Weekend
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.
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.
