More Top Stories
Solar power battery repairs ‘could take up to 12 months’
15 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
Features
Church Talk: The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep
The imagery of shepherding has become so much part of the Christian mind that it becomes almost invisible, writes Bishop Paul Donoghue of the Catholic Church.
Veterans reflect on sacrifice and camaraderie at Anzac Dawn Parade
The Anzac Day Dawn Parade, held yesterday morning at the cenotaph by the Ministry of Justice building, drew a large crowd of hundreds including the visiting Vietnam veterans from Aotearoa New Zealand.
Ma’uke’s Mii Tua, 78, finds joy in quiet life and community
On the island of Ma’uke, also known as Akatokamanava, 78-year-old Mii Tua (née Tairea) cherishes her quiet, simple life on the land where she was born.
Serving the Ui Ariki - A decade of challenges and triumphs for Rakanui
Tupuna Rakanui, Te-O-Tari-Kura o te Are Ariki (Clerk of The House of Ariki), has resigned from his tiresome but rewarding role. But he says: ‘I’m not running away’. In an interview with Cook Islands News reporter Candice Luke, Rakanui reflects on his tenure with a mixed bag of emotions – from regret to pride, and sends well wishes to the new candidates. Although his time in the job has come to a welcomed end, his service to Te Are Ariki will continue.
Aitutaki’s Koni Raoni: Singing, dancing and over $100,000 for village dreams
Exclusive to the island of Aitutaki, Koni Raoni translates to ‘dance around’ and involves the host village travelling through the villages on the island, dancing, singing and receiving donations during the Christmas period on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day to raise funds for their respective communities. Melina Etches reports.
Social media superstar Nix Adams rings in the new year in Rarotonga
Renowned social media influencer Nix Adams enjoyed a relaxing Cook Islands holiday, focusing on self-care and fitness, while also revealing she got divorced.
Crafting memories at Tie Dye Rarotonga
Cook Islands News reporter Candice Luke enjoyed a Christmas break learning block printing and experiencing Cook Islands hospitality at Tie Dye Rarotonga, run by a passionate artist and her supportive family.
Montreal teacher supporting special-needs educators in Aitutaki
Canadian Lorena D’Alessandro learned teachers in Aitutaki are not especially well-equipped to work with children with ADHD and autism during her first visit in 2022. The veteran English Montreal School Board teacher returned late last year with some much-needed donations and tools for the students. (This article was originally published in the Montreal Gazette on January 4, 2024)
Miracle: Early arrival for first Cook Islands baby of 2024
Vincent David is the first 2024 baby born in the Cook Islands.
Church Talk: The Messiah is coming
Happy New Year to you all! I believe 2023 was at its best in terms of the many activities we have immersed ourselves into. The Bicentenary celebration of Nga-Pu-Toru as well as Rarotonga, the CICC General Assembly, the re-opening of Ziona Tapu in Avarua, TeKapuaanga Meeting House in Takuvaine, Ziona in Arorangi and Betela in Titikaveka to name just a few. Praise be to God Almighty. By Reverend Vakaroto Ngaro, Senior Lecturer at Takamoa Theological College.
From farm to fashion: Ama creates island style clothing brand
Rarotonga’s vibrant calendar of special events demands stylish, comfortable island attire for both men and women. A new fashion brand has launched, offering residents a fresh option for these occasions. Melina Etches reports.
Aitutaki’s heritage preserved in new anthology
An anthology of books on the traditional and ancestry of Aitutaki offering a collection of stories and knowledge about the history and heritage of the island was unveiled last month. Melina Etches reports.
Cook Islanders celebrated for service in NZ New Year Honours
A community worker, educationalist, and journalist are among the Cook Islanders who have been recognised in the New Zealand New Year Honours list 2024.
Angler reels in whopper marlin to start the season with a bang!
The 2024 marlin season has launched a splendidly impressive start to the New Year with the landing of an awe-inspiring 215 kilogram (473 pounds) black marlin.
Transformational work in Rarotonga earns New Zealand Navy Commander second honour
When Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) Lieutenant Commander Makoare (Mark) Kohupara Te Kani posted to the Cook Islands in January 2020 as a Maritime Surveillance Adviser, he expected to travel. Weeks into posting, lockdowns isolated Rarotonga from the world.
2023 year in review
A look back at the year’s biggest news stories.
Dreaver’s decades of impact : Pacific journalist honoured in New Year awards
TVNZ’s Pacific correspondent and former Cook Islands News journalist Barbara Dreaver talks to Pacific Media Network’s Khalia Strong on three decades reporting on Pacific issues, and making her parents proud.
Cook Islands to the world : Nations will ‘disappear’ without action on climate change
Climate change activists from around the world are itching to team up with a Cook Islands film crew to raise awareness about the global crisis after a music video about its impact on the Pacific debuted at a United Nations conference. Joanne Holden reports.
Church Talk: Reflecting on God’s blessings and shared strength in the Cook Islands
Let us all continue to share our joys with one another, our concerns with one another, challenges with one another, needs with one another, outreach sharing and compassion with one another, writes Bishop Tutai Pere of the Apostolic Church.
200 years strong: Mangaia prepares for Bicentennial
Preparations are well underway on Mangaia for the celebration of the 200-year anniversary of the arrival of Christian missionaries on the island in 1824. By Pamela Steele.
Motone Productions ends year with stunning Tiki Taane concert and collaborative spirit
Motone Productions wrapped up their last concert for the year with Aotearoa New Zealand artist Tiki Taane’s “epic” show featuring stunning musicians and DJs at Trios Bar on December 15.
Prominent broadcaster Tairea dies aged 49
Prominent Cook Islands broadcaster — labelled by many the “Voice of the Cook Islands” — Bernard (Bernice) Tairea has died aged 49.
