Culture
Umu cooking: Embracing our cultural identity
Monday 24 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
Tauranga Vananga secretary Emile Kairua says that in today’s fast-paced world dominated by convenience foods and modern kitchen gadgets there’s something incredibly grounding and culturally enriching about teaching young people the art of cooking using traditional methods like the umu - the underground oven.
Home cooks showcase kuru’s potential at Takurua competition
Monday 24 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National, Tourism
The home cooks in the Te Mato Manava Turoto/Cook Islands Tourism’s “Takurua – Taste of the Season”, Tiopu Kuru (breadfruit stew) competition at the Punanga Nui Market on Saturday did not disappoint.
Humble kuru dish wins hearts at Taste of the Season Cook Off competition
Monday 24 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
Hundreds turned out to taste the delicious tiopu kuru (breadfruit stew) hearty meals prepared with love by our very own home cooks in the Takurua – Taste of the Season Cook Off competition on Saturday at the Punanga Nui Market.
Cook Islands Tourism prepares for Takurua culinary celebration
Thursday 20 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National, Tourism
Cook Islands Tourism chief executive Karla Eggelton says the upcoming Takurua culinary festival gives an opportunity to share the nation’s food story in a way that “connects us to our past while also showcasing how our cuisine is evolving”.
Culinary celebration of Takurua - Umu Cooking
Wednesday 19 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
To celebrate Cook Islands’ 60th Anniversary of Self-Governance celebrations, Te Mato Manava Turoto/Cook Islands Tourism will present the culinary celebration of Takurua – Taste of the Season, this week.
Census reveals decline in Cook Islands Māori speakers in New Zealand
Saturday 15 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Culture, Education, Features, National, Weekend
Despite a growing Cook Islands population in New Zealand, the number of Cook Islands Māori speakers is declining, raising concerns about the language’s future, and prompting calls for greater support for language revitalisation efforts.
Prominent PMN broadcaster promotes Cook Islands culture
Monday 10 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
Cook Islander Tauraki Rongo a prominent Pacific Media Network broadcaster based in Aotearoa New Zealand is known for his efforts in promoting and preserving the culture, heritage and language of the Cook Islands.
Te Puna Marama collecting knowledge of food preservation in Mauke
Tuesday 14 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National, Outer Islands
Kicking off brand new 2025, Te Puna Marama Voyaging Society is excited to host its first workshop today on Mauke (January 14 – 15, 2025), dedicated to exploring and documenting traditional methods of growing and preserving food.
Aitutaki villages raise over $200,000 at annual Koni Raoni events
Saturday 4 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Culture, National, Outer Islands
The two Aitutaki villages of Vaipeka and Vaipae collected over $200,000 from the Koni Raoni events held on Boxing Day and the New Year’s Day.
Mauke welcomes 2025 with traditional Raoni
Saturday 4 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Culture, Local, National, Outer Islands
The island of Akatokamanava celebrated the last festive event of the year by welcoming the New Year with the traditional Raoni event this week. Nicolea Mateariki reports.
PM urges Cook Islanders to consider passport proposal despite opposition
Friday 3 January 2025 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Culture, Local, National, Politics
Prime Minister Mark Brown is urging Cook Islanders to ‘not be afraid of the discussions that may need to be had’ regarding the proposal for a Cook Islands passport.
Disappointing turnout marks New Year and launch of 60th anniversary celebrations
Friday 3 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Local, National
Despite being a significant event for the Cook Islands, the highly anticipated Te Ipukarea Concert, held on Wednesday, New Year’s Day, failed to attract a large crowd.
‘I know who I am, I have a homeland’: PM unveils 60th anniversary theme
Friday 3 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Local, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown officially launched the theme for the Cook Islands’ 60th anniversary of self-governance, which will be celebrated with the weeklong Te Maeva Nui festival in July this year.
Te Ipukarea Concert to launch 60th anniversary celebrations
Tuesday 31 December 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Culture, Entertainment, National
The Cook Islands’ 60th year of self-governance is set to commence in style with Te Ipukarea Concert, to be held tomorrow night at the National Auditorium.
Children bring joy to Christmas service with handcrafted gifts
Friday 27 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
Pictured is the Sacred Heart Parish “nativity scene”, also known as the Crèche - a beloved Christian holiday tradition celebrated for centuries. Each year, families and churches set up nativity scenes to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Promoting local crafts for Christmas gifts
Friday 20 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Culture, National
As the festive holiday season approaches, the spirit of giving and community shines brighter than ever.
Shell-ebrating creativity: Pensioner promotes local culture through handicrafts
Thursday 19 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, Culture, Local, National
A retired Cook Islander is making use of the abundant resources from the sea to create unique and culturally inspired handicrafts.
Kōrero o te ‘Ōrau’s youth programme fosters cultural connection
Wednesday 18 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Education, Local, National
Kōrero o te ‘Ōrau’s ‘Ātui’anga ki te Tango (AKTT) youth programme continues its holistic learning activities for youth and families, immersing them in learning about Cook Islands culture, its values and natural environment, to promote cultural connection.
Aitutaki beauty Maoate crowned Maine Kūki ʻAirani Aotearoa 2024
Tuesday 17 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Education, Entertainment, National
In a celebration of beauty, culture and empowering young women, Ngatepaeru Maoate of Araura Enua (Aitutaki) was crowned Maine Kūki ʻAirani Aotearoa 2024 in Auckland, New Zealand.
A festive fusion of cultures at Nukutere College celebration
Saturday 14 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Education, National
Nukutere in the Evening, the school’s end of the year Christmas programme, was a celebration filled with performances, joy and community spirit.
