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Netball kicks off 2024 Beach Games

Saturday 6 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Netball, Sports

The 2024 Cook Islands Beach Games will kick off today with the high anticipated netball competition.

League Nines in Paradise heats up: Favourites emerge on day one

Saturday 6 January 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in League, Sports

Newcomers Raukawa Kukis from New Zealand made an impressive start on day one of the Cook Islands Rugby League Nines in Paradise tournament yesterday at the National Stadium in Nikao.

NRLW stars inspire next generation in Cook Islands

Saturday 6 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in League, Sports

The future of rugby league in the Cook Islands lies in the hands of league trainers and how they develop the skills of the younger generation. Losirene Lacanivalu reports.

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.

Virtues in Paradise: What are your intentions for 2024

Saturday 6 January 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Opinion, Virtues in Paradise

“Looking forward, looking back. I’ve come a long way down the track,” sings Australian country singer Slim Dusty. It’s a great song for the New Year, writes Linda Kavelin-Popov.

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.

Social media superstar Nix Adams rings in the new year in Rarotonga

Saturday 6 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Entertainment, Features

Renowned social media influencer Nix Adams enjoyed a relaxing Cook Islands holiday, focusing on self-care and fitness, while also revealing she got divorced.

Te Ipukarea Society: Turtle watch party - Community photos reveal surprising local movements

Saturday 6 January 2024 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National

Sea turtles are migratory species commonly seen across the Pacific and within the Cook Islands.

Thomas Tarurongo Wynne: 2024: Ditch the ‘same old, same old’ and spark a real growth

Saturday 6 January 2024 | Written by Thomas Tarurongo Wynne | Published in Editorials, Opinion

It’s now six days into the new year and little has changed since the festivities of almost a week ago. Apart from a few sore heads and way too much food to eat, for most of us, 2024 will continue much like 2023 and 2022, writes Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.

Crafting memories at Tie Dye Rarotonga

Saturday 6 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Art, Features

Cook Islands News reporter Candice Luke enjoyed a Christmas break learning block printing and experiencing Cook Islands hospitality at Tie Dye Rarotonga, run by a passionate artist and her supportive family.

‘Time to man up’: George George urges men to prioritise wellbeing

Saturday 6 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National

As the new year beckons, amidst resolutions and aspirations, one of the country’s well known former rugby stars is determined to inspire men to lead healthier and fitter lifestyles. Melina Etches reports.

Supplementary budget targets infrastructure

Saturday 6 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National

Rarotonga’s long-awaited road improvement projects are set to receive a financial injection with the upcoming supplementary budget to be tabled in Parliament next month. Losirene Lacanivalu reports.

Kata: Tuna

Friday 5 January 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion

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.

Church Talk: The Messiah is coming

Friday 5 January 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features

Happy New Year to you all! I believe 2023 was at its best in terms of the many activities we have immersed ourselves into. The Bicentenary celebration of Nga-Pu-Toru as well as Rarotonga, the CICC General Assembly, the re-opening of Ziona Tapu in Avarua, TeKapuaanga Meeting House in Takuvaine, Ziona in Arorangi and Betela in Titikaveka to name just a few. Praise be to God Almighty. By Reverend Vakaroto Ngaro, Senior Lecturer at Takamoa Theological College.

12 teams battle for Nines glory

Friday 5 January 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League, Sports

Twelve teams in three divisions men’s, women’s and under-18s are set to battle in the two-day Cook Islands Rugby League Nines in Paradise 2024 which kicks off this afternoon.

From farm to fashion: Ama creates island style clothing brand

Friday 5 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features, Go Local, Hot on the Rock

Rarotonga’s vibrant calendar of special events demands stylish, comfortable island attire for both men and women. A new fashion brand has launched, offering residents a fresh option for these occasions. Melina Etches reports.

Passion drives Ma’uke ‘ginger king’

Friday 5 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands

On the island of Ma’uke, a local farmer is cultivating ginger with unwavering dedication and seeing the sweet reward of his labour.

Tourist fined $220 for boozy resort rampage

Friday 5 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National

A 41-year-old visitor from New Zealand was ordered to pay a fine of $220 for his drunk and disorderly behaviour on a resort premises.