Headlines

$40k in annual legal aid budget ‘limited’

Monday 7 August 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Economy, National

Cook Islands receives $40,000 annually for legal aid, ‘limited in the amount of funding available and the scope of legal matters it can apply to’.

Kata: Public money

Saturday 5 August 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion

All eyes on the prize

Saturday 5 August 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Rugby Union, Sports

A tit for tat battle is expected in the Rarotonga Club 15s premier final when defending champions Avatiu Nikao Eels takes on Tupapa Panthers at Victoria Park this afternoon.

Tough road to World Cup

Saturday 5 August 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Rugby league, Sports

Cook Islands’ bid to qualify for the next Rugby League World Cup has become more difficult following the sport’s international governing body’s decision to reduce the number of teams by six to 10 in the 2026 tournament.

Te Maeva Nui brings out the best in cultural performances

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

The thrilling and absolutely spectacular ura pau (drum dance) by Te Fuinga o Niva, the combined Manihiki and Rakahanga team, demonstrated that Te Maeva Nui brings out the best and biggest cultural performances.

‘Ueata – catching shadows: Early photography in the Cook Islands

Saturday 5 August 2023 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Art, Features

Photography came relatively early to the Cook Islands thanks to some missionary amateurs. The Mangaians had a word for it – ‘ueata, “capturing shadows”, writes Rod Dixon.

Christianity lands on Mangaia

Saturday 5 August 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Church Talk, Features, In Depth, Memory Lane, Weekend

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. In this article, he talks about the arrival of Christianity on Mangaia.

Church Talk: Celebrating God, who shaped our nation

Saturday 5 August 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features

Last week people from all around New Zealand and Australia arrived in numbers for the celebration of the 200 years since the arrival of the Gospel to the Cook Islands, writes Pastor Eric Toleafoa from the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Te Ipukarea Society: Extraction or protection? The dual mandate dilemma of the International Seabed Authority

Saturday 5 August 2023 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National

The International Seabed Authority (ISA) has the dual mandate of regulating mining of the seabed and also protecting that same seabed in areas beyond national jurisdiction (also known as international waters, high seas, or simply the area).

Thomas Wynne: Free association with New Zealand has never been free

Saturday 5 August 2023 | Written by Thomas Tarurongo Wynne | Published in Editorials, Opinion

As we celebrated 58 years as a country, on the 4th of August 1965, we, like so many other countries reflect on that journey to statehood and the challenges ahead for our country today, writes Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.

Virtues in Paradise: Atirai’s story of determination and success

Saturday 5 August 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Opinion, Virtues in Paradise

Everyday heroes exist all around us, yet only when we pause to listen to their stories can we be inspired by their courage or learn from their wisdom, writes Linda Kavelin-Popov.

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).