Headlines

Three leaders skip Pacific Islands Forum Meeting

Monday 6 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum

The 52nd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting gets underway today with sub-regional meetings without leaders from three Melanesian nations.

‘We play with heart’: Team Cook Islands flagbearers lead special parade

Monday 6 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Pacific Games, Sports

Team Cook Islands flagbearers Julieanne Westrupp and Stephen Willis led the Rarotonga-based athletes and officials in a special parade through Avarua town on Saturday.

Kata: Forum traffic

Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion

Team Cook Islands unveils Pacific Games uniform

Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Pacific Games, Sports

Team Cook Islands’ uniform for the Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands, was launched last night by Prime Minister Mark Brown. The Games will be held from November 19 to December 2.

Cricket comp heats up

Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Cricket, Sports

The unbeaten Nikao 1 Black Wolves and Turangi Young Guns lead the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively, in the Cook Islands Cricket Association T20 competition.

Nikao, Tupapa battle for top spot

Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Football, Sports

Nikao Sokattak and Tupapa Maraerenga square off at the CIFA complex this afternoon for the biggest football game of the season, which is expected to produce a nail-biting and competitive battle.

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.

Te Ipukarea Society: Citizen science turtle monitoring continues

Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National

Throughout Te Moana nui o Kiva, sea turtles are held in very high regard. The reasons for this vary from their majestic mana passed down through cultural storytelling, to their availability as a source of food.

Pardon for Papa Arapati - We now begin to unravel the many layers of guilt

Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Thomas Tarurongo Wynne | Published in Editorials, Opinion

Forgiveness does not change what was done, or alter the deeds of the past, rather, forgiveness or a pardon alters the future and makes it larger than what it was before, writes Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.

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.

Public service fully cooperates to ensure hosting ‘second to none’

Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum

Cook Islands Public Service Commissioner Carl Hunter says the nation has always been renowned for coming together as a people to successfully host major regional and international events.

Pacific region is not a region of competition but of collaboration: PM Brown

Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum

Prime Minister Mark Brown has called for the need to respect and acknowledge Pacific Island countries’ decisions as they mature and assert their independent sovereignty.

A taste of Cook Islands at Pacific Partnerships for Prosperity Pavilion

Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features, National, Pacific Islands Forum

The pride and flavour of Cook Islands will be on show at the Pacific Partnerships for Prosperity (PPfP) Pavilion, showcasing the work of 55 registered food and crafts vendors and exhibitors, at the Punanga Nui Market next week.

Pacific leaders welcomed in traditional Cook Islands style

Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, National, Pacific Islands Forum

Pacific leaders arriving for the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting hosted by the Cook Islands are being welcomed at the Rarotonga International Airport in traditional Cook Islands style, with a traditional chant, riveting drum beats, and enchanting dancers.

Café operators brew-ing up for Pacific Islands Forum

Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, Go Local, National, Pacific Islands Forum

Café operators surrounding the venue for a Pacific Islands Forum gathering at the National Auditorium are anticipating patron numbers will reach those of peak tourism season during the event.

Seamstresses sew up a storm for Forum Meeting volunteers

Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, Go Local, National, Pacific Islands Forum

The 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting has brought a flurry of activity to the island’s seamstresses as they sew up a storm to diligently produce uniforms for the workers engaged in organising the Forum.

Resort ready to roll out the red carpet (and smiles!)

Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Go Local, National, Pacific Islands Forum, Tourism

Nautilus Resort in Muri is ready to welcome Pacific Island leaders who will be attending the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Rarotonga.

Refurbished rooms ready for Forum guests

Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Go Local, National, Pacific Islands Forum, Tourism

The Edgewater Resort and Spa and Club Raro Resort are looking forward to welcoming Pacific Islands Forum delegates to their resorts.

Welcome to the Cook Islands!

Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum

Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown welcomes our Pacific Islands leaders, partners and guests to the Cook Islands.

Spick and span: Agencies partner to give Rarotonga a facelift for Forum

Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, National, Pacific Islands Forum, Weekend

It’s taken six months to get there as Rarotonga looks set to be spick and span for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.