Features
The best things in life are often right under our noses
The internet has brought the world closer together. If you want to see the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Statue of Liberty in New York, Google will show you the way in a matter of seconds. However, nothing compares to going to a place for the very first time and feeling, smelling, hearing and tasting everything around you as Katrina Tanirau found out in Nga Pu Toru (Atiu, Mitiaro and Mauke) and Mangaia.
The queen of happiness
At 92, Te Maeu O Te Rangi Teikamata Ariki Mii O’Bryan is the oldest and one of the longest reigning royals in the Cook Islands. Mama Mii hesitantly accepted the title in 1985 but has grown into the role, doing her best for the people. Losirene Lacanivalu met the island’s queen on her first-ever visit to Mitiaro.
Time to turn on the tap, but it’s not that simple
It has been a bumpy ride, but work on Rarotonga’s revamped water system is nearing an end. From the outset, elected leaders were committed to delivering potable water to residents. Cleaner water is now coming through the taps, but it’s not up to international drinking standards yet. Te Mato Vai project manager Peter Free is committed to seeing the ultimate goal become a reality. Emmanuel Samoglou reports.
Born again into the kingdom
There is no question that Jesus believed that all who were given to Him by the Father would come to Christ. By Reverend Vakaroto Ngaro.
Welcome aboard this Air NZ flight
For Addrienne Hosking-Tinirau it’s still sinking in that she will soon take over as the Air New Zealand country manager in Rarotonga – the first woman of Cook Islands descent to hold the position. By Katrina Tanirau.
The secret to happier, healthier life
Henry Tupa is not afraid of death and when the fear of it beckons, he believes and trusts in his Catholic faith to guide him through.
The Flying Nicholas Brothers of Ruatonga: Pt 2
This second of two articles, concludes the story of two courageous brothers from Ruatonga, Tatio and Marama Nicholas, who flew with Bomber Command and the Royal New Zealand Air Force in the Second World War. By Rod Dixon.
Journeys of hope, not fear
The global economic standards are at the mercy of this viral demonic pandemic but the God we believe and worship is always in the business of Restoration, Reconciliation, Redemption and Restitution.
THE PACIFIC WAY: Easy eating with this locally-sourced breakfast
This traditional Cook Islands breakfast with locally sourced products is an enjoyable and fun-flavoured start for the day. By Mereana Hutchinson.
For one Mitiaro couple, Home is where the heart is
Since she was a little girl Mitiaro/Nukuroa has always been where Cindyanna Abraham’s heart is. And when you’re a guest at her and her husband Junior’s Divine Retreat, her hope is that you feel like you’re at home too.
The flying Nicholas brothers of Ruatonga
Tuaine Kaitara Nicholas of Ruatonga and his wife Ngatuaine had four boys and three girls. Three of the boys enlisted in the Air Force in WWII and a fourth was directed by his brothers to the Army. In the first of two articles, Rod Dixon tells the story of two of the courageous Nicholas brothers, Tatio and Marama.
Mei po kerekere mai – Maire, the heart of Mauke
When maire ei orders come from Rarotonga, three Mauke sisters get down to work, and trekking into the makatea with sharp jagged rocks is part of their labour. Senior journalist Melina Etches had the firsthand experience of maire ei making during her recent visit to the southern group island.
Saturday is Matariki New Year
Gerald McCormack from the Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust on observing the traditional Matariki New Year, which falls today.
Cook Islands loses a music icon
Music icon Dinky Ngatipa passed away this week at the age of 66. He was a stalwart of the legendary Vaimutu String Band. Renowned producer Papa Noo Pare and the Heimana Music Family pen a moving tribute.
Quiet quest to recoup millions from Chinese firm continues
For nearly two years, Government has been trying to recoup $13 million from a Chinese firm, which is alleged to have carried out shoddy work on the nation’s largest-ever infrastructure project. Its fight continues with no sign of a resolution in sight.
‘Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s’
More than a person has mentioned to me the high number of funerals we seem to be having this year. I agree. A little surprising in that none of these deaths in the country is from Covid-19. By Bishop Paul Donoghue (Catholic Church).
‘Cook Islanders have served bravely and with distinction’
Local war veterans were remembered at the 102nd Armistice Day commemoration in Rarotonga on Wednesday November 11 - the day when an armistice was signed to end the Great War.
‘To change the world, we must change the way we see it first’ - Photos expose controversial industry
Local photographer Alex King's recent exhibition in Rarotonga sheds light on the environmental effects of the palm oil industry.
Real men do cry and talk
A serious health scare brought Ngatangiia MP Tamaiva Tuavera to his knees. Melina Etches sat down with Tuavera, who openly shared his story in the hope that other men will do the same especially during the month of November.
