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Homecoming for long-haul pilot of Australia’s flag carrier airline

Saturday 5 August 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, Weekend

A Cook Islander’s journey to become a pilot for Australia’s flag carrier airline began on the hill overlooking Rarotonga International Airport, where a young Alaina Marsters would watch the aeroplanes disappear into the horizon.

Cook Islands Māori declining as English dominates in NZ

Saturday 5 August 2023 | Written by RNZ | Published in Education, National

Thousands of Cook Islanders across Aotearoa New Zealand are celebrating their language this week, but for the majority, their knowledge of Cook Islands Māori is declining. Rachael Nath, RNZ Pacific journalist, reports.

Audit points the finger at suspended Culture secretary

Saturday 5 August 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in BREAKING NEWS, Economy, National

Suspended Ministry of Cultural Development secretary Anthony Turua has been found to have spent close to $16,000 of taxpayer money without consideration for public interest.

A day of pride, unity and reflection

Saturday 5 August 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features

In a joyous display of national pride, the Cook Islands celebrated its 58th anniversary of self-government in free association with Aotearoa New Zealand, established on August 4, 1965.

Kata: Pacific Mini Games

Thursday 3 August 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion

Triathlon gears up for ‘exciting’ event

Thursday 3 August 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Sports, Triathlon

The Cook Islands Triathlon Association is excited about the Uncle Tom’s & PTS Adventure Triathlon event this Saturday.

Winner-take-all final

Thursday 3 August 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Rugby Union, Sports

It’s a ‘winner take all’ final in the Rarotonga Club Competition Women’s 10s showdown between the Lady Panthers and Lady Bears this Saturday at Victoria Park in Tupapa.

Celebrating cultural diversity

Thursday 3 August 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features

Kapa haka groups from Aotearoa New Zealand joined by local Kiribati, Filipino and Indonesian communities illuminated Te Maeva Nui International Night.

Letter: Government loans to businesses

Thursday 3 August 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Editorials, Opinion

Dear Editor, The $7 million loaned out during the Covid pandemic by the Government for business start-ups and development needs to be fully accounted for to ensure all loans have been spent for the purpose intended (Cook Islands businesses receive $7 million in Government loans, Cook Islands News, July 27).

Cook Islands natural skincare products a hit with customers

Thursday 3 August 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National

Locally made oils featuring in the ‘Maruoi Natural Skincare & Cosmetics’ range is becoming increasingly popular among locals and visitors attending the annual trade show due to their natural ingredients.

Nikao home damaged in second house fire in a week

Thursday 3 August 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Local, National

Fifteen firefighters and five fire trucks responded to a residential property fire yesterday morning behind the National Sports Arena in Nikao.

Offender gets chance to turn his life around

Thursday 3 August 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Court, National

A 22-year-old facing burglary and willful damage charges was handed a 12 months supervised probation sentence with first six months to be served on community service.

Kapa haka group returns to Cook Islands to heal and give thanks

Thursday 3 August 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features

On Tuesday night, the 2023 Te Maeva Nui International Night stage witnessed a deeply moving tribute by Aotearoa New Zealand kapa haka group Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao as they paid homage to their beloved leader, Sally-Ann “Hereana” Roberts, who tragically passed away during last year’s festival.

Sedimentation concern: Local marine biologist sounds alarm over dredging in Aitutaki harbour

Thursday 3 August 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Environment, National

A recent dredging operation in Aitutaki’s Arutanga Harbour has had a devastating impact on the surrounding reefs, says a local marine biologist.

Funds not lost 'in the controversy' : FIFA boss

Wednesday 2 August 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Football, Sports

The head of the world football’s governing body has promised funding to help develop the sport in the Cook Islands.

Pet talk: Kitten season is on the way

Wednesday 2 August 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Opinion, Pet Talk

I really love this time of year. The whales are here and put on a show for anyone who wants to see them. They jump, roll, slap their tails; generally, they just seem to be having fun, writes Dr Michael Baer, Te Are Manu Vet Clinic medical director.

Te Maeva Nui 2023: A celebration of ‘who we are and where we come from’

Wednesday 2 August 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Entertainment, Features, National

A small respectable crowd attended the official opening ceremony of Te Maeva Nui – the 58th Cook Islands Constitution Celebrations – which marks the beginning of week-long events at Te Are Karioi Nui (National Auditorium).

Promoting local businesses

Wednesday 2 August 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Economy, National

Over 80 vendors set up their stalls in the light rain as customers flowed into the Punanga Nui Market for the biggest Bank of the Cook Islands (BCI) trade show.

Book inspired by ‘miracle turtle’ to be launched today

Wednesday 2 August 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education, Environment, National

The journey of Ponu, the miracle turtle, to Rarotonga has been such an inspiring story that Discover Marine and Wildlife Eco Centre boss Stephenie Jansen felt she had to write a book about it.

First-timers Vaka Tereora ‘wows’ audience with heartfelt performance at Te Maeva Nui

Wednesday 2 August 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features

The Vaka Tereora (Tereora College) team sang with pride and joy in the choir and imene tuki sections, delighting the audience at Te Maeva Nui official opening ceremony on Monday night.