Local
‘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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Arorangi CICC to host Gospel Day celebrations
Tuesday 25 October 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local
Tae’anga Evangelia or Gospel Day will be hosted by the Arorangi Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) at Raemaru Park tomorrow starting from 10am.
Heavy downpour results in monthly average in two days
Tuesday 25 October 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Local, Weather
Almost the entire monthly average rainfall for Rarotonga came in the last two days bringing some relief to a dry October.
Regional police meet to discuss organised crime
Tuesday 25 October 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Crime, Local
Organised crime in the Pacific is targeted as a growing concern, particularly over drug trafficking and money laundering, with senior Cook Islands Police meeting to discuss the matter this week in Samoa.
Promoting Cook Islands to the world
Monday 24 October 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local
An American who has played a key role in bringing Cook Islands to the world is on Rarotonga for the next month to continue assisting his business partner in connecting the nation to dozens of countries.
Tourist raises litter concerns following Rarotonga visit
Monday 24 October 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Environment, Local
A tourist who has been coming to Rarotonga since 2000 says she doesn’t want the island to have a reputation of being dirty after her latest trip.
High school student combines art and business to help cover household bills
Monday 24 October 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Art, Local
A Tereora College student has combined her artistic and entrepreneurial skills to tap into the tourist market while helping with household costs.
