Weekend
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.
An Aitutakian’s guide for returning family
Monday 18 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local, National, Tourism, Weekend
Aitutaki local Linda Ruamoana shares 10 tips for returning Cook Islanders/Aitutakian families visiting the island, urging them to be mindful of the island’s limited resources and customs.
Sunset on the season: Final cruise ship for the year
Monday 18 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Features, Weekend
The final cruise ship for the year, AIDAsol, arrived in Rarotonga yesterday, carrying over 1400 passengers.
From flycatchers to forests : How the Cook Islands are championing nature
Saturday 16 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, Features, National, Weekend
Home to the Rarotonga flycatcher, Cook Islands fruit-dove and coconut crab, the 15 South Pacific islands that comprise the nation have a rich natural heritage. Around 60 per cent of the nation’s land is still covered by tropical forest, and its lagoons and seas have an abundance of diverse marine life.
Considering the 2023 Tainted Cryptocurrency : Recovery Bill Civil liberties, privacy and due process
Saturday 16 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Features, National, Weekend
This week the 2023 Tainted Cryptocurrency Recovery Bill was tabled in Parliament and referred to a select committee for consideration and report. Cook Islands crypto expert, Ano Tisam says the Bill, making its way through Parliament, raises some serious concerns about civil liberties, privacy and due process. Melina Etches reports.
Aitutaki's newest resort expanding
Monday 11 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, National, Tourism, Weekend
Construction continues on a new Aitutaki resort which opened more than a month early to accommodate the Pacific Islands Forum.
Mum and daughter attend COP28
Monday 11 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
Cook Islands' Nanette Woonton is at the COP28 event in Dubai in her capacity as the Communications and Outreach Advisor for SPREP.
Dreams fulfilled: Rarotonga students celebrate academic achievements
Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Features, National, Weekend
This week saw more school prizegiving ceremonies held across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Today, Cook Islands News presents the senior awards list for Apii Avarua, Apii Nikao, and Papaaroa Adventist School.
Age no barrier for 65-year-old Vaka Eiva competitor
Friday 1 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, Paddling, Sports, Weekend
A 65-year-old Hawaii-based woman who has returned to Rarotonga to compete in the Vaka Eiva for the first time in 13 years says she will be paddling “until I’m dead”.
Harvie Allison: The man behind the lens of Vaka Eiva
Friday 24 November 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, Paddling, Sports, Weekend
The Australia-based official photographer for the international Vaka Eiva competition calls the Cook Islands his “second home”.
Hard work pays off for Montagot
Saturday 18 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Features, National, Weekend
The Tereora College Princess Anne Hall was filled to capacity with proud parents and families as they gathered for the school’s senior prize-giving event yesterday.
Cook Islands community delivers ‘impressive setup and hospitality’ for 52nd PIF Leaders’ Meeting: A ‘very beautiful’ event
Saturday 11 November 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Features, National, Pacific Islands Forum, Weekend
Though leaders from the region did not agree on all the matters they discussed during this week’s Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, there’s one thing no one disputes: the people of the Cook Islands staged a spectacular event, writes Rachel Reeves.
Forum brings economic boom to Aitutaki
Saturday 11 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, National, Outer Islands, Pacific Islands Forum, Weekend
The stunning island of Aitutaki co-hosted the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting for the second time, their first being in 2012, welcoming regional leaders this week for their retreat in the island’s picturesque lagoon.
Te Ko‘u summit biodiversity
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Gerald McCormack | Published in Features, In Depth, Weekend
The inland mountains of Rarotonga maintain one of the most pristine tropical forests in the Central South Pacific. Gerald McCormack of Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust explains why.
Don’t hold grudges, be kind: Miitungane, 95, shares secrets to long and happy life
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Te Maeu O Te Rangi Teikamata Ariki of Mitiaro, Mii Tungane Upokoati O’Bryan, embodies a vibrant and humorous spirit as she gracefully passes through her incredible journey at the age of 95. She is one of the few Cook Islands nonagenarians who bring a lively, no-nonsense, and cherished presence to our community.
