Art
Artist gifts Cook Islands themed collection to university
Saturday 2 March 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Art, Features
University of South Pacific’s Rarotonga campus has received a donation of 11 screen printed original works by New Zealand-based artist Jean Loomis.
Friends use humour, fun in bid to save Cook Islands language
Saturday 17 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Art, Features
Three friends in Christchurch are using their online platform Kūki Learning to teach Cook Islands Māori language and culture in a fun and engaging way, despite facing challenges with limited time and resources.
Young entrepreneur spreads culture and joy through temporary tattoos
Wednesday 14 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Art, Business, Features, Local
A young Cook Islands teen runs a successful temporary tattoo business at the market, connecting with customers through his art and cultural heritage.
Move over Ariel, there’s a new mermaid in town
Wednesday 31 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Art, Features
Children in the Pacific can now see themselves represented as a fairytale mermaid character in Merio the Polynesian Mermaid.
Past meets present at Johnson’s Photographic Studio exhibition
Saturday 20 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
The ‘Glimpse of the Past’ exhibition at the National Archives showcasing Johnson’s Photographic Studio images from the Cook Islands in the 1960s to 80s, sparks nostalgic memories for viewers.
Cook Islands prepares for Festival of Pacific Arts 2024 with 100-strong delegation
Friday 12 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
Cultural experts Mark Short and his partner Jane Rubena will be leading the Cook Islands Performing Dance Troupe to the world’s largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders at the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) which will convene in Honolulu, Hawaii, from June 6 to 16 this year.
Crafting memories at Tie Dye Rarotonga
Saturday 6 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Art, Features
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.
Walls come alive: Epic murals tell stories of land and sea
Sunday 24 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
Two murals, one depicting the Cook Islands’ marine life and the other representing its societal pillars, were blessed in a ceremony this week.
‘Peace and love to all’: Santa prepares for tropical Christmas in the Cooks
Saturday 23 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Santa is busy preparing for a long night on December 24 and has a message for Cook Islands kids.
Call for comprehensive arts curriculum in the Cook Islands
Wednesday 20 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Art, Education, Features, National
The principal of a Rarotonga primary school wants to see a comprehensive arts curriculum developed for the Cook Islands after a successful first year for the country’s only contemporary dance class.
The Castanie Centre: A tribute to founding father of Catholic faith
Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Church Talk, Features
Nestled behind Nukutere College, the country’s 126-year-old first Catholic Church cathedral has been restored, renamed, and blessed. The ‘sacred building’ will now serve as a library, an art centre and a place of gathering for Nukutere College student and the diocese.
Spreading festive cheer on Rarotonga
Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
The Tropical Christmas Committee is pleased with the activities of the festive period which continues today with the Santa on Tour from 8.30am to 11.30am, starting at CITC Supermarket to the Punanga Nui Market and through town.
Empowering and beautiful: Next generation of te reo Māori speakers say knowledge is power
Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by RNZ | Published in Art, Features, Pacific Islands, Regional
Members of an Aotearoa New Zealand whānau (family) recently visited Rarotonga as they try to preserve their language and identity for the next generation. By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific Journalist.
Santa’s coming to town (and he’s bringing fireworks!)
Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Art, Features, Local, National
Rotaract Rarotonga is gearing up for its annual Christmas in the Park event, which will be held on Thursday, December 14, at the National Auditorium.
Nukutere’s ‘superpower’ students raise $3505 through art auction
Wednesday 29 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Education, Features, National
A special silent auction exhibition showcasing the artwork of Nukutere College’s remarkable ‘superpower’ students raised an impressive $3505.
‘Superpower’ students unleash their creativity in silent auction
Thursday 23 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Education, Features, National
Vivid art pieces created by special needs “superpower” students at Nukutere College are set to go up in a two-day “silent” auction which starts today.
Sewing tells a story
Wednesday 22 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, Local, National
Te Are Pa Metua, Rarotonga’s elderly centre for senior citizens, has acquired a valuable creative tool for its members - a brand new sewing machine.
Colourful mural bids farewell to Cook Islands departures
Friday 17 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
Passengers departing from the Cook Islands can now enjoy a magnificent mural adorned with bold and vibrant colours in the airport’s departure terminal.
Cook Islands community delivers ‘impressive setup and hospitality’ for 52nd PIF Leaders’ Meeting: A ‘very beautiful’ event
Saturday 11 November 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in 52nd Pacific Islands Forum 2023, Art, Features, National, Weekend
Though leaders from the region did not agree on all the matters they discussed during this week’s Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, there’s one thing no one disputes: the people of the Cook Islands staged a spectacular event, writes Rachel Reeves.
Pacific leaders welcomed in traditional Cook Islands style
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in 52nd Pacific Islands Forum 2023, Art, Features, National
Pacific leaders arriving for the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting hosted by the Cook Islands are being welcomed at the Rarotonga International Airport in traditional Cook Islands style, with a traditional chant, riveting drum beats, and enchanting dancers.
