Sabine Janneck is turning plastic refuse into fashionable bags, and turning those bags into art. Anneka Brown meets her ahead of her exhibition opening.

Serena Hunter is one of Cook Islands’ most respected paddlers – and now, it’s a family affair. Anneka Brown meets her down at Avarua Harbour.

Uha Reuther started paddling six months ago with Ngakau toa – now she is ready to compete in Vaka Eiva in the U16 division.

The vet clinic’s resident canine Sonny might tag along with Te Are Manu’s vets for the fundraising Boiler Swim, they joke.

Vaka Eiva 2019 boasts the return of a youth competition after three years. Anneka Brown spends the afternoon with one of the local teams getting ready for the competition off Nikao beach.

Cook Islands paddlers are hoping for ‘pumping and rough’ waters to put on a spectacle for all the spectators. 

There’s a reason Oe Vaka is so significant for local paddler Tupuna Amo – it’s where he met the love of his life, Emilene Taulu.

Their name may stick in your throat – but Cook Islanders will embrace the heartfelt passion behind this visiting international vaka crew.

In its 16-year history, Vaka Eiva has linked Cook Islands Maori back to their voyaging heritage – and to share it internationally.