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11 November 2022

Articles by Moana Makapelu Lee

Concerns about reclaiming land on Avarua waterfront

Monday 3 February 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Economy

A new waterfront park with sports courts for our young people is all well and good – but what about the environmental impact and cyclone risk?

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Our photographer without borders

Saturday 1 February 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Local

Alex King’s image was trying to tell a unique story about Pacific Islands connections when she shot this image at Taputapuatea. According to the judges of a prestigious photography competition, she succeeded.


Calls for Demos to be sacked

Saturday 1 February 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Politics

Culture Minister George Maggie is calling for the sacking of the Democratic Party staff member behind an “inappropriate post” from Mona Ioane’s funeral.

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Theatre play challenges seabed mining

Friday 31 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Entertainment

Young theatre director believes it’s important to return home to tell Cook Islands stories like the experience of LGBTQ+ mapu and the environmental response to seabed mining.

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Cook Islands Maori to lead new Catholic tertiary institute

Thursday 30 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Local

Christianity was a big part of colonialism, but it also helped provide education to Pacific peoples, says new Catholic university boss.

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Future vision: Avarua, the Monaco of the Pacific

Thursday 30 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Economy

Architects have laid out bold new plans to transform Avarua’s waterfront with a swimming pool, sports courts and – ultimately – a museum, cultural centre and sweeping new park reclaiming the lagoon right out to the reef.

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I am sad at what I am seeing'

Tuesday 28 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Local

Floods came to the doors of homes and businesses on Avatiu stream yesterday – but unlike November, the water didn’t cross the thresholds. Moana Makapelu Lee and Jonathan Milne investigate whether stream-clearing has made a difference.

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Resource police to 'keep roads safe'

Tuesday 28 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Crime

Government must take action to stem Cook Islands’ rising road toll, says the Road Safety Council.

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Three cruises unable to make land

Tuesday 28 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Economy

Unfavourable weather has forced the cancellations of all three cruise ships that were to have visited Rarotonga and Aitutaki this month.

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The shape of our future

Saturday 25 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Hot on the Rock

The chance to get in shape for their families has inspired 110 people to sign up for a new fitness challenge, starting Monday.

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Aitutaki Sharks stranded

Saturday 25 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in League

Sad day for Aitutaki as its ‘struggling’ league team withdraws from the national competition and the club executive quits en masse.

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The last horses

Saturday 25 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Weekend

As a horse rider, journalist Moana Makapelu Lee knows what it is to care for such proud animals. Up the Turangi valley road, she discovers Rarotonga’s last three horses – and meets the woman who is helping them live out the rest of their lives in calm and dignity.

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Niuean musician supports hostel

Thursday 23 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Local

Sing it and they will come … Moana Makapelu Lee reports on an RnB artist’s dream to help his people in Cook Islands build their new community hall.

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Shock horror! We reveal who's bringing power to the people

Wednesday 22 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Local

It was a mystery worth of serious journalistic inquiries: Who was responsible for the multiplug hanging off Tupapa night market’s controversial power board? Moana Makapelu Lee investigates.

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Three more drink-drive arrests

Wednesday 22 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Crime

Three people have been arrested and charged for driving over the legal limit over the weekend.

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Mangaia pets get vets

Tuesday 21 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Local

Te Are Manu vets Dr Josie Wyre and Dr Ellen McBryde have returned to Rarotonga after a successful vet trek to Mangaia, desexing and checking over local cats and dogs.

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Electric George: Save money, save the planet

Sunday 19 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Politics

You might notice something different about the Minister of Culture George Maggie these days – but you won’t hear it.

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Tempting fate on our storm-prone coastlines

Sunday 19 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Weather

Howard Henry says we are building a rod for our own backs with intensive development causing coastal erosion – making us ever more vulnerable to storms.

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All eyes on high tide as Cyclone Tino passes

Sunday 19 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Weather

Two are missing in Fiji, hundreds evacuated in Fiji, Tuvalu and Tonga, and the storm tail threatens to lash Cook Islands today.

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Cyclone Tino: Warning about the high tides

Friday 17 January 2020 | Written by Moana Makapelu Lee | Published in Weather

The west side of Rarotonga is expected to be the worst affected area as the tail of Tropical Cyclone Tino whips the southern Cook Islands tomorrow.

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