Outer Islands
Relishing the special moments from afar
Wednesday 15 April 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Outer Islands
Pa Enua producers are taking the challenges of the travel ban in their stride.
Church family's escape was an Easter miracle
Saturday 11 April 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Outer Islands
Easter Weekend will be a sombre affair on the island of Omoka, in Penrhyn.
Aitutaki households complete 14-day Covid-19 isolation
Wednesday 8 April 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Outer Islands
Three households in the village of Tautu on Aitutaki has completed their 14 days of isolation without any issues.
The best job in the world
Friday 3 April 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Outer Islands
Imagine: A remote tropical island of your own, far from the reach of Covid-19, where you would spend all your days swimming and fishing and relaxing on the beach with your partner.
Govt pays to send cargo ships to outer islands
Wednesday 1 April 2020 | Written by Legacy Author | Published in Outer Islands
Government is subsidising shipping to ensure the Pa Enua receive vital supplies, Finance Minister Mark Brown has announced.
Pa Enua children sad to stay home, away from friends
Wednesday 25 March 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Outer Islands
News of early school holidays brings out surprising and unexpected reaction from Mitiaro students.
Taking refuge on their home island
Wednesday 25 March 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Outer Islands
John Akava, 77 and his wife Teakauroa, 78 have moved to their home island of Atiu to seek refuge from the Covid-19 pandemic.
United in keeping the virus away
Wednesday 25 March 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Outer Islands
The children of Apii Raumanu on the islet of Tauhunu of Manihiki are happy and smiling, and ready to battle the coronavirus.
The shop and the land stay stocked
Tuesday 24 March 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Outer Islands
Living on the island of Ma‘uke, Eileen Story started to realise how risky Covid-19 was when a team of health officials arrived from Rarotongato raise awareness.
Every day brings its own threat on atoll
Tuesday 24 March 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Outer Islands
On Thursday the island of Manihiki held a Covid-19 prayer service. “People are worried for their families on Rarotonga and overseas,” says Tukao school principal Apii Napa.
Growing our own food
Tuesday 24 March 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Outer Islands
Quentin Schofield’s family have started their own vegetable food garden, in case the coronavirus pandemic lasts for months: “No one really knows.”
Sick people sent to the other motu
Tuesday 24 March 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Outer Islands
As Rarotonga locks in border control, life goes as usual on Pukapuka.
Cheap veges in Aitutaki
Tuesday 24 March 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Outer Islands
Aunty Nane had just planted more of her hydronic vegetable in her garden on Aitutaki, when the orders from the resorts dried up.
Feeding our islands: Cancelled convention has silver lining for Mangaia
Tuesday 24 March 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Outer Islands
The unexpected arrival of a container-load of chicken, sausages and ice cream is like manna from heaven for Mangaia.
Last flight out to the Pa Enua
Saturday 21 March 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Outer Islands
Air Raro took off for its last flights to the Pa Enua late yesterday. Elderly mamas and papas with their grandchildren on their hips boarded their flights; working age adults tearfully watched them go.
Pa Enua workers fly home while they can
Wednesday 18 March 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Outer Islands
The hostels behind Avarua are emptying as workers from the outer islands flee home to their island fortresses before Friday’s travel deadline.
Pa Enua borders to close, Cook Islanders open up their hearts
Wednesday 18 March 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Outer Islands
As Cook Islands close down their borders, Cook Islanders open up their hearts. Aitutaki tourism brothers Nick and Mike Henry say they’re at Code Red already. Now, it’s time to start to rebuild.
Pa Enua set up as safe havens
Tuesday 17 March 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Outer Islands
The old, sick and vulnerable will be able to stay safe on the outer islands, as government sets in place tight travel controls from Friday.
Learning from the Pa Enua
Saturday 14 March 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Outer Islands
On the Pa Enua, people don’t complain, they always have food, says a Mitiaro doctoral student. They don’t abuse the ocean, they get what they need and give the rest to other families.
Community works to reduce coronavirus risk throughout islands
Friday 13 March 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Outer Islands
Children are using innovative tactics to remember to wash their hands well, and limit the risk of Covid-19 spreading.
