Memory Lane
Plaque commemorates life, work of missionary couple
Friday 26 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane
Over half a century later, families and spiritual and traditional leaders gathered to unveil a plaque in memory and honour of the late Reverend Mataā Va’a of the London Missionary Society (LMS) Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) and his wife Talailalo Isaia.
New website helps families find World War I ancestors’ graves
Wednesday 10 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
A passionate research team created a website to document Cook Islands World War I soldiers’ graves and share stories of their contribution to the war.
Recognition for Pacific Coastwatchers ‘bittersweet’
Wednesday 3 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
More than 80 years after their service, Pacific Island Coastwatchers who kept watch for enemy aircraft and ships during World War II – fought between 1939 and 1945 – were formally acknowledged earlier this week in a poignant ceremony.
Honouring the forgotten: Cook Islands coastwatchers to receive recognition
Thursday 27 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National
Cook Islanders are among the 25 Pacific Islands coastwatchers who will be recognised by New Zealand’s Governor-General for their service during World War II.
‘The tī was coffee’: Mangaia relives its café past
Tuesday 25 June 2024 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
If you think sipping lattes is a sign of Ponsonby-style modernity – think again. Mangaia was doing it a century ago, writes Rod Dixon.
Four honoured for dedication to public service and community
Tuesday 18 June 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
Cook Islands Government has announced four recipients of the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours awards, three of them women, honoured for their service to health, mental health, education, culture, and the community.
New book explores impact of Christianity on Mangaia
Saturday 8 June 2024 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Church Talk, Features, Memory Lane
Mangaia accepted Christianity 200 years ago this month. A permanent peace – te au o te Evangeria - was the main dividend of the new religion and, according to a new book to be launched this weekend, peace justified the sacrifice of ancient customs and traditions to achieve, writes Rod Dixon.
Papa Tapi Taio leaves lasting legacy
Friday 7 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Memory Lane
A huge crowd including close family and friends gathered yesterday to bid their final farewell and respects to Pera Mataiapo Tutara Tapi Teremoana Taio, a well-known former Cabinet Minister and businessman who dedicated his life to the community.
Service and sacrifice: Puna keeps an ‘open mind’
Saturday 18 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, In Depth, Local, Memory Lane, National, Outer Islands, Pacific Islands, Regional, Weekend
Former Cook Islands prime minister Henry Puna, who ends his term as Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General later this month, is planning to retire to his island home of Manihiki. But the 73-year-old is keeping an open mind and hasn’t ruled out a return to local political scene just yet. Losirene Lacanivalu reports.
Super mum: Young mum shares her journey of motherhood
Saturday 4 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Other Sports, Weekend
Young mothers face challenges every day, and local rugby league player Sunielia Tom’s message is to live in the moment, avoid stressing yourself out, be patient with your child, and find strength in prayer.
Veterans reflect on sacrifice and camaraderie at Anzac Dawn Parade
Friday 26 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National
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.
Cook Island coastwatchers to be honoured at ANZAC day and beyond
Tuesday 23 April 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Memory Lane
The Cook Island community is preparing to commemorate the service of soldiers and local heroes this Anzac Day in New Zealand.
Aere ra e Papa Harry: A tribute to the life and legacy of beloved Suwarrow Park Ranger
Saturday 2 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
“Suwarrow belongs to you and me and to every Cook Islander. This is our home. We have the responsibility to protect and to take care of our home.” – Tuakeu “Harry” Papai.
Descendants reunite across the Pacific
Saturday 24 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane
Over 300 descendants from Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, Tahiti, Marquesas, Rarotonga, and Mangaia participated in the George Outher Brown Reunion this week at Te Are Kariori National Auditorium.
Avarua landmark falls: Iconic flamboyant tree cut down after 130 years
Saturday 24 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane
The iconic flamboyant tree that graced the Avarua roundabout in town for around 130 years is no more.
66 years strong: Valentine’s Day message- Trust God, stay committed, thrive
Friday 9 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
A Titikaveka couple who have been married for 66 years share their secret to a successful marriage: commitment, belief, and faith in God. Losirene Lacanivalu reports.
I want to continue what he started: Widow remembers a Rarotonga tourism trailblazer
Monday 5 February 2024 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
When Kave Tamaariki booked for his two sons and their families to visit him in Rarotonga in the new year, it was meant to be his first time showing his four grandchildren his island home. Instead, their first trip to the sub-tropical paradise came a few months early – for their grandfather’s funeral.
Colourful tattoos, decorated canoes: Captain Bligh’s account of Aitutaki
Saturday 3 February 2024 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
Captain Bligh made two visits to Aitutaki and left unique accounts of their vaka and tattooing, writes Rod Dixon.
Thousands celebrate Airport’s golden anniversary
Tuesday 30 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
Dance, drums, song, and a downpour of rain marked the 50th Anniversary of Rarotonga International Airport as joyful cultural celebrations took flight on the tarmac yesterday morning.
From 5000 to 3.2 million: Celebrating Rarotonga International Airport’s golden voyage
Tuesday 30 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
Thousands attended the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Rarotonga International Airport yesterday morning, the festivities starting with a refreshing shower of rain that blessed the opening formalities.
