Featured on Homepage

Exciting start for touch competition

Monday 8 February 2021 | Written by Supplied | Published in Sports, Touch Rugby

The Vodafone Cook Islands Mixed Touch competition kicked off its regular season games last week.

OPINION: ‘New Zealand Maori owe their heritage to us’

Monday 8 February 2021 | Written by Ruta Tangiiau Mave | Published in Editorials, Opinion

There's a reason why a lot of New Zealand Maori say they fell like they're at home when in Rarotonga - because they are. Ruta Tangiiau Mave writes.

A new leg for dancing

Monday 8 February 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National

In March 2020, Louisa Maea from the island of Manihiki had her right leg amputated below the knee. She shares her journey of losing her leg and the appreciation she has for the invaluable support from Te Vaerua, the service manager Maine Beniamina and physiotherapist Pare Tangata - whom she now calls her “sisters”.

A bond like no other

Monday 8 February 2021 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Local, National

If there is one silver lining that has come out of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is that the relationship between Cook Islands and New Zealand is stronger than ever. That was evident and acknowledged at this year’s Waitangi Day gathering at Ngatipa hosted by New Zealand High Commissioner to Cook Islands, Tui Dewes.

‘Do the work, get the rewards’

Saturday 6 February 2021 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Local, National

To date, 35 Cook Islanders have been recruited and sent to Invercargill in New Zealand to take on freezing works roles, while another 40 people will leave next month to take up fruit picking and packing roles in Tauranga.

Alleged fourth offender in shop robbery granted bail

Saturday 6 February 2021 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, National

Justice of the Peace John Whitta granted bail to alleged fourth offender of the Woo’s Store armed robbery, on strict conditions.

Forum chair’s unwavering support for Henry Puna

Saturday 6 February 2021 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National, Pacific Islands, Regional

Henry Puna is expected to take up the Pacific Islands Forum’s Secretary General position in April this year.

Opposition party calls for review of ‘ageist’ driver’s licencing process

Saturday 6 February 2021 | Written by Supplied | Published in National, Politics

An appeal has been made to the government to allow commonsense to prevail and get rid of the strict driver’s licence criteria that now applies to those aged sixty and over that’s already proving highly unpopular.

A dream come true for Boaza

Saturday 6 February 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National

Makitua Boaza (nee Toka) is the new Maori coordinator for Te Kopapa Reo Maori, the Maori Language Commission of the Cook Islands.

Silence in the face of evil

Saturday 6 February 2021 | Written by Thomas Tarurongo Wynne | Published in Editorials, Opinion

Do we have a stomach for horrific crimes committed by someone in leadership, be it civil society, government or the church, asks Thomas Wynne in his weekly column.

From hunters to watchers – whaling in Raro waters

Saturday 6 February 2021 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Features, Memory Lane

Commercial shore-based whaling began on Rarotonga in 1865 with the help of Rarotongan whaler Jimmy Pi’i and members of a Ngāpuhi family from New Zealand. With whale numbers already in decline, it soon became clear a commercial industry was not viable. Yet a local taste for whale-meat meant opportunistic whale-hunting continued off Rarotonga and Aitutaki for almost another century.

Manihiki schools combine

Saturday 6 February 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National

Manihiki’s Tukao School has become the satellite school of Tauhunu School and will now operate under the management and leadership of principal Anna Rauru.

Pooch perfect! Dog groomer at your service

Saturday 6 February 2021 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Go Local

Keeping your dogs healthy by brushing their teeth, cleaning their ears, trimming their nails and brushing their coats is essential but it can never be easy. For Victoria Teio, her dog grooming business ‘Kuri Cutts’ can do all this for you.

Wonderful wetlands

Saturday 6 February 2021 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National

Flooding like the recent severe episodes in Avatiu were far less frequent or severe back in the days when the wetlands were intact, writes Te Ipukarea Society.

Carlson remains league president

Saturday 6 February 2021 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Rugby league, Sports

The 2021 Cook Islands domestic rugby league season will start on Friday next week.

Forum furore

Friday 5 February 2021 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Kata, Opinion

Doubles meet opens tennis season

Friday 5 February 2021 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Other Sports, Sports

Tennis Cook Islands held a social doubles tournament in a bid to promote the sport in Rarotonga.

CHURCH TALK: The origin of Valentine’s Day

Friday 5 February 2021 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features

I have been a Catholic priest for 46 years and have never preached a sermon on St. Valentine. I find it strange that businesses have taken over the feast day, February 14th and in our church, you will not hear any mention of St. Valentine on that day, writes Bishop Paul Donoghue of the Catholic Church.

Pukapuka lays out red carpet for PM Brown

Friday 5 February 2021 | Written by Supplied | Published in National, Outer Islands

Having arrived in Pukapuka on Tuesday morning, Prime Minister Mark Brown and his accompanying government delegation are now in the final stages of their mission to the northern group this week.