Features
Jasmin makes artificial intelligence real
Saturday 9 November 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Weekend
Jasmin Forbes-James started teaching in labs and tutorials to help pay her way through her undergraduate degree in robotics – then to her surprise, she discovered she enjoyed teaching engineering.
Glittering platforms
Saturday 9 November 2019 | Published in Entertainment
Cook Islands’ representative in Miss Jewel of the Pacific intends to use the pageant to raise awareness of this country’s plans to recriminalise homosexuality. Rachel Reeves talks with her.
'God's love revealed on the cross'
Friday 8 November 2019 | Published in Church Talk
God’s jealousy for a lost soul is gut-wrenching as a loving husband’s jealousy when his wife cheats on him, writes Bishop Tutai Pere, from the Apostolic Church.
Reflections off the sea
Saturday 2 November 2019 | Published in Weekend
Voyaging isn’t glamorous. It can be wet, it can be arduous, it can be gross. Spending time on the Pacific on the nation’s sailing vaka, Rachel Reeves’ eyes are opened to the stamina and spirit of the people who settled these islands. They voyaged without power, without communications, without hope of rescue.
Safe hands: Flag-bearer for Cook Islands children
Saturday 2 November 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Weekend
If your kids need surgery at Rarotonga Hospital this month, the woman caring for them will be a familiar face: former Cook Islands Olympic Games flagbearer Ella Nicholas. Losirene Lacanivalu pays her a visit at the hospital.
Taking Cook Islands culture to the world
Saturday 2 November 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Weekend
Papatua Papatua is one of Cook Islands best-known faces; certainly one of the country’s best-known voices – but his latest work sharing islands tradition with our people across the ocean was new and special even for him.
Turama is to remember our dead with love
Friday 1 November 2019 | Published in Church Talk
Sister Elizabeth Browne-Russell from the Catholic Church was 35 when she nearly died in a horror road crash. Now, she writes, she never takes a day for granted.
Superwoman Rebeka
Wednesday 30 October 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Weekend
Rebeka Buchanan has come a long way in her professional career spanning about four decades. Tomorrow, Buchanan will be recognised for her effort when she will be awarded the prestigious “Woman of the Month” for October.
THE FINALE – MISS COOK ISLANDS 2019: Tajiya Sahay
Tuesday 29 October 2019 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Entertainment
Tajiya Sahay, 26, was this weekend crowned Miss Cook Islands 2019. Next month she will fly out to contest Miss World in London. But the crowd at the National Auditorium had no idea of the extraordinary journey she had made to win the title.
From fur and away
Sunday 27 October 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Weekend
As Te Are Manu veterinary clinic marks two years in Cook Islands, Losirene Lacanivalu discovers what makes it unique.
Mama Maru's voyage to look into the eye of the sea
Sunday 27 October 2019 | Published in Weekend
When marine scientists wanted to understand the decline of the paua, one of the country’s most culturally significant kai moana, then it made sense to go back to basics by diving from the Marumaru Atua. Rachel Reeves joins the journey to Manuae and Takutea.
Getting crafty at OkotopaFest
Sunday 27 October 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment
Dominic Infornon was aged 12 when he began learning guitar. He was growing up in the Philippines city of Olongapo Zambales, home to a US naval base.
Tiara will be bittersweet
Sunday 27 October 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment
Miss Cook Islands contestant Memory Richard, has mixed feelings about the pageant finale tonight at the National Auditorium.
Ask yourself, is my home strong enough to weather the storms?
Friday 25 October 2019 | Published in Church Talk
The parable of the man who build his house upon the sand is particularly pertinent to Cook Islands as hurricane season nears, writes John Mateara, from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Vaine Rangatira awards and recognition 2019
Thursday 24 October 2019 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Weekend
Te Maeva Nui o Aotearoa New Zealand hosted this inaugural awards and recognitions event, to honour Cook Islands women who have been instrumental in the growth and development of Cook Islanders in New Zealand and across the globe.
Dream weaver
Tuesday 22 October 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Weekend
It was 21 years ago Mama Tuki suffered her stroke, but she doesn’t let disability stand in her way.
Beauty pageant contestants put on a spectacular show
Monday 21 October 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Weekend
Sand art, pole dancing, singing, a guitar performance, line dancing and the evergreen spirited Cook Islands culture, added flair and diversity to the Miss Cook Islands talent category.
Guiding the way for 91 years
Saturday 19 October 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Weekend
When Ngara Katuke was a girl, there were no mattresses for Girl Guides camps. They slept on mats on the floor and nobody whinged, she laughs.
The naturopath who claims to treat cancer with baking soda
Saturday 19 October 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Weekend
Australian naturopath Barbara O’Neill has been banned from pushing her unproven cancer cure in Australia – but here in the Cook Islands, her followers are awaiting her next visit with excitement.
A catwalk of confidence
Wednesday 16 October 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Weekend
Sashaying the runway in the Miss Cook Islands (MCIA) Tropicana Parade was a new experience for beauty pageant contestant Tajiya Sahay.
