Culture
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.
PM Brown, Cook Islands delegation pay their respects to Māori Kīngi Tūhetia
Tuesday 3 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National, New Zealand, Regional
Prime Minister Mark Brown arrived at Tūrangawaewae Marae yesterday for the tangihanga (tangi) of Kīngi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII, the seventh Māori king, and to pay his respect to the Kīngitanga.
Woman fined for drunk driving
Friday 30 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Culture, National
A woman who has been convicted and ordered to pay a fine of $218 for excess blood alcohol and careless driving charges has also been disqualified from driving for 12 months.
Cultural exchange fosters connections between Cook Islands and Hawai’i
Thursday 22 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Features, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
A delegation from environmental non-governmental organisation Kōrero o te 'Ōrau’s 'Ātui'anga ki te Tango (AKTT) young ambassadors have returned from an enriching successful cultural exchange experience in Hawai’i.
First-of-its-kind early childhood Māori learning centre founded
Wednesday 21 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Education, Features, Go Local, National
A pioneering early childhood learning centre, the first of its kind, has been established with a focus on immersing young children in Māori language and culture from a very early age.
Cook Islands to celebrate 60 years with extended festivities
Wednesday 14 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
The Government has started planning for the country’s big celebration of the 60th Constitution Day next year, including the budget. The celebration is expected to be slightly longer than this year’s event.
Cook Islands diaspora keeps culture alive in New Zealand
Saturday 10 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Education, National
Cook Islanders in Aotearoa New Zealand joyfully celebrated Te Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani - Cook Islands Māori Language Week with cultural performances and educational programmes across the country this week.
Winning costume sparks outrage
Saturday 10 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
A week after the 2024 Te Maeva Nui cultural festival, controversy continues over Oire Tupapa Maraerenga’s winning costume, which was originally designed for the CINAT team. The Ministry of Cultural Development has dismissed claims of unfair advantage.
Tupapa Maraerenga crowned Te Maeva Nui 2024 champions
Tuesday 6 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Local, National
The Tupapa Maraerenga Cultural Group emerged victorious as the winners of the 2024 Te Maeva Nui festival, held last week.
PM addresses water issues in Constitution Day speech
Tuesday 6 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Local, National, Politics
Cook Islands celebrated its 59th Constitution Day on Sunday, marked by remarkable milestones highlighting the country’s successful self-governance journey, while the Prime Minister addressed the current water tariff issue amidst global and regional turmoil.
Vibrant performances light up Te Maeva Nui
Friday 2 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
This year, seven groups representing different islands and districts of Rarotonga showcased their unique and captivating dances, chants and music, which have been passed down through generations.
Pukapuka Nassau make bold statement as dancers shake up the competition
Friday 2 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, National
Although their traditional dances are the pride of Pukapuka and Nassau, they have found that they often receive lower scores in the annual Te Maeva Nui festival when performing their cultural heritage.
Te Maeva Nui leaves lasting impression on visitors
Wednesday 31 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Art, Culture, Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, National
The opening ceremony of Te Maeva Nui 2024 has left a great impression on most of the visitors who got to witness the uniqueness of the Cook Islands culture.
