Weekend
Research team discovers multiple burial sites
Monday 15 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Weekend
Cook Islands WWI NZEF ANZAC Soldiers Research Project team believes their research has led them to between 370 and 410 Cook Islands returned soldiers who are buried throughout the nation.
As a politician, you’re involved in drama everyday’: PM Brown
Saturday 13 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Features, Local, National, Weekend
The Kuki Cre8tive students were given the golden opportunity to interview Prime Minister Mark Brown, in his first official engagement for the year, and Pa Marie Ariki during their intensive three-day camp this week at the Pa Ariki Palace, which specialised in training for acting, dance, and camera work. Melina Etches reports.
69 years of love and laughter: Couple shares secret to their happy marriage
Saturday 13 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, Weekend
Tangi and Reuera Mave have no big secrets about being married 69 years, they chat with deputy editor Al Williams about their long and happy life together.
‘No mass exodus’: Cook Islands population predicted to stay steady
Saturday 13 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Economy, Features, National, Weekend
New research into Pacific populations predicts that the local population will remain steady over the next few generations. Candice Luke reports.
New era for Manihiki: Fred Tangi Napara crowned Faingahitu Ariki
Thursday 11 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
A traditional ceremony in Manihiki has established a new Faingahitu Ariki, bringing an end to community disquiet surrounding the prestigious title.
Busy year ahead for Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation
Wednesday 10 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
This week on Thursday 11 January, Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation will celebrate its second year of being established in the Cook Islands.
‘Home where the heart is’: Beloved broadcaster laid to rest in Matavera
Monday 8 January 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
Flamboyant personality, passionate advocate for the Cook Islands language, broadcaster, and producer Bernard (Bernice) Tairea, affectionately known as “Poepoe”, was laid to rest in Matavera on Saturday.
Ma’uke’s Mii Tua, 78, finds joy in quiet life and community
Monday 8 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
On the island of Ma’uke, also known as Akatokamanava, 78-year-old Mii Tua (née Tairea) cherishes her quiet, simple life on the land where she was born.
Serving the Ui Ariki - A decade of challenges and triumphs for Rakanui
Saturday 6 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Features, In Depth, Memory Lane, Weekend
Tupuna Rakanui, Te-O-Tari-Kura o te Are Ariki (Clerk of The House of Ariki), has resigned from his tiresome but rewarding role. But he says: ‘I’m not running away’. In an interview with Cook Islands News reporter Candice Luke, Rakanui reflects on his tenure with a mixed bag of emotions – from regret to pride, and sends well wishes to the new candidates. Although his time in the job has come to a welcomed end, his service to Te Are Ariki will continue.
Aitutaki’s Koni Raoni: Singing, dancing and over $100,000 for village dreams
Saturday 6 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
Exclusive to the island of Aitutaki, Koni Raoni translates to ‘dance around’ and involves the host village travelling through the villages on the island, dancing, singing and receiving donations during the Christmas period on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day to raise funds for their respective communities. Melina Etches reports.
Montreal teacher supporting special-needs educators in Aitutaki
Friday 5 January 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Education, Features, Outer Islands, Weekend
Canadian Lorena D’Alessandro learned teachers in Aitutaki are not especially well-equipped to work with children with ADHD and autism during her first visit in 2022. The veteran English Montreal School Board teacher returned late last year with some much-needed donations and tools for the students. (This article was originally published in the Montreal Gazette on January 4, 2024)
Miracle: Early arrival for first Cook Islands baby of 2024
Friday 5 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Vincent David is the first 2024 baby born in the Cook Islands.
Aitutaki’s heritage preserved in new anthology
Thursday 4 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
An anthology of books on the traditional and ancestry of Aitutaki offering a collection of stories and knowledge about the history and heritage of the island was unveiled last month. Melina Etches reports.
Cook Islanders celebrated for service in NZ New Year Honours
Thursday 4 January 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Entertainment, Features, Weekend
A community worker, educationalist, and journalist are among the Cook Islanders who have been recognised in the New Zealand New Year Honours list 2024.
Transformational work in Rarotonga earns New Zealand Navy Commander second honour
Wednesday 3 January 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
When Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) Lieutenant Commander Makoare (Mark) Kohupara Te Kani posted to the Cook Islands in January 2020 as a Maritime Surveillance Adviser, he expected to travel. Weeks into posting, lockdowns isolated Rarotonga from the world.
2023 year in review
Sunday 31 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
A look back at the year’s biggest news stories.
Cook Islands to the world : Nations will ‘disappear’ without action on climate change
Saturday 30 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Environment, Features, National, Weekend
Climate change activists from around the world are itching to team up with a Cook Islands film crew to raise awareness about the global crisis after a music video about its impact on the Pacific debuted at a United Nations conference. Joanne Holden reports.
Decades of dedication: Beloved doctors bid farewell to Cooks
Sunday 24 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, Weekend
After more than 30 years treating the Cook Islands community and making their mark on its health system, doctors Zaw Myo Aung and Yin Yin May are returning to their home country of Myanmar. Joanne Holden reports.
Coming ‘home home’: An Aotearoa Māori discovers ancestral resonance in Rarotonga
Sunday 24 December 2023 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Features, Weekend
Candice Luke’s first trip to the Cook Islands in 2008 awakened a deep connection to her Māori heritage and sparked a passion for storytelling, now leading her to become a journalist for Cook Islands News.
Cook Islands celebrates stellar cruise year despite weather woes
Tuesday 19 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Features, National, Tourism, Weekend
Cruise Cook Islands has wrapped up an exceptional season, welcoming numerous cruise ships to both Rarotonga and Aitutaki.
