Weekend
University study plans stalled by lack of funds
Saturday 7 March 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Weekend
OPINION: Aspiring teacher Akarere Taka has had to cut back to one paper a semester at the University of the South Pacific due to lack of funding. At that rate, it would take her nearly 13 years to complete her education degree.
Hopes for our resilient reefs
Saturday 7 March 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Weekend
A long-term study of the coral reefs of Rarotonga, Aitutaki and Palmerston shows promising signs of recovery – though Crown of Thorns starfish remain a worry on Aitutaki.
In the line of duty
Saturday 7 March 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Weekend
They have both battled personal tragedy. Now, these two proud Cook Islanders are fighting back at the international Invictus Games for those who have suffered injury and sickness in the armed services.
To proudly love, honour, and respect . . .
Saturday 29 February 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Weekend
Alex and Joshua exchanged wedding vows last week in Australia, because they couldn’t do it back home in Cook Islands. Now, they have one further vow: to see same-sex relations decriminalised here.
'I was shocked and I was terrified'
Saturday 29 February 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Weekend
A solitary tear runs down Tina Browne’s face as she remembers her father, former prime minister Sir Pupuke Robati. She says she’s inherited his thoroughness and honesty – but not his patience with those who let her down.
Water boss: It's lonely at the top
Saturday 29 February 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Weekend
Lonely away from his family, and bruised by the opposition to his work, the departing To Tatou Vai boss is looking forward to a break.
Women struggle in far corners of the south Pacific
Saturday 29 February 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Weekend
Women and girls are make up half the population – but women’s organisations get only 1 per cent of grant funding.
Never mind if your hands get all greasy'
Saturday 29 February 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Weekend
The only woman mechanic on Rarotonga has already inspired the men she works with.
WWII coastwatchers honoured
Monday 24 February 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Weekend
Grandson calls for recognition from NZ Defence Force. The names of 14 Cook Islands coastwatchers who served in World War II have been added to the Auckland War Memorial Museum’s online cenotaph.
China v US in the Pacific: Uncle Sam wants you!
Saturday 22 February 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Weekend
We know what America wants. We think we know what China wants. But do Cook Islands know what we want for ourselves?
Remembering our war dead: 'Our children can see where they come from'
Monday 17 February 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Weekend
The recognition of the final resting places of six Cook Islands war dead causes us to consider how we remember them, and indeed, all our loved ones. Jonathan Milne explores the common strands linking the small family burial plots of Cook Islands to the sweeping American lawn cemetery of Hawai’i.
Home with his 'Garden of Eden'
Saturday 15 February 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Weekend
After 45 years in New Zealand, Teremoana Tutini fondly known as Papa Neke returned to his island of birth Mitiaro in 1999 with just his bags and a tent. Now 82, he has two houses and a self-sufficient garden locally known as the Garden of Eden. He is at peace, and loves the simple quietness of life. Melina Etches finds out more during her recent visit to the island.
Subbing in: America works to win hearts and minds with expanding presence in Pacific
Saturday 15 February 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Weekend
As disputes over incursions by fishing fleets spread south through the Pacific Ocean, so too the face of maritime patrols is changing. Jonathan Milne reports from Pearl Harbor, Hawai’i.
The Bond story wine match: Wine fit for a king
Saturday 15 February 2020 | Published in Weekend
Wine: The Kings Thorn Pinot Gris Vintage: 2017 Region: Waihopai Valley, Marlborough, NZ
Patricia Barton: Something just a little fishy
Saturday 15 February 2020 | Published in Weekend
They say the key to a healthy diet is to eat fresh. We are so blessed in the Cook Islands with a bounty of fresh fish, locally grown turmeric, so many varieties of chillies, fresh coconut cream, home grown tomatoes from the pots on my balcony; so a fish curry it had to be.
The island school with 36 pupils – and a history
Saturday 8 February 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Weekend
The principal of Mitiaro’s tiny school believes their pupils are a chosen generation – and he is determined to help them discover a brighter future.
'I don't want to be known as some bush mechanic'
Monday 3 February 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Weekend
Anyone who has had their vehicle fixed by Nathan Matata will tell you his automotive mechanical skills are second to none. But until he gets his piece of paper and finishes his qualification, it means nothing.
'They saw me lying on the roadside, half-dead'
Saturday 1 February 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Weekend
The deaths of 14-year-old Mona Ioane and Fiji national Amit Kumar brought back painful memories for Tevita Navuda. He talks about the importance of lowing the drink-drive limit.
'I just heard a bang'
Saturday 1 February 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Weekend
Samuel Shaheem was one of the first on the scene, when 19-year-old Tetuanui Koteka died in an early morning bike crash just before Christmas.
'We are all in the same boat'
Saturday 25 January 2020 | Published in Weekend
The Voyaging Society, the Sailing Club and the school holidays programme ‘Atui’anga ki te Tango teamed up to offer teenagers an understanding of where they come from.
