Features
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.
Personal trainer fights for a happier, healthier community
Saturday 17 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National
Heart diseases, stroke, and heart attack made up 53 per cent of NCD (non-communicable disease) deaths in the Cook Islands from October to December last year. A new grassroots initiative ‘Gym and Juice Club’ may help to battle the Cook Islands’ increasing NCD diagnoses and waistlines.
‘You now have your new shepherd’: Cook Islands Catholic prepares for new bishop
Saturday 17 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features
Pope Francis has appointed Reverend Father Reynaldo Bunyi Getalado, M.S.P., as the new coadjutor bishop of Cook Islands. Fr. Getalado is a Filipino priest who has served in various locations throughout his career, including Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, and Tuvalu. Melina Etches reports.
Church talk: Unity through diversity in faith
Thursday 15 February 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Our 200-year history of Christianity, whether we are part of our more traditional churches, or our more vibrant faith communities, should stand to confirm that the Lord lives in all our faith communities.
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.
Cook Islands, NZ leaders celebrate Waitangi Day, pledge stronger ties
Saturday 10 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Waitangi Day and the first visit of Aotearoa New Zealand’s new Deputy Prime Minister, Winston Peters, and Minister of Health and Pacific Peoples, Dr Shane Reti, was marked with a special garden reception at Ngātipā, the official residence of New Zealand. New Zealand High Commissioner Tui Dewes hosted the special evening on Wednesday, February 7, attended by around 200 people.
Heather invested as new Tamakeu Mataiapo
Saturday 10 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Features, National, Weekend
Joseph Heather was invested as the new Tamakeu Mataiapo of Teimurimotia, a traditional title also held by his late mother Puretu a Tangiiau Api Heather, in a ceremony attended by hundreds and marked by cultural significance.
Pacific first: Wichman wins prestigious human rights award
Saturday 10 February 2024 | Written by RNZ | Published in Features, Weekend
Valery Wichman, a leading figure in the Cook Islands’ LGBTQI+ movement, was presented with the Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law in Wellington.
God hears the cries of the innocent
Friday 9 February 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
“And He (God) said, what hast thou done? The voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto Me from the ground … Kua tuatua maira Aia (te Atua), I aa na koe? Te kapiki maira te reo o te toto o toou teina Kiaku, mei te one maira.” – Genesis 4: 8-12.
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.
Join the World Day of Prayer movement
Wednesday 7 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features
World Day of Prayer is a global movement led by Christian women from various denominations in over 200 countries who gather in one another's churches to celebrate, using a Worship Service prepared by women of a different country each year.
Mangaia 200 years of Gospel celebrations embraces island
Tuesday 6 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National, Outer Islands
The colossal amount of around $1 million has been raised for the island of Mangaia’s Te Arikianga o te Evangelia, the Arrival of the Gospel Bicentennial commemoration festivities that will be held this coming June.
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.
Maungaroa Valley inches closer to UNESCO world heritage status
Saturday 3 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Environment, Features, Local, National, Weekend
The Maungaroa Valley in the Cook Islands is one step closer to becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognising its cultural significance and prompting calls for wider protection of cultural and natural heritage sites in the region.
Church Talk: Preaching with authority
Friday 2 February 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Jesus did from time to time quote the Old Testament. Whenever he did quote, he used the scriptures for their intended purpose which was to set people free, and not to tie them up, writes Bishop Paul Donoghue of the Catholic Church.
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.
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.
“What is our responsibility to the people of Kūki ‘Airani? Our tuakana”
Monday 29 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Features, In Depth, Weekend
Debbie Ngarewa-Packer is the wahine co-leader of Te Pāti Māori, a political party in Aotearoa. Descending from Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāruahine and Ngā Rauru, she is a grassroots activist and environmental campaigner with a lifetime of fighting for indigenous rights. Candice Luke reports.
