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10 April 2021
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Features
‘I am woman, hear me roar’
An official parade attended by dignitaries, past police commissioners and police personnel was held yesterday morning to mark the 50th anniversary of women in Cook Islands Police.
Are Taunga of Araura - 'We invest our Ariki in our traditional procedures'
The investiture of the second Tamatoa Ariki was held last week, just over a month after Taraota Tom was invested with the title on the island of Aitutaki. House of Ariki, the parliamentary body composed of Cook Islands high chiefs, refused to attend both investitures because of the "ongoing dispute over the title". But the sub chiefs backing the newly-crowned Tamatoa Ariki Teao Tangaroa say they will decide the legitimate holder.
CHURCH TALK: The secret of restored blessing and prosperity - Te Muna Akaokianga Meitaki e te Puapinga
The life and story of Job is proof that man usually has no idea what God has in store for those who believe in Him.
Will nodule mining impact animals that live on the ocean floor?
A closer look at the potential impact of nodule mining on the megafauna associated with nodules in the Cook Islands EEZ from Penrhyn southward to Aitutaki and Palmerston. By Gerald McCormack, Director of the Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust.
Tacos with a twist
A Mexican classic with an Indian (local) twist, Flying Turtle Café’s fresh fish roti tacos is a dish not to be missed. By chef Shivnesh Chandra.
Cook Islands-based NCD research looks at early-life health for wellbeing
Siobhan Tu'akoi discusses her groundbreaking research into non-communicable disease risk in the Cook Islands.
From hunters to watchers – whaling in Raro waters
Commercial shore-based whaling began on Rarotonga in 1865 with the help of Rarotongan whaler Jimmy Pi’i and members of a Ngāpuhi family from New Zealand. With whale numbers already in decline, it soon became clear a commercial industry was not viable. Yet a local taste for whale-meat meant opportunistic whale-hunting continued off Rarotonga and Aitutaki for almost another century.
Pooch perfect! Dog groomer at your service
Keeping your dogs healthy by brushing their teeth, cleaning their ears, trimming their nails and brushing their coats is essential but it can never be easy. For Victoria Teio, her dog grooming business ‘Kuri Cutts’ can do all this for you.
CHURCH TALK: The origin of Valentine’s Day
I have been a Catholic priest for 46 years and have never preached a sermon on St. Valentine. I find it strange that businesses have taken over the feast day, February 14th and in our church, you will not hear any mention of St. Valentine on that day, writes Bishop Paul Donoghue of the Catholic Church.
Island life showcased in fashion wear
While growing up, Cook Islands fashion designer and aspiring school teacher Toka Toka has always carried his mother’s advice: “In all that you do, do not forget God. He is the reason you are blessed with your talent.” This has become his mantra for success.
Pursuing pizza perfection
It’s been a long road for Adam’s Pizza to get their business to where it is today. Along the way, owners and married couple Adam and Sabrina Connelly have caught some lucky breaks, but the backbone of their business is a steely determination to do things right.
Trusting God in the lion’s den
You might be enduring your own personal ‘den of lions’ right now, but remember that no matter what your circumstances are, God loves you, writes John Mateara of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
‘When Chantal is quiet, she’s learning’
The permanent smile on her face shows that Chantal Napa is a go-getter. In partnership with American Haydn Adams, she turned a bad situation initiated by Covid-19, into a golden opportunity.
Globetrotter says ‘ka kite’ to Cooks and its infamous canines
After an extended stay in the Cook Islands, tourist-turned-volunteer Karolina Szelag is saying goodbye today to a country that gave her so much more than she ever expected.
First wedding of the year
Rarotonga businessman Stephen Lyon and his long-time partner Lovelyn Gatchalian exchanged their vows in front of family and close friends this week. The wedding held at Ra Mura in Betela, Arorangi, was a special one – it was the first wedding of the year.
Begin by putting God first
Do not be satisfied in being the same person you have always been but put God first and learn to walk with Him every day, writes Pastor Eric Toleafoa of Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
A ‘Whopper’ of an opportunity
In the midst of a pandemic, local tour guides and creatives found themselves working together to help create an ad campaign for one of Oceania’s most recognisable brands.
Thriving in a man’s world
Frances Taoro returned to her birthplace Mauke in October 2003 for a short visit but an experience there led her to change her mind. She stayed back and started a business operating from a small room on the verandah of their family home. Today, her one stop shop Kato’s General Store continues to thrive.
‘Be proud of who you are’
Dr Jon Tikivanotau Jonassen is passionate about Cook Islands culture and is now on a mission to record all he has experienced and learned in a book to preserve the country’s culture for future generations.
Discovering your identity and purpose
We need to know that we have purpose in life, that we’re not just an accident, that regardless of our situation, there is still purpose and meaning to our lives, writes Pastor Paul Kauri.
Rukau - A simple delight
A staple at many island tables, but it must be thoroughly cooked to eliminate the needle-like crystals of oxalate that can burn your throat.
Embarking on a second homecoming
At the beginning of 2019, Vainepoto Tangaroa traded her mum’s slice of paradise, Gisborne and Tokomaru Bay on the East Coast of the North Island of New Zealand, for that of her late father’s, the beautiful Cook Islands. Tangaroa tells associate editor Katrina Tanirau why it’s a decision she’s glad she made.
