Education
Young Aitutaki mariners set sail for global qualifications
Monday 15 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National, Outer Islands
Young men from Aitutaki are on a pathway to further their maritime knowledge and skills by attending a Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) course, a globally recognised set of standards for sailors, in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Ministry gathers input for new Education Masterplan
Thursday 11 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education, National
The Ministry of Education has completed its final rounds of consultation with schools, both in Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, for its new Education Masterplan.
Challenging ‘rape culture’
Monday 8 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education, Health, Local, National
The deep-rooted attitudes and cultural norms in the Cook Islands society lead some men to believe they have the right to control women and girls, demanding obedience even in marriage, says a local non-government organisation counselling service.
St Joseph’s Gala Raises $30,000
Saturday 6 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National
Around $30,000 was raised at the St Joseph’s Primary School gala day on Thursday.
Clash of opinions on Cook Islands Māori language
Thursday 4 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Education, National
The Mapu Taurekareka O Nikao, Pa Enua, Rangiatea Matavera, and Vaka Puaikura teams presented vigorous ‘akatika’ (For) and pātoi (Against) sentiments in the 'Epetoma ō te reo Māori Kūki 'Āirani debate competition on Wednesday.
Tatau, tatā and tuatua Māori - read, write and speak
Wednesday 3 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Education, Features, National
Tauranga Vananga Minister George “Maggie” Angene has called on Members of Parliament to do their part in preserving reo Māori Kūki 'Āirani by speaking the language during Parliament sittings.
Is our language at risk of disappearing?
Wednesday 3 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
A United Nations agency says te reo Māori Kūki' Āirani is decreasing at an accelerating pace and is at risk of disappearing as more Cook Islanders shift their preference from their native tongue to English.
Education investigates Opposition Leader’s claim of poor Tereora College results
Tuesday 2 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education, National
The Ministry of Education is investigating a statement made by the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament last month in relation to Tereora College results from Literacy and Numeracy exams.
11-year-old urges community to embrace reo Māori at Cook Islands Language Week
Tuesday 2 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Education, Local, National
Language starts at home was the powerful message delivered distinctly in reo Māori by 11-year-old Inano Urirau on day one of the 'Epetoma ō te reo Māori Kūki 'Āirani - Cook Islands Language Week yesterday.
Cook Islands Language Week kicks off with focus on youth and schools
Monday 1 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Today marks the beginning of the annual ‘Epetoma ō te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani – Cook Islands Language Week, which celebrates the languages of the Cook Islands.
Breast Cancer Foundation hosts fundraising dinner with Kiwi media stars
Friday 28 June 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Education, Health, Local, National, New Zealand, Regional
The Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation is hosting a fundraising event next weekend in a bid to help local women with breast cancer detection.
Tereora College’s Anau Ikurangi wins secondary schools Tangi Ka’ara competition
Monday 24 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Education, Local, National
The powerful rhythms of the tangi ka’ara traditional drums reverberated through Te Are Karioi as college students across Rarotonga showcased their mastery of drumming techniques, thrilling the audience on Friday night.
Evans earns Masters and Honorary Doctorate
Saturday 22 June 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Education, Environment, Features, National, Weekend
Renowned Cook Islands marine conservationist Jacqueline Evans had a double celebration recently – graduating from her year-long studies at Harvard University and receiving an Honorary Doctorate from the Université du Littoral Côte d'Opale (ULCO) in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France.
Pay rise for teachers, Concerns remain about quality and qualifications
Friday 21 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education, National, Parliament
Parliamentarians discussed the Education Ministry’s budget increase, with some welcoming the teacher salary rise but highlighting the need for improved quality and qualified teachers, especially in the outer islands.
Apii Takitumu girls break barriers, embrace Tangi Kaara Challenge
Tuesday 18 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
For years, the art of drumming had been the domain of the boys, however, a shift has occurred, as more and more girls have stepped up, eager to master the art of tangi ka’ara (drumming).
Local students explore career horizons at ‘Think Big’ expo
Friday 14 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education, Local, National
Rarotonga students gathered at the National Auditorium yesterday for the 2024 Careers Expo, eager to explore the diverse career options offered by government and private agencies.
Apii Takitumu gets new drums thanks to Titikaveka College
Tuesday 11 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Apii Takitumu was thrilled to receive a brand-new set of drums from Titikaveka College through Te Rito O Taku Peu Tupuna last month.
‘Strengthen our culture … Not cut and paste from New Zealand’
Tuesday 11 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Culture, Education, Features, National
“Strengthen our culture” was the message of the 19-year-old Cook Islander Nicolea Mateariki at the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) Young Pacific Leaders sessions in Honolulu, Hawai’i.
Local students participate in Chinese comp
Saturday 1 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Education, Features, National
A Chinese Bridge Competition held at the University of the South Pacific (USP) Cook Islands Campus this week saw students participating in Chinese language and proficiency and discussing their understanding of the Chinese culture.
Highland Paradise Competition fights to keep traditions alive
Saturday 25 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Culture, Education, Features, Food, Go Local, National
Apii Arorangi was crowned the overall winners of the 2024 Highland Paradise Cultural Competition held on Thursday.
