Articles by Rashneel Kumar

TC Gabrielle affects Auckland-Raro flight

Monday 13 February 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Business, National, Travel

Cook Islands tourism operators are hoping flights out of Auckland which is facing the wrath of Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle, resumes today following cancellations yesterday.

‘The Lord saved our marriage’

Saturday 11 February 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Features, In Depth, National

Well known Cook Islanders Kevin and Tina Iro have been together for 37 years but their journey has not been smooth sailing. They parted ways in 2007 after ‘everything spiralled out of control’, but a divine intervention saved their marriage. They talk to editor Rashneel Kumar about the meaning of Valentine’s Day and the secrets to succeeding in their marriage.

League comp set to kick off

Wednesday 8 February 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Rugby league, Sports

The Cook Islands Rugby League domestic 13s competition will kick off this Friday as five Rarotonga clubs set to vie for the title.

Vacancy: Online Editor

Monday 6 February 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in

Cook Islands News is currently looking for a full-time Online Editor to manage our website, drive digital content development, and carry out the newspaper’s digital strategy. This is a dynamic role for someone with proven experience in online media and content creation and looking to play a role in growing the newspaper’s digital footprint.

Tupapa K-11, Muri claim cricket titles

Monday 30 January 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Cricket, Sports

Tupapa K-11 were crowned the new men’s champions while Muri retained the women’s title in the Rarotonga Cricket Club competition finals on Saturday.

Cabinet approves policy to manage local environment

Friday 20 January 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Environment, National

An environment policy with vision for a clean, green and sustainable Cook Islands was approved by Cabinet this week.

Eels inspired after Nines win

Tuesday 10 January 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Rugby league, Sports

Avatiu Nikao Eels are pumped for the 2023 domestic 13s season following their win at the League Nines in Paradise tournament over the weekend.

Washed up turtle ‘in good condition’

Monday 9 January 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Environment, National

The Pacific green turtle that washed ashore at Titikaveka beach on Friday is in “good condition”.

Met Service issues strong wind warning

Monday 9 January 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in National, Weather

A strong wind warning for the land areas and waters of Southern Cook Islands has been issued by the Cook Islands Meteorological Service.

Let the Games begin!

Saturday 7 January 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Netball, Sports

Ten teams will battle in the first ever beach netball competition on day one of the 2023 Beach Games today at the Nikao beach courts.

League Nines in Paradise off to exciting start

Saturday 7 January 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Rugby league, Sports

Defending champions Tupapa Panthers suffered a shocking loss to a resurgent Titikaveka Bulldogs on day one of the League Nines in Paradise tournament at the National Stadium in Nikao on Friday.

Youngsters set to lead

Friday 6 January 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League, Rugby league, Sports

The pioneers of women’s rugby league in the Cook Islands have stepped aside to allow upcoming players to lead the charge in this weekend’s League Nines in Paradise tournament.

Stage set for Beach Games

Friday 6 January 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Other Sports, Sports

The opening ceremony of the 2023 Beach Games has been moved to tomorrow at 9am.

Raro clubs set for 2023 Nines battle

Thursday 5 January 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League, Rugby league, Sports

Twelve teams will compete across three categories – open men’s, open women’s and under-18 men’s – in the 2023 League Nines in Paradise this weekend.

Kata: Drama in court

Thursday 1 December 2022 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in

Budding cricketers get a hand with new coaching programme in schools

Thursday 24 November 2022 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Cricket, Sports

Cricket is getting a much-needed boost at junior level on Rarotonga with the introduction of an international coaching programme in schools.

Seven Cook Islanders receive Queen’s Birthday Honours medals

Thursday 24 November 2022 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in

The Cook Islands recipients of the 2021 and 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours were presented with their medals yesterday by the King’s Representative Sir Tom Marsters and Lady Tuaine Marsters.

Bakery expands with new retail operation

Thursday 24 November 2022 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in

A Rarotonga bakery is expanding into retail after family commitments delayed its opening.

‘It’s like coming back home’: Shortland Street star shares his connection with Cook Islands

Saturday 19 November 2022 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, National

Ben Mitchell has visited the Cook Islands several times but it was during a recent trip that he felt a connection which brought him closer to his ‘ancestral homeland’.

CHURCH TALK: You shall be my witnesses

Friday 28 October 2022 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in

Last Sunday in our Cathedral Church in Avarua, 11 youth together with an adult received the sacrament of confirmation. The ceremony consisted of three parts, writes Bishop Paul Donoghue of the Catholic Church.