Weekend
The last horses
Saturday 25 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Weekend
As a horse rider, journalist Moana Makapelu Lee knows what it is to care for such proud animals. Up the Turangi valley road, she discovers Rarotonga’s last three horses – and meets the woman who is helping them live out the rest of their lives in calm and dignity.
No rain on Miss World's parade
Friday 24 January 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Weekend
The money donated by Cook Islanders to help Australian bush fire victims is climbing towards $30,000, ahead of this afternoon’s announcement of the total.
Kirimoke Rakei: Cream and carbs, what's not to love?
Thursday 23 January 2020 | Published in Weekend
My name is Kirimoke Rakei, I've been with my partner Rodney Ngatikao for eight years. We owned and managed Mah zone for one year. It was an enjoyable experience and the creation of our famous Double Beef burger was made here.
A tyre, attire and tiring
Saturday 18 January 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Weekend
Twenty-seven exhausted scouts have returned from jamboree with new skills and new stories.
Historian 'tore a few blankets off cover-up'
Sunday 12 January 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Weekend
Dick Scott’s books on colonialism changed the way children here learned about their history. Moana Makapelu Lee pays her respects to a friend of her family and of Cook Islands, Niuean and Māori peoples.
Keys to host responsibility: Step up to save lives
Sunday 12 January 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Weekend
In the early hours at the weekend, you can see happy people piling out of bars and nightclubs after downing a few cold beverages. Some will pull the keys to their car or bike from their pocket, to drive home. They may be making the biggest and worst decision of their lives.
MP here to find healing
Saturday 28 December 2019 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Weekend
But Louisa Wall is also on a mission to stand up for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community reports Moana Makpelu Lee.
More than just a gang member – the story of Eugene Ryder
Sunday 15 December 2019 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Weekend
Eugene Ryder is under no illusion that some people look at him and see ‘just another scary, violent gang member’ – but he refuses to live down to the stereotype.
Buried far, far from home
Sunday 15 December 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Weekend
The family of a young Belgian navy sailor who died snorkelling in Titikaveka lagoon thought they might never find his final resting place. But then some goodhearted Cook Islanders stepped up.
Homecoming to get recognition for his tupuna
Friday 13 December 2019 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Weekend
William Kainana Anguna arrived in Rarotonga yesterday with his family and a film crew. It is a homecoming of self-discovery and reclaiming his identity – but most importantly, he’s on a mission to get acknowledgement for his Cook Islands tupuna and other indigenous men of the Pacific who served as radio operators in World War Two.
"I'm not a Maori or a Polynesian, I'm a Cook Islander"
Tuesday 10 December 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Weekend
Paul Hagai’s fashion design has a strident story, and he’s not too worried whose delicate sensibilities he offends with that story. Melina Etches meets him.
Why investing in our teachers is investing in the future
Saturday 7 December 2019 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Weekend
Education leaders believe power will be returned to the people of the Cook Islands if more locals study here and stay here to work – but right now, tertiary study in Cook Islands is unattainable for many.
Happy feet
Saturday 7 December 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Weekend
Joshua Matakino still carries the scars of the drunken bike accident that nearly killed him. Now, given a second chance, he’s grasping life with new vigour and determination. Losirene Lacanivalu meets him.
The karate kids
Saturday 7 December 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Weekend
An unprecedented four young Cook Islands have won their black belts in karate. Rashneel Kumar meets them.
Sweet as! Simon bakes his way to grand final
Thursday 5 December 2019 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Weekend
We’ve had Cook Islanders in the grand finals of the NRL and Super Rugby – but last night Rarotonga concreter Simon Rasmussen whipped up an unprecedented appearance in the grand final of a big Australian cooking show. He tells Katrina Tanirau of the unusual mix of ingredients to his unexpected success.
Coming back to give back
Tuesday 3 December 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Weekend
With her dad nearing 80, Mata Puia-Huch came home to help look after him awhile – and realised she had so many reasons to stay.
The cultural hole in the Cook Islands donut
Saturday 30 November 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Weekend
Cook Islands’ cuisine, like its language, is under threat of extinction – and local food experts say the revival needs to start now.
The silent victims of our most visible tragedies
Saturday 23 November 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Weekend
We remember those who die tragically on the roads, in the water and in criminal attacks. We think of their grieving families. But there are others, too, who are often scarred for life.
Star-struck! Discovering Cook Islands' unique New Year
Tuesday 19 November 2019 | Published in Weekend
In Cook Islands, Matariki rises in November – unlike New Zealand when it is first seen in June. Gerald McCormack, of Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust, explains how to see this herald of our own New Year.
Mama June's traditional healing oil
Monday 18 November 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Weekend
Knowledge from her beloved grandfather has allowed June Baudinet to craft traditional Cook Islands healing oil.
