Weekend
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.
Former Tereora students dig deep for college projects
Wednesday 7 August 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Education, Features, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
Tereora College Former Students Association president Teina Etches was overwhelmed by the strong support of former students who attended the Projects Fundraiser Dinner held late last month.
‘Then, now and forever British’: The mystery of Mangaia’s Victoria flag
Saturday 3 August 2024 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
A Pilot Jack, with Queen Victoria’s head painted on the hoist, has become a symbol of office for successive chiefs of Mangaia. Following annexation by New Zealand the flag also became a symbol of the islanders’ resistance to colonial rule and their determination to retain sovereignty over their lands, writes Rod Dixon.
Cancer survivor and advocate honoured as Woman of the Month
Friday 2 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Health, Local, National, Weekend
Myra Tatakura is a warrior, a true inspiration and a shining example of courage, resilience and compassion. As a breast cancer survivor, she has faced immense challenges with steadfast strength, battling the disease with determination and never losing sight of her faith in the Lord.
50 years of service: Ex-chief customs officer honoured
Wednesday 31 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
One of the longest-serving former employees of the Cook Islands Customs Service, Ngapoko Ngatamaine, was recognised for his outstanding service at the opening of the 26th Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) Annual Conference on Monday.
From public service to PhD: Allsworth’s journey to uncovering public sector corruption
Saturday 27 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
A well-known Cook Islander celebrated a double milestone, turning 65 and completing his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies, which focused on corruption in the Cook Islands public sector.
Penrhyn schools celebrate culture in historic festival
Saturday 20 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Features, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
While schools in Rarotonga showcase their cultural heritage, the small but mighty schools of Omoka and Tetautua in Penrhyn/Tongareva, 1400 kilometres away, are making history.
Sibling’s illness fuels passion for healthy living
Saturday 13 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Health, National, Weekend
A young Cook Islander, inspired by her sibling’s health struggles, joined Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health to promote healthy living and supports the government’s plan to ban unhealthy substances.
Family reunites to celebrate WWII Coastwatcher
Friday 12 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
A former Coastwatcher who served in World War II, the late Tai-O-Tonga Henry, who passed away in the 1980s, remains an embodiment of unity for his family in Rarotonga.
New website helps families find World War I ancestors’ graves
Wednesday 10 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
A passionate research team created a website to document Cook Islands World War I soldiers’ graves and share stories of their contribution to the war.
Warm welcome for Vaka Marumaru Atua crew back in Rarotonga
Monday 8 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
On Saturday, hundreds welcomed the voyaging crew at Avarua Harbour, led by a pe’e from Tuaine Unuia - Anautoa Rangatira and spokesperson for Makea Karika George Ariki, followed by speeches from Kaumaiti Nui – Travel Tou Ariki and Deputy Prime Minister Albert Nicholas.
