Weekend
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.
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
