Weekend
Mangaia’s ‘ringed web of caves’ offers rich geological and historical treasures
Saturday 21 September 2024 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Features, In Depth, Memory Lane, Weekend
A team of American cave explorers estimate there may be hundreds of caves yet to be explored on Mangaia in what one team member describes as ‘a ringed web of caves’ rich in geological and historical interest, including evidence of pre-historic exploration, writes Rod Dixon.
‘He waka eke noa – We are all in this together’
Saturday 14 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, In Depth, Weekend
Cook Islands last week bid farewell to Tūī Dewes, the former Aotearoa New Zealand High Commissioner to the Cook Islands, who completed a four-year term on September 6, 2024. In an interview with senior journalist Melina Etches, Dewes reflects on her achievements and contributions, shared interests and enhancing Māori-to-Māori ties.
A family affair: Mothers and daughters thrive in rugby
Saturday 7 September 2024 | Written by Solomone Taukei | Published in Features, Rugby Union, Sports, Weekend
Three mother-daughter duos played together on the same rugby team in the Cook Islands Rugby Union women’s competition, inspiring young women and highlighting the power of family bonds in sports.
Anxiety on the rise: Cook Islands faces mental health challenge
Saturday 7 September 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Health, National, Weekend
The incidence rate of newly diagnosed mental health cases in the Cook Islands between 2021 and 2023 is nearly five per 1000 population, but a non-governmental organisation claims there are more cases than officially reported.
Short and sweet: A father’s guide to raising successful children
Saturday 31 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
A proud Cook Islands father believes that the best gift a parent can give their children is the ability to thrive as adults, emphasising the importance of family values and community service.
Kīngi Tūheitia’s legacy remembered
Saturday 31 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, New Zealand, Regional, Weekend
Cook Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand, Kairangi Samuela, paid tribute to Kīngi Tūheitia, acknowledging his significant contributions to strengthening the relationship between the Cook Islands and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Paikea unveils new star compass and oe
Friday 30 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation welcomed onboard Vaka Paikea outgoing New Zealand High Commissioner to the Cook Islands, Tui Dewes, for the blessing of their new carved etu marama star compass and the naming of their oe “inuinutai”.
A father’s wish: Naea’s unfulfilled dream
Thursday 29 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
Okirua Naea’s greatest wish is that his children had met the man who raised him into the father he is today.
Tararo’s commitment to God and family
Thursday 29 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
A 29-year-old father of two, Bernard Tararo, is setting an example for all young fathers in the Cook Islands that commitment and faith are key to building a successful family.
The General’s greatest gift
Thursday 29 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
A former Cook Islands rugby star and grandfather of 11, reflects on his journey as a father and husband, emphasising the importance of love, support and equality in family relationships
Pacific’s first: A doctorate and a deeper connection to home
Saturday 24 August 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Education, Features, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
When Cook Islander Dr Antony Vavia walked off the stage earlier this month with a piece of paper he had worked hard for six years, he achieved more than just becoming the first Pacific Islander to earn a doctoral degree in marine biology from Auckland University of Technology (AUT).
Mast-erpiece: Historic ship Oosterschelde anchors in Rarotonga
Friday 23 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Weekend
One of the most historic boats afloat across the world’s oceans has now visited the Cook Islands for the first time, carrying over 20 visitors.
Record nominations for Cook Islands People’s Choice Awards, voting opens today
Monday 19 August 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Entertainment, Features, National, Tourism, Weekend
Cook Islands Tourism yesterday announced the finalists for the 2024 Cook Islands People’s Choice Awards (PCA), celebrating excellence in the tourism industry and the wider community.
Newcomers top mayoral race in 2024 Island Govt Election
Saturday 17 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
Six new mayors are set to lead the charge after finishing on top in the preliminary count of the Island Government Election 2024, held this week across the Pa Enua.
Third time’s a charm: Teenage sweethearts find their way back to each other
Saturday 17 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Weekend
A couple who first met as teenagers, separated, and reunited after 17 years, finally tied the knot in a heartwarming ceremony in Rarotonga.
‘Only in the Cooks’: Retiring judge shares fond memories of Cook Islands
Saturday 17 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Features, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
After 12 years of dedicated service to the Cook Islands justice system, High Court Judge Dame Judith Potter is hanging up her robes, leaving a legacy of legal expertise, and taking with her some ‘only in the Cooks’ memories.
Cook Islands leads charge in war against invasive species
Tuesday 13 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Features, National, Weekend
Cook Islands is hosting a regional meeting this week to address the significant threat of invasive species to the country’s ecosystems, food security and biodiversity, while sharing knowledge and seeking solutions with other Pacific nations.
War of the wings: The Rimatara lorikeet and how I learnt to hate the Atiu mynah
Monday 12 August 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, Features, Local, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
After a seven-year battle using a combination of poisoning, trapping and shooting, the Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust successfully eradicated an initial population of around 6000 mynahs from Ātiu, making it the world’s largest island-based mynah eradication project. Roger Malcolm, a resident hotelier on Ātiu and one of the key people behind the eradication project, shares his own battle with one of the most invasive bird species in the world.
Mariri honours mother’s dream
Saturday 10 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Weekend
A 30-year-old mother of four and a local teacher of over five years has made her dream and her mother’s come true, graduating with a Bachelor of Education from the University of the South Pacific (USP) amid a hectic lifestyle.
‘Helava Walk for Life’ aims to raise funds for cancer treatment
Saturday 10 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Weekend
Friends and family of an 18-year-old Rarotonga resident who is diagnosed with lymphocytic leukaemia will be holding a “Helava Walk for Life” fundraiser to assist with her further treatment in Singapore.
