Supplies expansion
Wednesday 17 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National
The Wichman family-built Cook Islands Building Supplies has grown from a small store to a leading supplier with a new fleet, bigger warehouse and expansion plans.
Love and reconciliation: Retired Bishop calls for renewal in farewell sermon
Tuesday 16 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National
Retired Bishop Paul Donoghue delivered a farewell sermon emphasising the importance of good leadership and the need for love and reconciliation within the Catholic Diocese of Rarotonga.
Cook Islands sets sights on bringing Traditional Polynesian Games home
Saturday 13 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local, Other Sports, Sports
Cook Islands’ participation at the Heiva Tū’aro Mā’ohi traditional games in Tahiti has sparked interest in bringing similar events to the country and potentially boosting tourism.
Cultural revival at heart: Groups gear up for Te Maeva Nui showdown
Saturday 13 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
With two weeks remaining until the highly anticipated Te Maeva Nui 2024, journalist Talaia Mika talks to two cultural groups who are leaving no stone unturned in their preparations for the annual national cultural event.
Sibling’s illness fuels passion for healthy living
Saturday 13 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Health, National, Weekend
A young Cook Islander, inspired by her sibling’s health struggles, joined Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health to promote healthy living and supports the government’s plan to ban unhealthy substances.
Church Talk: Service – an act of love
Friday 12 July 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
We must be careful to serve for the right reasons. We should not serve others purely for recognition. Serving others should not be like a social media post, writes Kayla Kaimarama-Willie of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Tangi Ka’ara sponsor awards certificates to talented Apii Avarua drummers
Friday 12 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
In recognition of their enthusiasm and skills, primary school drummers who participated in the CITC Pump the Beats’ Emo’anga Tangi Ka’ara 2024 competition have received tokens of appreciation certificates from CITC – sponsors of the annual competitive event.
Family reunites to celebrate WWII Coastwatcher
Friday 12 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
A former Coastwatcher who served in World War II, the late Tai-O-Tonga Henry, who passed away in the 1980s, remains an embodiment of unity for his family in Rarotonga.
New website helps families find World War I ancestors’ graves
Wednesday 10 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
A passionate research team created a website to document Cook Islands World War I soldiers’ graves and share stories of their contribution to the war.
