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Culture head suspended

Monday 29 May 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Culture, Economy, National

Ministry of Cultural Development secretary Anthony Turua has been suspended pending an investigation by the Public Expenditure Review Committee (PERC). Turua has labelled his suspension ‘micromanaging’ and said it could have been dealt internally.

Teams eye final spots

Saturday 27 May 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Netball, Sports

Exciting matches will be held in the Rarotonga Netball Club premier and age group grades semi-finals today at the Ngatangiia/Matavera Courts in Muri.

Simply sensational

Saturday 27 May 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Features, In Depth, League, Sports, Weekend

It takes a bit of convincing to get the victorious Arorangi Bears coach Bobby Hansen to agree to an interview. Hansen says he doesn’t like to “pre-empt things” and apologises for snubbing Cook Islands News for pre and post-match interviews during the season. The newspaper caught up with him during his work break in Aroa where he lays bare the secrets that led to Arorangi’s drought breaking win.

Stitching together friendships – Vainetini in good and bad times

Saturday 27 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features

Tuitui (sewing), creating tivaivai and textile crafts is a time for sharing. It is a communal activity when women gather to share, to build friendships, to talk and share a meal while working on their designs. Melina Etches reports.

‘The Spirit of God is forever present … everywhere – all the time’

Saturday 27 May 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features

Historian and author Howard Henry has been fascinated by the birth of Christianity in the Cook Islands for many years. In a weekly series, Henry chronicles the arrival of Christianity to the Cook Islands and its role in building the nation. This is his fourth article in the series.

Budget draws mixed reactions: ‘Not enough’, says Opposition

Saturday 27 May 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, Features, In Depth, National

The 2023/24 Budget attempted to offer something to the vulnerable while also reining in on expenditure. Cook Islands News senior journalist Matthew Littlewood talks to various stakeholders about their take on the Budget.

Avaavaroa experience gives birth to new passion project

Saturday 27 May 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, Features, In Depth, National, Weekend

Award-winning Cook Islands photographer Alex King has embarked on a new journey involving something she is passionate about – protecting the environment. King talks to Cook Islands News online editor Losirene Lacanivalu about “Te Ara o te Akau – The Meaning Behind the Reef” and the role the country’s newest non-government organisation (NGO) can play in fulfilling her passion.

Te Ipukarea Society: Some concerning aspects around deep sea mining

Saturday 27 May 2023 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National

Proponents of mining our deep ocean seafloor justify the need for this hugely destructive process, largely by claims that the minerals from the deep are needed for batteries for electric vehicles.

Thomas Tarurongo Wynne: Where there is a demand there is a supply

Saturday 27 May 2023 | Written by Thomas Tarurongo Wynne | Published in Editorials, Opinion

Alcohol use and abuse in the cultural fabric of who we are as Cook Islanders is concerning, and its use as a medicine to numb the pain of many of our social ills, inner pain and heartache says more about ourselves then maybe we realise, writes Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.

Gospel examples and Covid lead Cook Islander to greater public service

Saturday 27 May 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National

While the coronavirus outbreak caused many to isolate and stay away from others, for one member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Cook Islands it was a catalyst to a greater level of service in his community and nation.

PM Brown to attend inaugural Republic of Korea-Pacific Islands Summit

Saturday 27 May 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National

Prime Minister Mark Brown has accepted an invitation from the Government of the Republic of Korea to attend the inaugural Republic of Korea-Pacific Islands Summit.

Apii Te Uki Ou celebrates 30th anniversary

Saturday 27 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National

Apii Te Uki Ou started its journey in 1993 with one teacher, Kathy Nooroa and 15 students, using the LDS hall in Avatiu as their classroom.

Tapaitau, Charlie Puna and Puna elect Judge alone trial

Saturday 27 May 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National

The nation’s Deputy Prime Minister and two former senior government officials have appeared in court and have elected a Judge alone trial on theft, conspiracy and fraud charges.

Kata: Super Fund

Saturday 27 May 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion

The ‘voice’ of the Bears

Friday 26 May 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Rugby league, Sports, Weekend

She is a woman, she is a mother, and she is also the Arorangi Bears passionate supporter and president.

The sensational Cosmar Tau’u

Friday 26 May 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, League, Sports, Weekend

As the sensational Arorangi Bears celebrate their domestic rugby league victory tomorrow, one of their senior players, who featured for the club when they last won the title 20 years ago, shares how he was not shaken or moved against giants Tupapa Panthers in the grand final earlier this month.

Leading from the front : Blood, sweat and tears of joy

Friday 26 May 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Features, League, Sports, Weekend

It has not been an easy road for the victorious Arorangi Bears premier men’s and Lady Bears teams who made a clean sweep in the Cook Islands Rugby Leagues 13s competition a fortnight ago. They overcame a jittery start in round one before storming through round two undefeated with the titles. Captains Basil Matapo and Stephanie Nooroa talk to Cook Islands News about their journey from dreamers to winners.

Short named new chef de mission

Friday 26 May 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Other Sports, Sports

Rarotonga lawyer Mark Short has been appointed the new chef de mission for Team Cook Islands to the Pacific Games later this year and other international events.

Post-typhoon restoration process begins in Guam

Friday 26 May 2023 | Written by RNZ | Published in Guam, Regional

Guam is in a recovery phase after being pummelled by typhoon Mawar. In a notice yesterday morning, Guam Waterworks Authority asked customers to conserve water while its services get restored.