More Top Stories
Solar power battery repairs ‘could take up to 12 months’
15 April 2024
Cook Islands poised for highest Pacific growth
29 April 2024
Alleged rapist in remand
27 April 2024
Ex-DPM appeals ‘excessive sentence’, hearing date set
26 April 2024
Police shortage leads to drop in checkpoints
9 April 2024
Sarakura declared new Penrhyn MP
16 March 2024
Govt says $1.3m invested in Lady Samoa charter
22 February 2024
Mass milkfish die-off in Penrhyn raises concerns
3 April 2024
Regulator defends Starlink users
9 April 2024
Aitutaki’s heritage preserved in new anthology
4 January 2024
Avatiu Eels retain Nines title
8 January 2024
Beddoes crowned top athlete
8 January 2024
NRL player Dargan dies in Aitutaki motorcycle crash
24 December 2023
‘Please heed the signs’: resident makes plea to tourists
20 December 2023
Cook Islands set to play in new World Series
10 October 2023
Corruption report exposes ‘bribe and sexual favours’
17 January 2023
Corruption in the Cook Islands?
21 January 2023
Moana target 2025 World Cup
11 November 2022
Articles by Joanne Holden
Uproar: A heart-warming, heart-wrenching coming-of-age story
Saturday 28 October 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Entertainment, Features
As the credits rolled on the Cook Islands premiere of New Zealand feature film Uproar on Tuesday night, a packed Empire Theatre erupted in applause.
Cook Islands school leavers getting overseas qualifications without leaving home
Wednesday 25 October 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Education, National
An initiative giving Cook Islands school leavers a pathway to work full-time and study at a New Zealand university, all while staying close to family, is close to welcoming the final intake of its first cycle.
Rarotonga-based filmmaker brings his latest film ‘home’
Wednesday 18 October 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Entertainment, Features
The co-writer and co-director of New Zealand feature film Uproar was in the middle of making the comedy-drama when he decided to move to the tropical Cook Islands.
Reviving Rarotonga’s native flora
Monday 16 October 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, Weekend
Rarotonga’s native flora has nearly disappeared from the island’s coast, a 150-metre ascent into the mountains required to find thriving examples of its original ecosystem. The only other place is a nursery in Matavera.
‘Everyone doesn’t have to struggle alone’: Budgeting, investing focus of workshop
Monday 9 October 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Economy, National
Teaching young people and families how to thrive, not just survive on the Cook Islands’ minimum wage rate of $9 per hour, is the goal of those behind a workshop about budgeting and using money wisely.
Pit masters lock tongs for first foray on global steak circuit
Monday 2 October 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, Food
The Cook Islands has joined an international steak-cooking circuit as interest in competitive barbecuing experiences a “massive growth curve”.
Cook Islands stint inspires Australian law graduate
Saturday 30 September 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, Weekend
An Australian law graduate whose career trajectory was inspired by the month she spent in the Cook Islands during her study, has returned to the island nation five years later for a three-month stint supporting the Pacific Islands Forum.
Dreadlocks shaved for Cook Islands’ only vet clinic
Thursday 28 September 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Local, National
An Australian veterinarian who volunteered in the Cook Islands 13 years ago has shaved off his dreadlocks to raise more than $3000 for the island nation’s only vet clinic.
Terminally-ill visitor shut out
Wednesday 27 September 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Health, National
The family of a terminally-ill Australian visitor who was blocked from bringing his medication by Cook Islands authorities do not want to see anyone else face the same ordeal.
Environmental, fundraising initiative looking for new home
Monday 25 September 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Environment, National
A portable dish-washing trailer built to keep disposable plates and cutlery out of Rarotonga’s landfill is struggling to find a new home.
New cafe, old family recipes
Monday 18 September 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, Food, Go Local
From family recipes passed down for generations to a Nikao-based bakery satisfying the sweet tooth of Rarotonga’s students for more than 40 years, Turamatuitui Bakery continues to grow as its cafe offshoot relocates to Avarua.
‘Our guardian angels’: Terminally-ill visitor thanks community for help
Monday 18 September 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, Health, Health, In Depth, National, Travel
A terminally-ill Australian grandfather, whose dying wish was to holiday in Rarotonga with his family, was faced with spending his final trip in “crippling, excruciating pain” – until the Cooks community stepped in.
Crime rate spikes on Rarotonga
Monday 18 September 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Crime, National
The number of crashes on Rarotonga roads so far this year already matches the 2020 total and has surpassed 2021, as the island's overall crime rate spikes.
Police concerned about future of road safety
Tuesday 12 September 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Crime, National
Police have raised concerns about the future of road safety in the Cook Islands, with young drivers over represented in the number of traffic infringements dished out over the past three months.
Life-saving device stolen in Arorangi
Wednesday 6 September 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Crime, National
A life-saving device which uses electric shock to restore the heartbeat of a person suffering a cardiac event, has been stolen from Raemaru Park.
Drowning cause of death over the weekend, Police say
Tuesday 5 September 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Crime, Local, National, Travel
Water safety tips have been reissued after Rarotonga recorded its third drowning death this year.
Scholarship programmes connecting Australia and the Cook Islands return
Monday 4 September 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Education, National
A scholarship programme sending Australian undergraduates to study in more than 40 locations across the Indo-Pacific region has returned to the Cook Islands after Covid-19 ground travel to a halt.
Visitor dies while snorkeling, drunk drivers arrested
Monday 4 September 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Crime, Local, National
An elderly visitor to Rarotonga has died while swimming in Nikao.
Blue supermoon dances above Rarotonga
Friday 1 September 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Environment, Features, National, Weekend
Rarotonga’s full moon walkers were treated to a rare phenomenon as the first blue supermoon in 14 years ducked between the clouds above Muri Beach on Wednesday evening.
Pit masters brave wind and rain for good cause
Wednesday 30 August 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, Weekend
Sixty kilograms of beef brisket, 60kg of pork, 800 chicken wings, and three whole muttons sizzled as Cook Islands pit masters faced off in a fundraiser for the country’s junior sailors.
