Outer Islands
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.
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.
