Weekend
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.
New discoveries add to Cook Islands’ rich biodiversity
Saturday 18 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Weekend
The Cook Islands Biodiversity and Ethnobiology Database recently added 338 new species, including four new intertidal air-breathing limpets, the Erythrina Borer moth not recorded in 90 years, and a mysterious moth never seen before, writes Gerald McCormack of the Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust.
Spectacular show by Jewels of the Cook Islands
Monday 13 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Weekend
The Jewels Dine & Dance event was spectacular for many who attended the show on Friday night at the Edgewater Resort and Spa.
Protecting Aitutaki’s ‘beating heart’ using traditional conservation method
Saturday 11 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, Features, Local, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
Aitutaki residents gathered at their prized lagoon this week to continue the custom of protecting their marine environment through the re-establishment of the traditional ra’ui, a temporary fishing ban within the lagoon.
Family duty calls: Youngest councillor navigates life on remote Palmerston
Saturday 11 January 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Features, Local, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
At 23, Julianna Marsters is Cook Islands’ youngest Island Government councillor. However, she was elected not by her own choice, but because she was the only family member of eligible age.
Love in paradise: Fijian couple weds in Rarotonga
Saturday 4 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Weekend
On December 21, 2024, Rarotonga became the backdrop for a heartfelt celebration of love as Losirene Dasalusalu and her newly wedded husband, Ratu Osea Dasalusalu, tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony.
‘Toughy’ bids farewell to 45-year banking career
Saturday 28 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
After a remarkable 45-year career spanning four different banks in the same building, a respected bank employee has retired, leaving a legacy of dedication and service to the community.
Walking for ‘Dear Love’: A journey of reflection and love
Saturday 28 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
A Cook Islands businesswoman walked the Camino de Santiago in memory of her late husband, finding solace and healing on the ancient pilgrimage route while honouring their shared love and dreams.
Divided legacy: Arioka invested as Pera Mataiapo Tutara amidst controversy
Saturday 14 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Features, National, Weekend
Patrick Arioka has been invested with the traditional title of Pera Mataiapo Tutara in the second investiture for the same title this year, little over a week after another claimant, Ana Andrew, was invested on November 27, 2024.
Celebrating investment in healthcare workforce with graduation ceremony
Saturday 14 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Health, National, Weekend
Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health celebrated the graduation of its first cohort of Bachelor of Nursing students and other healthcare professionals, recognising their dedication and the importance of investing in local healthcare education to improve community health services.
Cook Islands ABC’s Nesian Footy Presenter Arona honoured to be home, shares memories
Monday 9 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Tinirau Arona, one of ABC’s Nesian Footy presenters returned to Rarotonga last week to launch the reconnection of ABC Radio Australia on 91.5FM.
ABC Radio 91.5FM partners with DJ guru GDub
Saturday 7 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Features, National, Weekend
ABC Radio Australia has reconnected with audiences of Rarotonga on 91.5FM through a partnership with popular local DJ guru George “GDub” Williams radio 88FM station.
Legacy lives on: Tekeu honoured with ancestral Mataiapo title
Friday 29 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Features, National, Weekend
Fifty-six years after his late father held the title, Tekeu Maki Tekeu, 68, was yesterday invested with the Ta Mataiapo title of Matavera.
First Cook Islander joins prestigious fellowship
Wednesday 27 November 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education, Features, Local, National, Weekend
As the first Cook Islander to be accepted into a “lifetime” fellowship, Louisa Castledine is looking forward to introducing Cook Islands to a global league of academic leaders, change-makers and visionaries.
Master Navigator and Canadian journalist team up on a history of voyaging
Saturday 23 November 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
It has been almost 40 years since the first ocean-going vaka of the modern age arrived to the Cook Islands. Some readers will remember Hōkūle’a’s first visit in September 1985, and since then a growing fleet of canoes has come and gone from these shores, including several built or based here, such as Takitumu, Te Au O Tonga, Marumaru Atua, Paikea, and canoes built for the Festival of Pacific Arts in 1992. Jennifer Kingsley writes.
Read, read, read
Saturday 23 November 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education, Features, National, Weekend
To be a writer, you need to read, read, read, says children’s book author Karen McMillan, who recently wrote Elastic Island Adventures: Rarotonga.
Pauro Arnold lands giant marlin
Friday 15 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
In an epic battle between man and beast, local fisherman Pauro Arnold on Thursday captured a giant 506kg blue marlin (1115.54 pounds) – a “grander” weighing over 1000 pounds after playing it for two and a half hours.
Faith and fasting secrets
Saturday 9 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Health, In Depth, National, Weekend
This news he had cancer came as a shock to Patrick Arioka, but it also sparked a fierce determination within him. Melina Etches talked to him for this story.
Defying the Odds: 2 women excel in male domain
Saturday 9 November 2024 | Written by Solomone Taukei | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Rugby Union, Sports, Weekend
For years, women have been side-lined in sports administration, especially in rugby—a domain long dominated by men. However, local trailblazers like Francis Toa and Harriet Tuara are breaking barriers, proving that women can excel in leadership roles and transform the rugby landscape. Their stories serve as powerful examples of resilience, passion, and dedication in the face of challenges. Sports reporter Solomone Taukei profiles the pair.
