Weekend
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.
Deep ocean groundings
Saturday 2 November 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, Features, National, Weekend
Journalist Rachel Reeves shares insights and revelations from this week’s Deep Sea Symposium hosted by the Cook Islands Centre For Research (Te Puna Vai Marama).
When rugby was simply a way of life
Saturday 26 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, In Depth, Memory Lane, Weekend
These reminiscences by local rugby stalwarts Amene Rangi and Bob Estall were assembled by staff reporter Melina Etches.
Long serving firefighter finds joy in voluntary service
Saturday 26 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
One of the longest-serving and oldest volunteers of the Puaikura Fire Brigade, Mathew Mataroa, who helped start the fire brigade over two decades ago, has no regrets about returning home to serve his people in firefighting battles.
Historic investiture ceremony marks new era for Tamaiva Mataiapo title
Friday 25 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Features, National, Weekend
The cultural investiture ceremony of 78-year-old David Tuaeu with the traditional title of Tamaiva Mataiapo was held last month at the new Tamaiva marae in Murivai, Tupapa.
Daughter of late ariki elected Te Maeu O Te Rangi Teikamata Ariki
Thursday 24 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Features, In Depth, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
In a significant occasion for the island of Mitiaro, the daughter of the late Mii Tungane Upokoati O’Bryan, Te Maeu O Te Rangi Teikamata Ariki OBE, has been elected to assume the esteemed title once held by her mother.
Cook Islanders return from US Leadership Fellowship inspired to make a difference
Tuesday 22 October 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Weekend
Two Cook Islanders who participated in the second US–Pacific Institute for Rising Leaders Fellowship described the annual programme as an eye opener.
Cook Islander named manager of country’s largest department store
Saturday 19 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Features, National, Weekend
A former sales assistant, who has worked diligently for a decade, has been promoted to the manager position of the country’s largest department store.
Cook Islanders return home for family, culture and sport
Saturday 5 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Other Sports, Sports, Weekend
The appeal of reconnecting with family, learning more about genealogy and the culture while enjoying sport with island pride certainly does entice Cook Islanders overseas to return home to participate in the Cook Islands Games.
Celebrating 50 years of hospitality
Saturday 21 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National, Weekend
A leading Cook Islands resort, celebrating its 50th anniversary, is honouring its dedicated staff, particularly those who have served for over 20 years, and reflecting on its growth and impact on the community.
