Features
The island school with 36 pupils – and a history
Saturday 8 February 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Weekend
The principal of Mitiaro’s tiny school believes their pupils are a chosen generation – and he is determined to help them discover a brighter future.
Dancing with the stars
Saturday 8 February 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Entertainment
From Tokoroa to the Super Bowl, Michael Metuakore’s journey to dancing super stardom.
Music to the years
Saturday 8 February 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Entertainment
Pat Williams, 64, was once well-known in Cook Islands music circles; now, he is sharing his familiar warm greeting at the security entrance to the US Consulate in Auckland.
Rev Vakaroto Ngaro: The infinite became the infant
Friday 7 February 2020 | Published in Church Talk
OPINION: In December we discussed how the nature of Christ gives meaning to his work. Today, in the second part of this series, Rev Vakaroto Ngaro from Cook Islands Christian Church in Avarua looks at Jesus as both divine and human.
'I don't want to be known as some bush mechanic'
Monday 3 February 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Weekend
Anyone who has had their vehicle fixed by Nathan Matata will tell you his automotive mechanical skills are second to none. But until he gets his piece of paper and finishes his qualification, it means nothing.
Star turn: Dancing for 100 million
Monday 3 February 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Entertainment
A Cook Islands hip-hop dancer hit centre stage dancing in the 2020 Super Bowl LIV halftime show – beamed to 100 million viewers worldwide.
'They saw me lying on the roadside, half-dead'
Saturday 1 February 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Weekend
The deaths of 14-year-old Mona Ioane and Fiji national Amit Kumar brought back painful memories for Tevita Navuda. He talks about the importance of lowing the drink-drive limit.
'I just heard a bang'
Saturday 1 February 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Weekend
Samuel Shaheem was one of the first on the scene, when 19-year-old Tetuanui Koteka died in an early morning bike crash just before Christmas.
Theatre play challenges seabed mining
Friday 31 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Entertainment
Young theatre director believes it’s important to return home to tell Cook Islands stories like the experience of LGBTQ+ mapu and the environmental response to seabed mining.
I te tuatau tau tikai (In the best of times)
Friday 31 January 2020 | Published in Church Talk
We should not rely on oil from the Muslim Middle-East, nor soft loans from the Buddhists populations of Chinese and Asia, but instead rely on the treasures our God has given us beneath our feet, writes Bishop Tutai Pere of the Apostolic Church.
Rangi Mitaera-Johnson: Kuru for a rainy day – or sunshine!
Thursday 30 January 2020 | Published in Art
RECIPE:Climate Change has brought about many modifications with the availability of produce seasonally. We have seen various fruits come into season at unusual times of the year.
Coastwatchers doco to air Anzac Day
Wednesday 29 January 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Entertainment
The story of the Cook Islands men who served as coastal radio operators during WWII will first screen in April, as pressure mounts for their proper recognition.
'We are all in the same boat'
Saturday 25 January 2020 | Published in Weekend
The Voyaging Society, the Sailing Club and the school holidays programme ‘Atui’anga ki te Tango teamed up to offer teenagers an understanding of where they come from.
The last horses
Saturday 25 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Weekend
As a horse rider, journalist Moana Makapelu Lee knows what it is to care for such proud animals. Up the Turangi valley road, she discovers Rarotonga’s last three horses – and meets the woman who is helping them live out the rest of their lives in calm and dignity.
Bishop Paul Donoghue: Our teachers show young people reality
Friday 24 January 2020 | Published in Church Talk
OPINION: As we return to school, we remember that teachers must be authentic witnesses who first live the life that they propose to others, writes Bishop Paul Donoghue, from the Catholic Church.
No rain on Miss World's parade
Friday 24 January 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Weekend
The money donated by Cook Islanders to help Australian bush fire victims is climbing towards $30,000, ahead of this afternoon’s announcement of the total.
Kirimoke Rakei: Cream and carbs, what's not to love?
Thursday 23 January 2020 | Published in Weekend
My name is Kirimoke Rakei, I've been with my partner Rodney Ngatikao for eight years. We owned and managed Mah zone for one year. It was an enjoyable experience and the creation of our famous Double Beef burger was made here.
In the water, on the water, by the water
Wednesday 22 January 2020 | Published in Art
This year’s BCI Summer in Paradise photo contest is gaining momentum, with dozens of entries this past week – and some people sharing some beautiful stories, too. To enter your photos for a chance at the big prizes – an iPad, an iPhone and more – email editor@cookislandsnews.com. TOP PIC! Miss Photogenic Mermaid Ngatokorua Arona at Rutaki beach. By PATRICK ARONA
Our own Cook Islands superheroes
Sunday 19 January 2020 | Published in Entertainment
After discovering how little has been written for our young people about their heritage, teacher David Riley has taken on the task of publishing the stories of Cook Islands heroes, old and new. Young Cook Islands News writer Hereiti File discusses with him the burden of learning and telling Cook Islands history.
A tyre, attire and tiring
Saturday 18 January 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Weekend
Twenty-seven exhausted scouts have returned from jamboree with new skills and new stories.
