Culture
Judge to rule on land case after DNA testing
Monday 24 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Court, Culture, National
It was standing room only at the Panui High Court rehearing on Thursday in a matter that involved DNA testing to determine identity, and an application to revoke land succession orders.
Church renovation nearing completion
Tuesday 4 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
The Avarua (Cook Islands Christian Church) CICC Ziona Tapu is nearing the completion of an extensive renovation project that has breathed new life into the historic church.
Titikaveka’s CICC reopens in sun shining glory
Saturday 1 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
The Titikaveka Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) Betela, stands tall once again in its renewed splendour, reopening its doors in the blaze of sun shining glory on Friday.
Titikaveka’s Betela Ready to Reopen
Thursday 29 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Culture, Features, National
The village of Titikaveka is excited as the Ekalesia’s Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) Betela reopens its doors tomorrow, following months of detailed renovations.
New Zealand-based Cook Islands group promotes culture in Italy
Monday 26 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
In a captivating display of cultural exchange, the Cook Islands group Te Mana Māori from Aotearoa New Zealand embarked on a journey to Bergamo, Italy to showcase and share their heritage.
Rain brings blessings to the Arorangi CICC dedication
Saturday 24 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
The renovated Arorangi Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) Ziona Tapu, gleaming with improvements and vibrant flowers, was ready to re-open in a special dedication ceremony on Thursday.
Archaeologists unearth rich heritage
Thursday 22 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Features, Local, National
Archaeologists visiting the Cook Islands have uncovered a formation of rocks at the Arai-Te-Tonga marae at Tupapa.
Avarua CICC holds tivaivai exhibition
Saturday 17 June 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Culture, Features, National
In preparation for the 34th Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) General Assembly next month, the women of the Avarua Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) showcased their tivaivai designs and products at the Takamoa Theological College Hall on Thursday.
Koutu Nui elects new executives, discuss key national issues
Saturday 17 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
Four new members were sworn in at the Koutu Nui 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday morning at Palmerston House.
Deputy PM Tapaitau to attend Samoa’s 60th/61st Independence Celebrations
Monday 29 May 2023 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Culture, Economy, National
Deputy Prime Minister Robert Tapaitau will represent the Government of the Cook Islands at Samoa’s 60th/61st Independence Celebrations to be held in Apia this week.
Culture head suspended
Monday 29 May 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Culture, Economy, National
Ministry of Cultural Development secretary Anthony Turua has been suspended pending an investigation by the Public Expenditure Review Committee (PERC). Turua has labelled his suspension ‘micromanaging’ and said it could have been dealt internally.
Ministry of Cultural Development addresses eligibility concerns
Wednesday 3 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
Tauranga Vananga Ministry of Cultural Development has acknowledged and addressed the issues raised in regards to the acceptance of late registrations, overseas applications and eligibility criteria for the upcoming Te Mire Ura senior dance competition.
‘Sounds of the drum beats makes me want to get up and dance’
Wednesday 3 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
Inspired by the theme “Te au Manu Puapinga o toku Matakeinanga/enua – The important animals and birds of my tribe/island”, Ngatupuna Kae has signed up for Te Mire Ura seniors competition to be held tomorrow night at the National Auditorium.
Turou for Ngāti Tūmatauenga
Thursday 27 April 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
On the Eve of Anzac, the biggest contingent of Ngāti Tumutauenga, the official Māori name of the Aotearoa New Zealand Army to Rarotonga were officially welcomed on Monday afternoon at the Cook Islands Returned Services Association (RSA).
Ten-year-old Boaza ready for debut in Te Mire Ura
Wednesday 26 April 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
For the first time, 10-year-old Boaza Manase Pukerua will be competing in Te Mire Ura 2023 cultural dance festival to be held tomorrow night.
‘A new legacy of Paikea’ launched and ready to serve
Saturday 15 April 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
Vaka Paikea is a long-time dream come true for Cook Islands master navigator Peia Patai.
Schools culture festival starts tonight
Wednesday 12 April 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Education, National
Rarotonga’s biggest and best school culture festival will grace the stage at the Are Karioi National Auditorium over two nights starting this evening at 6pm.
Reo Māori thriving in the Pa Enua
Thursday 6 April 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Education, National
Te Reo Māori is well and thriving in the Pa Enua as demonstrated by the fluent and passionate senior student speakers who dominated the awards in the Tārērē Kōrero Māori ā te au 'Api'i Tuarua ō te Kūki 'Airani (Reo Māori Schools Speech Competition) on Tuesday evening.
Vaipae celebrates Christian legacy
Saturday 1 April 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National, Outer Islands
Under the glow of the rising sun on Thursday morning, the village of Vaipae was bustling and humming with activity preparing for their commemoration day of ‘Te Arikianga o te Evangelia – the Arrival of the Gospel’ 200 years ago on March 30, 1823.
Maungaroa Valley one step closer to achieving World Heritage status
Friday 24 March 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
Government has recognised “Maungaroa Mountains and Valleys” as a historic area and formally supported its inclusion on the Cooks Islands Tentative List for World Heritage status, in January 2019. The dream to achieve a World Heritage status is one step closer following the completion of a scoping study and report.
