Weekend
The pull of the tide
Saturday 8 August 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Weekend
Late at night once a month, whether it’s warm or cold, a small group of people gather quietly on the beach at Muri. They talk, then they walk into the lagoon and dive below the surface. What drives these Full Moon Swimmers?
'A lot of people need help in our village at this time'
Saturday 8 August 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Weekend
Infrastructure Cook Islands has poured energy and resources into fixing up roads, bridges and culverts this year, to protect homes and businesses from regular and devastating floods. This week’s one-in-four-years record downpour was the big test.
Sailing on the quiet of Aitutaki lagoon
Saturday 1 August 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Weekend
Taking the family out sailing on Aitutaki lagoon with Captain Ted Tavai is a reminder of just how lucky we are – and how important it is to value that by supporting our local businesses.
Fisheries industry: Hooking the big one
Saturday 1 August 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Weekend
Local fishermen are struggling to make a buck with the tourists gone – but it is large-scale fisheries that could yet help the country get back on its feet again.
'One person can make a difference'
Saturday 1 August 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Weekend
Earrings from used plastics; packaging from used toilet rolls. Rebecca Jim tells Rashneel Kumar how she is selling a clean dream to customers overseas.
A Nazi spy in the Cook Islands?
Saturday 1 August 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Weekend
With Hitler having just seized power in Germany, and tensions rising across Europe, Mangaia residents were understandably suspicious of the sandy-haired, Luger-carrying Nazi sympathiser who turned up on their island.
Helping people is reward enough
Saturday 25 July 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Weekend
Growing up, nursing was always Rangi Matapo’s ambition.
'Safest man on the planet' is back on dry land after 267-day sailing odyssey
Tuesday 21 July 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Weekend
Cook Islands government came to the assistance of a man sailing solo around the world, allowing him to avoid coming in contact with other people since before the coronavirus first emerged.
Raro masks bring smiles
Saturday 18 July 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Weekend
Surgical scrub hats made out of Cook Islands materials have brightened the days of doctors, nurses and patients at the Queen’s Hospital in London during this unprecedented Covid-19 time.
The historic fishing club where most people don't fish
Monday 13 July 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Weekend
Cook Islands Game Fishing Club has made the headlines a few times with the big fish weighed in there – but to its members, it’s not about the contest but about the community.
'A true island princess'
Saturday 11 July 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Weekend
Family and friends remember Tutevera Wichman-Evans, a proud Cook Islander and a beautiful soul who was born to perform.
The principal who will miss Rarotonga
Saturday 11 July 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Weekend
When the St Joseph’s principal returns to New Zealand, she looks forward to showing her family there how to make ika mata.
WWI memorial theft is 'sad and disheartening' – Sir Tom Marsters
Wednesday 8 July 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Weekend
Queen’s Representative dismayed thieves would take monument to Cook Islands heroes. Katrina Tanirau and NZ Herald report.
Eco-resort profits to support arts, health and education
Tuesday 7 July 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Go Local, Weekend
GOING LOCAL: Royale Takitumu is to reopen with a new focus on philanthropy and the environment, as Cook Islands reinvents its tourism.
Jeremiah's second chance at life
Sunday 5 July 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Weekend
Next month police will begin enforcing the motorbike helmet law. There is one person who knows the importance of a helmet better than anyone.
Chantal's recipe for success
Sunday 5 July 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Weekend
Award-winning tourism operator Chantal Napa barely paused for breath after the travels bans shut down her business; now she has launched a Cook Islands podcast with US business partners Haydn Adams. Rashneel Kumar conducts a three-way trans-Pacific interview with the podcasters.
Blackbirds: Shackled inside the slave ships to Peru
Sunday 5 July 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Weekend
As the world commemorates the abolition of slavery, leaders like Donald Trump and Scott Morrison have downplayed that brutal history. Yet there are Cook Islands families who still feel the pain.
People with disabilities ask: 'Why are we forgotten in Covid crisis?'
Tuesday 30 June 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Weekend
One in four people in Cook Islands live with a disability, according to the last census. That is part of the reason the National Disability Council fights for an inclusive and just Cook Islands in which the human rights of those with disabilities are realised.
Nan Hauser: 'My disease scares some people – but I love my life'
Saturday 27 June 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Weekend
Rarotonga whale researcher Nan Hauser speaks up for the first time about living with epilepsy and fighting the stigma against disabilities.
'A good story requires a good government'
Saturday 27 June 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Weekend
Former Government minister Iaveta Short says there is too must travel and wastage, and not enough checks and balances on government.
