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Features
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Local

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Paddling

From the river to the ocean

18 November 2022

Articles by Joanne Holden

SPCA’s Volunteer house in line for an upgrade

Saturday 18 March 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Local, National

The number of dogs residing at the Cook Islands SPCA shelter has nearly tripled in less than two years, while staff numbers are unchanged. Now, the organisation is turning to fixing up its volunteer house to attract more help.


Kiwi youth with disabilities bond with Rarotonga dogs

Wednesday 15 March 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Local, National

Groups of Kiwi young people with disabilities became “honorary volunteers” for the SPCA this week, taking the dogs for their morning walk during a field trip to the Cook Islands.


Fighting for every visitor as new flights on the horizon

Monday 13 March 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Local, National, Travel

About 134,000 people are forecast to holiday in the Cook Islands this year, a 22 per cent drop on the 171,000 visitors in 2019.


Fire service boosted with $600 donation

Monday 13 March 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Local, National

An ongoing fundraiser for Rarotonga’s underfunded volunteer fire crews is picking up steam again, after the dearth of visitors to the island over the summer season put a damper on the appeal.


‘Where I’m meant to be’: Cook Islands boxer eyes World Championships

Saturday 11 March 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Boxing, Sports

Cook Islands boxer Teremoana Jr Teremoana is confident he will be representing Australia in the upcoming World Boxing Championships, considered the highest level of competition for amateur boxers alongside the Olympic Games.


Atiu celebrates fifty years of Girls’ Brigade

Friday 10 March 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Local, National

Today marks 50 years since the first Cook Islands branch of international Christian youth organisation Girls’ Brigade was established in Atiu.

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Cook Islands tourism has lost its position in Canadian market: Mani

Thursday 9 March 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Local, National, Travel

The Cook Islands had “definitely lost our position” in the Canadian market over the past two years, revealed Christian Mani, Cook Islands Tourism general manager for North America.


‘Still undiscovered’: Rebuilding North American tourist market underway

Wednesday 8 March 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Economy, National, Travel

Less than half of the travellers booked to fly from Hawaii to the Cook Islands when the route opens up in May are from mainland United States, despite the flights creating a gateway between the island nation and 15 North American cities.


Domestic violence ‘high level of concern’

Tuesday 7 March 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Crime, National

Two people required medical attention after allegedly being assaulted in separate domestic violence incidents over the weekend.

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The opportunity of a lifetime: Trip through Panama Canal

Saturday 4 March 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, Weekend

A Cook Islander who hitched a ride on the Anuanua Moana as it sailed from the southern United States, over rough seas in the Gulf of Mexico, and through the Panama Canal has described the voyage as akin to ‘getting a chance to go to the moon’. Joanne Holden reports.


Mauke man returns home as Honorary Constable

Saturday 4 March 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in National, Outer Islands

Makituke Aberahama, who has been appointed a new Honorary Constable of Mauke, will focus on improving the lives of youth on the island.


‘Best thing I ever did’: Kiwi beauty therapist leaves stresses of NZ behind

Saturday 25 February 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Local, National

A Kiwi beauty and massage therapist with more than 10 years’ experience has escaped the stresses of life in New Zealand to share her skills with her ‘happy place’.


‘Stop dog culling’: SPCA threatens to leave Dog Committee if shooting doesn’t stop

Friday 24 February 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Local, National

The Cook Islands SPCA has condemned Police for killing non-aggressive dogs on Rarotonga.

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Authorities ramp up dog euthanasia on Rarotonga

Thursday 23 February 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Crime, Local, National

Authorities are ramping up dog euthanasia on Rarotonga in an effort to crack down on uncontrolled animals.


‘I’ll be coming back for sure’: Cook Islands boxer representing Australia loses match

Thursday 23 February 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Boxing, Sports

A Cook Islands boxer’s first international campaign representing Australia in amateur tournaments has come to an end.


Infrastructure a concern as Muri business district grows

Wednesday 22 February 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Business, Local, National

New businesses have been popping up along Rarotonga’s “golden mile” through Muri as the Cook Islands recovers from Covid-19, but concerns have been raised about whether the infrastructure is there to support further growth.


Women at the helm of new Muri business venture

Tuesday 21 February 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Business, Local, National

Cook Islands businesswomen have banded together to erect a new block of shops offering style, beauty, and refreshments along Rarotonga’s “golden mile” in Muri.


Muri restoration efforts backed by United Nations

Friday 17 February 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Environment, Local, National

A United Nations official is throwing her weight behind the conservation efforts of a group dedicated to restoring Muri Lagoon, offering to support them in applying for funding beyond the US$50,000 (NZ$80,367) the global organisation has previously pledged to the group.

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