Local
Remembering Cyclone Martin: ‘Many took that flight and never came back’
Saturday 5 November 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, Outer Islands
It was a cyclone like no other, and its impact is still felt by those who lived through it. Rebecca Hosking-Ellis talks to Cook Islands News senior journalist Matthew Littlewood about her memories of Cyclone Martin and the toll it took on the Manihiki community.
Cooks icon honoured at Tourism Summit finale
Saturday 5 November 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Entertainment, Features, Local
Cook Islands Tourism chief Karla Eggelton has shared heartfelt words with other Pacific leaders as a week of meetings has come to an end on Rarotonga.
Family frustration as logistics put dampener on gathering
Friday 4 November 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Descendants of Mama Matauia, one of the wives of William Marsters, are facing a logistical battle as they want to deliver a headstone to her place of burial on Palmerston.
103 Taramea eradicated
Friday 4 November 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Environment, Local
A combined effort saw 103 crown-of-thorns starfish eradicated in Rarotonga on Thursday as part of Operation Taramea.
Turama: in memory of those who have passed
Wednesday 2 November 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local
Amanda Blake-Pauka arranges fresh flowers for the grave of her late brother, Remy Blake who passed away suddenly at a young age in 1973, for All Saint’s Day or Turama which falls on November 1 every year.
Agencies combine efforts to eradicate crown-of-thorns starfish
Wednesday 2 November 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, Local
A combined effort to eradicate crown-of-thorns starfish in the Cook Islands will see multiple organisations converge on Avatiu in collaboration.
‘We are resilient’
Tuesday 1 November 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, Memory Lane
On November 1, 1997, Cyclone Martin struck the island atoll of Manihiki with waves higher than the highest coconut tree, claiming 19 lives. Today marks the 25-year anniversary of the destructive cyclone – the most catastrophic storm to hit the Cook Islands. Anna and Willie Katoa and their daughter Katarina are some of the survivors. Ana was five months pregnant when the waves struck, tragically they lost their seven-year-old daughter Maureen (older Maureen) who was presumed drowned. ‘Resilience’ is the word that springs to Anna’s mind when she emotionally recollects the surreal fight for survival during their three days at sea from the devastation of Cyclone Martin.
Aitutaki ‘doubles in size’ for a day
Tuesday 1 November 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Business, Local, Tourism
Aitutaki doubled its population on Monday as more than 1000 passengers from the visiting MS Zuiderdam made it ashore.
Long serving staff recognised
Monday 31 October 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Local
Cook Islands’ largest private sector organisation recognised and rewarded its long serving staff at a special event this month.
African island nation ‘20-years ahead’ of Cook Islands fishing sector
Monday 31 October 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Business, Local
Importing and exporting fish with other Pacific nations is in the pipeline, says Fresh Fish Company owner Timothy Vaikai, after visiting African island nation, Mauritius.
A passion for firefighting
Saturday 29 October 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Local
Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade celebrated 20-years last Saturday and gave out awards to its crew, journalist Caleb Fotheringham speaks to some of the volunteers.
Artificial plants a grave concern
Saturday 29 October 2022 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Local
Each year, on November 1, we remember those who have passed on. The expression we use is Turama or All Souls Day. This is a day dedicated to honouring and showing our respects for our deceased loved ones.
91 years and counting
Saturday 29 October 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in In Depth, Local
At the age of 91, Rongo Ezekiela is trim, energetic and agile, and continues to watch his food intake and mobility routine. He shares his healthy lifestyle journey, and his work experiences with Government in the 1950s taking care of the transmitter masts and stations, with senior journalist Melina Etches.
Garth’s recipe for staying Young
Saturday 29 October 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, In Depth, Local
Veteran musician Garth Young is about to blow out the candles as he nears 90. The past couple of years have seen him make significant lifestyle changes as the work dried up during Covid-19. He’s starting to reap the benefits.
Warrants presented at Are Ariki Assembly
Friday 28 October 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
The 51st Are Ariki (House of Ariki) Assembly opened with the recognition of official warrants which were presented by the King’s Representative Sir Tom Marsters to three Ariki on Monday.
Rejoicing in the Gospel
Thursday 27 October 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local
Sylvana Taoro-Puia, Numangatini Tangi Ariki, Tangi Taoro and Tutai Rairi Tereapii celebrate Tae’anga Evangelia or Gospel Day at Raemaru Park in Arorangi yesterday.
PET TALK: It’s all in the eyes
Thursday 27 October 2022 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, Opinion, Pet Talk
Bright, clear, liquid, dazzling, sad, doleful, crying, lying, beautiful. Eyes can be all of these things. Dogs are experts at puppy dog eyes. Cats are expert at death stares. Eyes tell us all sorts of things about their owners. But sometimes things go wrong. Dr Michael Baer explains.
More cruise ships to visit the Cook Islands
Thursday 27 October 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Local, Tourism
Cruise ships are returning to the Cook Islands, with more expected to arrive this weekend.
Feeling blessed
Thursday 27 October 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local
At the graceful age of 86, Marii Parekura Kaina Ripata affirmed her Christian belief and received Confirmation - a Sacrament in the Catholic Church, on Sunday.
New Zealand to send firefighter trainers to Cook Islands
Thursday 27 October 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Features, Local
New Zealand firefighters are scheduled to train Cook Islands brigade volunteers early next year.
