Features
From courtroom to Hula Bar stage
Friday 11 October 2019 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Entertainment
Rapper Tom Francis’ musical career looked like it was over when he was convicted of a ‘king hit’ on an innocent man sitting in his parked car. Now, he is rebuilding his life in Cook Islands. Jonathan Milne and Astrid Austin report.
The science of beauty
Thursday 10 October 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment
Beauty pageants aren’t for everyone, says the winner of Miss Cook Islands New Zealand. But for all the stress, the personal rewards are enormous. Article by Melina Etches and photos by Gerardus Verspeek.
Saving Cooks' crowning glory from the Crown of Thorns starfish
Wednesday 9 October 2019 | Published in Weekend
When predator Crown of Thorns starfish were found in the pristine waters of Mitiaro last month, locals and environmentalists dove into action.
Miss Cooks NZ 'stunning' in her triumph
Tuesday 8 October 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment
“I’m honoured and proud,” says Terito Story, after being crowned Miss Cook Islands New Zealand.
Life on the ocean wave
Tuesday 8 October 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features
John Teaurima has been at sea even longer than his police patrol boat, Te Kukupa – but even he needs seasickness pills in the bigger storms. Melina Etches meets him.
'It means reflection'
Saturday 5 October 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Entertainment
Art lovers are promised a whole different experience of women’s art at an exhibition opening in Rarotonga.
Neither persecution nor the sword separates us from the love of Christ
Friday 4 October 2019 | Published in Church Talk
Our natural enemies in an imperfect world may be poverty, hunger, natural disasters and persecutors – but they are nothing in the face of love, says Reverend Vakaroto Ngaro of Cook Islands Christian church in Avarua.
Maiden inspires women in maritime
Wednesday 2 October 2019 | Published in Entertainment
Tracy Edwards became the skipper of the first ever all-female crew to enter the Whitbread Round the World yacht race.
From hammer-throw, to throwing the dice
Monday 30 September 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Weekend
Siniva Marsters’ dad told her to never be shy – and that confidence has helped her to new distances.
Shifting the paradigm
Saturday 28 September 2019 | Published in Weekend
Rachel Reeves sits down with PhD candidates at USP Cook Islands, which offers scholarships for doctoral degrees and brings Cook Islands researchers together.
Miss Cook Islands: 'Don't be pretentious'
Saturday 28 September 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment
As the seven contestants prepare for next month’s Miss Cook Islands pageant, the first woman to wear the tiara has some advice for this year’s contestants: be natural. We meet Cook Islands' 1960 beauty queen.
Freddie Tira comes home
Saturday 28 September 2019 | Published in Entertainment
The people of Rarotonga thought one of the country’s most celebrated singers had died 50 years ago – so they were surprised and delighted to find him singing in Hong Kong’s top hotel! Now, Freddie Tira really has passed. Professor Jon Tikivanotau Jonassen remembers his friend.
10 guitars, 3 ukuleles
Saturday 28 September 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment
Koka Lagoon Boys Papa Jack, Aberahama Tauta and Junior Koronui will compete tonight in the first LBV string band competition under the stars.
Young singers delight big crowd
Saturday 28 September 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment
Jeremiah Kaimarama from Apii Arorangi gave it his all in the Junior Song Quest.
Climate crisis shows peril of turning from God
Friday 27 September 2019 | Published in Church Talk
God gave humankind dominion over the earth and all upon it – yet at the United Nations climate summit, innocent children are being coerced into confessing responsibility for harming plants and animals, writes Bishop Tutai Pere of the Apostolic Church.
Rarotonga hosts FIA world cup
Friday 27 September 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment
Fia’s biggest hit is Fly Away – but yesterday he flew in to Raro.
Miss Cook Islands: Earthy Emma to honour Grandie
Friday 27 September 2019 | Published in Entertainment
Ever since Emma Kainuku-Walsh moved back home 2017, she’s been encouraging her family and friends back in New Zealand to follow suit as she’s found it challenging being away from them.
Miss Cook Islands: A Memory of the world
Wednesday 25 September 2019 | Published in Entertainment
Beauty contestant can boast a taste in Korean movies, Malaysian laksa, Australian work experience, Fiji heritage – and Rarotongan heart and soul. Jaewynn McKay reports.
'There's no one way to live life'
Tuesday 24 September 2019 | Published in Entertainment
The top three ambitions on Eva Parker’s list are to graduate as a lawyer, to work in an international organisation and to travel the world.
Miss Cook Islands: For Maruia, women can do everything!
Monday 23 September 2019 | Published in Entertainment
Pacific Games league rep Maruia Willie reckons she’s built more for the sports field than like a stereotypical model – and that’s certainly not stopping her entering Miss Cook Islands. Jaewynn McKay meets her.
