Outer Islands
Rakahanga 'will survive on breadfruit and fish'
Saturday 7 March 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Outer Islands
Hawaiian freight vessel Kwai has been told it’s not welcome in Rakahanga due to coronavirus fears, despite carrying important supplies for the Northern Group island.
Beautification and the beast
Thursday 5 March 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Outer Islands
The monster of widespread unemployment looms over the northern island of Pukapuka, with 19 government workers sent home from work.
The real women's work is honoured on island Manihiki
Saturday 29 February 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Outer Islands
When an emotional Mama Vainepoto Makita was presented the Queen’s British Empire Medal of Service on her home island of Manihiki this week, she paid tribute to her father Elia Teka.
New school leaders get to welcome VIP guests
Saturday 29 February 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Outer Islands
Young student leaders were exhorted to show ; respect, honesty and integrity, that they might one day lead like Manihiki’s own Henry Puna.
Reeling in big guns for marlin contest
Saturday 29 February 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Outer Islands
Peter Pakula has been fishing for a long time. His first steps as a baby were towards a fisherman who helped him catch his very first fish. And he has been fishing ever since.
Japan aid for Mitiaro's water problem
Thursday 27 February 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Outer Islands
The people of Mitiaro are grateful for the concrete water tanks that have sustained the community during its dry weather periods.
Pukapuka saga: Claims of unpaid wages
Tuesday 25 February 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Outer Islands
Dismissed Pukapuka government employees cry foul over unpaid wages.
You are the weakest link'
Monday 24 February 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Outer Islands
Allegations of conflicting political agendas fly in tit-for-tat row over dismissal of six Pukapuka workers.
Sharing the BRUV
Saturday 22 February 2020 | Published in Outer Islands
To this group of students, there is no separation between people and resources. For thousands of years, science has informed decisions about resource management – now the science is just a little different.
Miss Climate Change: Tajiya champions environment on Mangaia
Tuesday 18 February 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Outer Islands
Mangaia kids go for 15-minute walk after rollcall every day, beauty queen discovers.
When in Mitiaro, you do as they do
Monday 10 February 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Outer Islands
Mitiaro also known as Nukuroa, is peaceful and precious; like going back in time. Melina Etches shares her experience after her first ever visit to the island.
Japan is to donate a fire station and two fire engines to Aitutaki
Friday 31 January 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Outer Islands
At present, Aitutaki’s fire brigade can be on standby for incoming flights, or responding to emergency call-outs – it can’t do both. That’s about to change.
New hope for outer islands
Wednesday 29 January 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Outer Islands
The tender to procure shipping charter service for the outer islands closes next week, and a Fiji shipping company has signalled interest.
Teau-e-roa Peaceful journey
Wednesday 29 January 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Outer Islands
From the heady honour of being carried shoulder-high on a pa’ata, to the depths of the earth in the Vai Nauri water cave – homecoming queen Tajiya Sahay enjoyed an extraordinary welcome back to Mitiaro over the past four days.
Miss Cook Islands given a new name
Tuesday 28 January 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Outer Islands
Miss Oceania Cook Islands Tajiya Sahay has had a new name bestowed upon her by her people of Mitiaro: Teau-e-roa.
Miss Mitiaro
Tuesday 28 January 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Outer Islands
From a London arena to the Mitiaro community hall, Miss World Oceania Tajiya Sahay was determined to return to where it all began. Melina Etches reports from the island of Nukuroa/Mitiaro.
New bunkers to help protect Tongareva in climate crisis
Saturday 25 January 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Outer Islands
Calling the beautiful atoll island of Tongareva/Penrhyn home comes with its challenges, but the construction of two new cyclone centres should help protect from the mounting climate crisis.
Miss Oceania returns home to her island – and her grandma
Saturday 25 January 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Outer Islands
Miss World gave Tajiya Sahay a platform to make a difference; Mitiaro lifted her even higher on a pa’ata!
Singer enlists Atiu teens to monitor climate crisis
Sunday 19 January 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Outer Islands
Students learn to survey outer island’s environmental changes with smart devices and drones.
Govt sails to the rescue
Thursday 16 January 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Outer Islands
The market has failed the people of the Pa Enua, says the finance secretary. Now government must steer a new course and – if all else fails – buy its own purpose-built passenger vessel.
