Weekend
A beacon of progress: First transgender mayor hopes to inspire local community
Saturday 22 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Weekend
Six months into her term, Mauke’s new mayor Joanne Rongoape Stephens is celebrated as the Cook Islands’ first transgender mayor, inspiring the LGBTQ+ community and aiming to foster growth and unity in her island.
Rarotonga marks World Down Syndrome Day
Saturday 22 March 2025 | Written by Teitimoana Tairi | Published in Features, Health, Local, National, Weekend
A World Down Syndrome Day fundraiser held at Rarotonga’s Punanga Nui Market raised over $1000 for the Cook Islands Down Syndrome Association.
Chasing the horizon: Cook Islanders rise through the ranks to command luxury yachts
Saturday 22 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
In the Cook Islands, where the sea is both a livelihood and a way of life, two Cook Islanders have transformed their childhood dream into reality, becoming captains of luxurious super yachts.
Cook Islands women summit sets action plans for key issues
Friday 7 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
The three-day Cook Islands National Council of Women’s Uikaraurau summit, which concluded on Wednesday, addressed issues like climate justice, Te Reo Maori revitalisation, NCD prevention and combating violence against women, and outlined future action plans.
Vietnam war gun finds home at Cook Islands Returned Services Association
Saturday 22 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, New Zealand, Regional, Weekend
In recognition of the men and women from the Cook Islands who have served in the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), the Cook Islands Returned Services Association (RSA) have taken possession of the L5 Howitzer Light Gun now sitting at its entrance.
New book chronicles the legacy of ‘Pacific icon’ Marjorie Crocombe
Saturday 22 February 2025 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
A new book, Marjorie Crocombe – e va’ine toa, e rangatira, honours the extraordinary life and contributions of Marjorie Tua’inekore Tere Crocombe. It will be launched on Tuesday, 25 February 2025, at 11am at the University of the South Pacific (USP) Cook Islands campus. All are warmly welcomed.
Census reveals decline in Cook Islands Māori speakers in New Zealand
Saturday 15 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Culture, Education, Features, National, Weekend
Despite a growing Cook Islands population in New Zealand, the number of Cook Islands Māori speakers is declining, raising concerns about the language’s future, and prompting calls for greater support for language revitalisation efforts.
Cook Islands, NZ reaffirm strong ties on Waitangi Day celebration
Saturday 8 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, New Zealand, Regional, Weekend
New Zealand and the Cook Islands commemorated Waitangi Day and the Cook Islands' 60th anniversary of self-governance on Thursday, highlighting their unique bond and dedication to navigating the future together through continued partnership and respect, despite issues surrounding the now abandoned proposed passport and the upcoming China agreement.
Prefects leading the way
Saturday 8 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Features, National, Weekend
Ten students from the Year 6 class of St Joseph’s Primary School were inducted as prefects yesterday during a beautiful opening of the school year and prefect investiture church service at St Joseph’s Cathedral, led by Bishop Reynaldo Getalado.
Coastwatcher honoured after 80 years
Tuesday 4 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
On a beautiful afternoon in the Ruatonga valley, a poignant ceremony unfolded as the ‘Last Post’ echoed through the gathering at the unveiling of a military plaque for a Cook Islands Coastwatcher.
Cook Islanders share stories of friendship with Australia
Monday 3 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Australia, Features, Local, National, Regional, Weekend
The strong and growing relationship between Australia and the Cook Islands has been amplified by the stories of Cook Islanders who have lived and thrived in Australia.
Engaging communities to shape the future of tourism
Saturday 1 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, In Depth, National, Tourism, Weekend
Engaging and practical public consultations have been held throughout this week to help Cook Islands Tourism develop the policies that will guide the nation positively into the future, focusing on how tourism can contribute positively to the wellbeing of the Cook Islands.
Passion for education: Mangaia’s daughters answer the call to teach
Saturday 1 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, Features, National, Weekend
Driven by a passion for education and a desire to serve their community, two Mangaia teenagers are among the first trainees at the newly launched Cook Islands Teacher Development Centre.
Balancing tourism and culture
Thursday 30 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Australia, Features, Regional, Weekend
Cook Islands Tourism’s transparent, inclusive and practical planning public consultation which explored the challenges and opportunities tourism brings in all areas of wellbeing, drew a good number of community members.
Whyte’s journey of service
Saturday 25 January 2025 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Features, Weekend
During his nine-year tenure as Mangaia’s executive officer, Anthony Whyte, improved essential services, revitalised community infrastructure and enhanced the quality of life for island residents, leaving a lasting positive impact, writes Rod Dixon.
Archaeologist Māeva unearths Cook Islands food preservation secrets
Saturday 25 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
A dedicated archaeologist has taken on the task of exploring, reviving, collating and recording traditional culinary traditions, with an emphasis on cultural heritage and sustainability.
‘Generational curse’ of violence – Calls for action to protect children
Saturday 25 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, Features, In Depth, National, Weekend
A recent 14-year prison sentence for a convicted paedophile has prompted calls for increased community vigilance, parental responsibility and stricter measures to protect children from sexual abuse.
Artist finds her roots in Rarotonga
Monday 20 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, Weekend
Cook Islander Remiah Chanelle Mani is an extraordinarily gifted and self-taught artist who has a deep appreciation for her culture and vibrant hues of nature that inspire creativity.
Cook Islander returns home to lead Aitutaki’s Araura College
Saturday 18 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, Features, National, Weekend
James Kora, the newly appointed principal of Araura College in Aitutaki, is excited to return home to the Cook Islands after spending most of his life and career in New Zealand.
‘No longer dead Ministry’: Agriculture head Anguna-Kamana plots third term growth
Saturday 18 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Agriculture, Features, Local, National, Weekend
In 2018, on her first day as Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture, Temarama Anguna-Kamana was told that this was a ‘dead ministry’. Now in her third term at the helm, Anguna-Kamana still sees potential in the agriculture sector and envisions leaving the industry in a much better position than she inherited.
