Features
Big Blueprint tivaevae – a blend of old and new
Saturday 8 May 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
The Big Blueprint tivaevae ta’orei – the patchwork style of tivaevae made from 1-inch squares of fabric sewn onto a solid backing – is one of a kind. Its captivating abstract design is intriguing.
The enigmatic ature
Saturday 8 May 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Features, In Depth
Ature are mysterious. They are annual visitors to our islands, where they are caught, shared, and then devoured. But sometimes they don’t make an appearance, and it is not understood why. Journalist Emmanuel Samoglou spoke to fishermen and scientists to learn more about these small, yet revered fish.
From Rarotonga to paradise – a trip of a lifetime
Saturday 8 May 2021 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Weekend
Seven hundred and forty nautical miles, or 1460 kilometres, and an estimated 96-hour sea voyage away from Rarotonga lies the island of Penrhyn, also known as Tongareva. With a population of approximately 218 people, and an array of uninhabited motu’s (smaller islands) spread out across its lagoons, Penrhyn continues to remain one of Earth’s best kept secrets. Nobby Clark, fisherman and owner of fishing charter boat Marlin Queen, recounts his recent visit to the Northern Group island.
Mother’s Day is every day
Friday 7 May 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local
Being a mum has taught Kopurei (Kopu) Anguna many life lessons. In an interview with senior journalist Melina Etches, she shares her experiences and some tips on how to be a good mother to your children.
Our future inheritance –‘claim it or lose it’
Friday 7 May 2021 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
We have struggled much, learned much, survived through many different phases of socio-economic changes and though still confronting economic challenges and downturns throughout our traditional, religious and political history, writes Bishop Tutai Pere in this week's Church Talk column.
Junior dancers dazzle at the domes
Saturday 1 May 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local
Eleven junior dancers beat stage fright to put on memorable performances in the opening National Dancer of the Year event.
Casting the Net far and wide
Saturday 1 May 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Features, In Depth
The future of the Cook Islands internet looks reliable, fast and cheap. But it can feel far off. Slow internet frustration is still very much alive and well. So where are we and where are we headed?
Online learning – no noodles needed
Saturday 1 May 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Features, Weekend
Learning can take many forms – visual, verbal, physical or social. Everyone learns differently and whatever your personality, there is something for everyone.
GOING LOCAL: Remedies for healthy living
Monday 26 April 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local
More than a year on from the start of Covid, Nane Herman Purea from Aitutaki remains smiling. That old saying ‘laughter is the best medicine’ resonates when you’re in her company and one can’t help but be drawn in to her infectious laughter. Journalist Melina Etches met her during her recent trip to Aitutaki.
Passionate performances pay tribute to the arrival of Christianity
Saturday 24 April 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
The Rarotonga Schools Culture Festival wrapped up on Wednesday night with raving performances from all teams.
Using theatre to approach tough topics
Saturday 24 April 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Entertainment, Features
Bringing the voices of young Pasifika women to the forefront is a passion of 22-year-old Cook Islands scriptwriter and actor.
Wings and ‘whirlybirds’ over Mangaia
Saturday 24 April 2021 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Features, Weekend
In 1945 the ariki of Mangaia offered New Zealand land for an airstrip. In the same year, the ending of the Second World war released thousands of ex-pilots and surplus aircraft to service remote air-routes around the world. While other countries took advantage, another 30 years would pass before commercial aircraft landed on Mangaia. By Rod Dixon
CHURCH TALK: A message of hope
Friday 23 April 2021 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
This article is dedicated to two great men that have passed this week from the Vaka Puaikura. Beresford Henry “Black” Heather and John Glassie Mateara, who was a regular contributor to this column. These were great life influencers to many people and had many followers.
Aitutaki’s Mouarii Café – ‘This is my dream, this is me’
Monday 19 April 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Go Local
A year on from the onset of Covid-19, there remain a selection of cafés on Aitutaki that serve fresh delicious meals at affordable prices, so there are no excuses not to eat out when you visit the island.
Reminiscing about Manihiki, the Islands of Pearls
Saturday 17 April 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Features
Those who’ve had a chance to visit Manihiki begin dreaming about returning as soon as they leave. But for Manihikians who leave their island home for opportunities abroad, returning is sometimes an obligation.
‘Just get on a boat and go!’
Saturday 17 April 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local, Outer Islands
Master boat builder Teokotai ‘Tango’ Herman has been in the business for some 40 years and has built many boats but none bigger than the new Air Rarotonga aluminium catamaran he is currently working on.
Aitutaki experience: An Easter getaway to paradise
Saturday 17 April 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Features, Weekend
Since moving to Rarotonga from New Zealand earlier in the year, journalist Caleb Fotheringham and his schoolteacher wife Jess have been hearing a lot about Aitutaki. During the Easter break they travelled to the Southern Group island to find out what the hype was all about.
CHURCH TALK: The extent of God’s amazing love
Friday 16 April 2021 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
God’s amazing love was the main talking point at the recent ‘National Thanksgiving Prayer Service’ held last weekend. It was an opportunity to not only encourage our nation and also reflect on God’s goodness and mercies throughout the cyclone season, writes Pastor Eric Toleafoa.
We’re away, home again in September
Wednesday 14 April 2021 | Written by Gerald McCormack | Published in Features, In Depth
The Pacific Golden Plover or Tōrea is our most common Alaskan migrant. It is conspicuous on large grassy areas during the summer and most are now in their dramatic breeding plumage and ready to depart for Alaska. By Gerald McCormack of Natural Heritage Trust.
Are Taunga of Araura - 'We invest our Ariki in our traditional procedures'
Saturday 10 April 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
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.
