Weekend
Manuae, Penthouse magazine and a sunken Aussie grader
Saturday 19 February 2022 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Features, Weekend
Over a period of two months in 1981, a group from Rarotonga cleared and constructed a 4000-foot airstrip on Manuae island.
Youngsters get involved in preserving Rarotonga’s wetlands
Saturday 12 February 2022 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Weekend
On Wednesday, February 2 a number of young Cook Islanders gathered to investigate and research about our wetlands behind Pa Ariki Palace in Ngatangiia, writes Gabriella Napa.
‘Rugby is what I do, it is not who I am’
Saturday 5 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, Weekend
He’s given 22 exemplary years to the All Blacks and has great pride in his Cook Islands heritage. Sports psychologist Gilbert Enoka is on Rarotonga this week and chats with senior journalist Al Williams, offering some insight into what it takes to be world beaters.
Discover Manuae
Saturday 5 February 2022 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Weekend
Manuae is one of the most remote islands in the Cook Islands. Uninhabited by man; teeming with marine life and sea turtles, this little island is a true coral atoll, set on the peak of a submerged volcano which plunges deep into the ocean bed.
Karlo Andersen ‘King’ of Manuae
Saturday 5 February 2022 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Features, Weekend
In the 1950s, Karlo Andersen ran Manuae like a military barracks. “For a man with a notion to play god, the set-up was ideal.”
Our $3 among world’s finest
Saturday 29 January 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Features, Weekend
The Cook Islands three dollar note with the iconic image of Ina and the shark is one of 23 notes around the world running for the banknote of the year.
Dive centre ready for adventure
Saturday 29 January 2022 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Weekend
Rarotonga-based Adventure Cook Islands have started welcoming divers back once again following a long break due Covid-19 related border closure.
Palmerston reaches out for Movember
Saturday 11 December 2021 | Written by Derek Fox | Published in Features, Weekend
Movember, the programme kicked off by two Australians in 2003, whereby people focus on men’s health in the month of November – has caught on in many places around the world - including the Cook Islands.
No GPS, no compass, only traditional navigating
Saturday 6 November 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Features, Weekend
Marumaru Atua crew sailed from Rarotonga to Aitutaki last month using only traditional navigating techniques.
Covid lockdown leads to ‘Our little big trip’
Saturday 11 September 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Features, Weekend
A young New Zealand family’s plans for a worldwide trip is grounded before taking off due to Covid-19 lockdowns, bringing them to Rarotonga where they’re enjoying much comfort and stability.
‘I’m in the business of trying to get justice’ says retired cop
Saturday 4 September 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, Weekend
At 77, former police officer and author Rod Henderson shows no sign of slowing down in his quest to analyse and solve crime. Al Williams reports.
Everyday phrases help Mike Tavioni teach Maori
Saturday 28 August 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Art, Features, Weekend
An unconventional, fun approach to teaching Maori has taken off at Gallery Tavioni, taking place every Tuesday and Thursday for the next few weeks in an attempt to preserve the important role of language in culture.
Cool, calm and collected - Tangianau Taoro is an all-rounder
Saturday 21 August 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
President of the Cook Islands Girl Brigade Company, a senior Justice of the Peace and team leader of the recently completed Te Mato Vai water intake project, Taoro tells Melina Etches how she keep her cool to carry out her duties and responsibilities.
'The ocean and I' - Vaka crew reflect on voyage to the North
Saturday 14 August 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Features, Weekend
Surviving squalls of concentrated rain and big gusts of wind, rookie crew members of Vaka Marumaru Atua are looking forward to their next voyage to learn more about the ocean around them. By Caleb Fotheringham.
Whispering life into plants
Saturday 14 August 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Lots of gardeners have “green fingers”, the ability to grow things well, better than most people. But Luduina Williams is a “plant whisperer”, a gardener who is repeatedly able to achieve all kinds of magical things in her garden. By Melina Etches
A day in the life at sea
Saturday 31 July 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, Weekend
It’s a big family to feed and keep happy aboard the New Zealand Royal Navy protector-fleet offshore patrol ship HMZS Wellington which visited Rarotonga this week. Al Williams caught up with some of the crew and had a look around the vessel.
Pride and prejudice: Lobby group takes leap of faith for LGBTQI community
Friday 23 July 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, Weekend
A Cook Islands lobby group is taking giant steps forward in a combined effort to bring about equality. Al Williams reports.
The gift of faith - St. Joseph's celebrates 125 years
Friday 16 July 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, Weekend
St Joseph’s Primary School in Avarua celebrated 125 years this week. Al Williams delves into the school archives, talking to former students and teachers who attended celebrations.
Pushing your limits in paradise
Friday 16 July 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Riding on the success of last year’s Cook Islands Games, Aitutaki-based Dani Adendorff recognises the potential to maintain that momentum and extend the reach of the growing weightlifting fitness revolution to the Pa Enua. By Melina Etches.
Collective approach is needed to end domestic violence
Saturday 10 July 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, Weekend
There’s a growing concern about the level of domestic violence on Rarotonga but it will take a multi-agency response and broad community support to address the issue.
