Culture
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.
Divided legacy: Arioka invested as Pera Mataiapo Tutara amidst controversy
Saturday 14 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Features, National, Weekend
Patrick Arioka has been invested with the traditional title of Pera Mataiapo Tutara in the second investiture for the same title this year, little over a week after another claimant, Ana Andrew, was invested on November 27, 2024.
Carrying on the tradition: Mitiaro’s new Ariki pledges to strengthen community ties
Wednesday 11 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National, Outer Islands
Mii Tungane Kauvai has been invested with the traditional title of Te Maeu O Te Rangi Teikamata Ariki of Nukuroa/Mitiaro, continuing the legacy of her late mother.
Parliament forms committee to examine religious restrictions
Wednesday 4 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, National, Parliament
A special select committee has been formed to examine the Religious Organisations Restrictions Act 1975 and address issues related to the introduction of new religious organisations in the Cook Islands.
Ei katu helps cancer survivor shield loved ones
Tuesday 3 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Health, National
A New Zealand cancer survivor used the traditional Cook Islands headwear, ei katu, to conceal her illness from her elderly mother for 18 months, highlighting the emotional toll of cancer and the importance of support systems.
Family feud erupts at investiture ceremony
Saturday 30 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
In an emotional display of cultural tensions, families gathered in a noisy fervent and physical ‘pato’i’ (protest) during the ‘akauru’uru’anga’ (traditional investiture ceremony) for the Pera Mataiapo Tutara title of Vaka Puaikura at the Kainganui Marae this week.
Legacy lives on: Tekeu honoured with ancestral Mataiapo title
Friday 29 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Features, National, Weekend
Fifty-six years after his late father held the title, Tekeu Maki Tekeu, 68, was yesterday invested with the Ta Mataiapo title of Matavera.
Ink for a cause: Movember Cook Islands tattoo event draws a crowd
Tuesday 26 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Health, National
Movember is more than just a month for growing mustaches. It is a global movement aimed at raising awareness of and funds for men’s health issues, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide.
Invitation to STEAM celebration
Wednesday 20 November 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Culture, National
A Children’s Week initiative going by the acronym STEAM will ceklebrate the Cook Islands Robotics Team.
CI Muslim opens up about her faith and journey
Saturday 16 November 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, National
Tatiana Kautai, a Cook Islander Muslim, has shared her personal journey into Islam and her experiences living as a Muslim in the Cook Islands. Talaia Mika reports.
Cook Islands has its first mosque
Thursday 14 November 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Local, National
The Cook Islands’ first and only mosque is quietly serving Rarotonga’s Muslim community, reports Talaia Mika who yesterday followed a Google satellite map to find the local Islamic headquarters.
Historic investiture ceremony marks new era for Tamaiva Mataiapo title
Friday 25 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Features, National, Weekend
The cultural investiture ceremony of 78-year-old David Tuaeu with the traditional title of Tamaiva Mataiapo was held last month at the new Tamaiva marae in Murivai, Tupapa.
Daughter of late ariki elected Te Maeu O Te Rangi Teikamata Ariki
Thursday 24 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Features, In Depth, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
In a significant occasion for the island of Mitiaro, the daughter of the late Mii Tungane Upokoati O’Bryan, Te Maeu O Te Rangi Teikamata Ariki OBE, has been elected to assume the esteemed title once held by her mother.
Koutu Nui swears in new leaders, addresses land issues and other challenges
Wednesday 16 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
Holders of taoanga Māori titles were sworn in at the Koutu Nui annual general meeting (AGM) this week.
Students dig deep into cultural roots
Saturday 5 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Education, Features, Food, National
Students of Nukutere College who participated in the traditional umu making and string band competitions this week were grateful for the opportunities to connect more deeply with the lifestyles of their ancestors.
Pu Tapere election challenged
Wednesday 11 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Local, National
An election of a village leader has been embroiled in controversy after claims that proper process was not followed, and only a few were informed, while a meeting organiser insisted that all protocols were adhered to.
