Features
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.
New era for Manihiki: Fred Tangi Napara crowned Faingahitu Ariki
Thursday 11 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
A traditional ceremony in Manihiki has established a new Faingahitu Ariki, bringing an end to community disquiet surrounding the prestigious title.
Lights, camera, action! Young Cook Islanders craft TV show at creative camp
Thursday 11 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Eighteen youth from the ages of eight through to 16 have booked into an intensive three-day camp for performing arts, dance and film television production at the Pa Ariki Palace in Ngatangiia.
Local musical festival for Niue
Wednesday 10 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
The Niuean Cook Islands Community & Friends Inc. are gearing for an extravagant Live Local Music Festival tomorrow night Thursday 11 January, at 6pm at the Ngatangiia Matavera Clubhouse in Muri.
Busy year ahead for Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation
Wednesday 10 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
This week on Thursday 11 January, Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation will celebrate its second year of being established in the Cook Islands.
Piho’s turtle photo captures nature prize at Tokyo International Foto Awards
Tuesday 9 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Entertainment, Environment, Features, Local, National
Cook Islands photographer Charlotte Piho has reached another peak in her career, capturing first place in the Tokyo International Foto Awards 2023 for the Nature-Underwater category.
Staycations on offer during quiet period for large operators
Tuesday 9 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, Features, Go Local, National, Travel
Staycation offers are assisting visitor accommodation providers to get through the quiet months on Rarotonga.
‘Home where the heart is’: Beloved broadcaster laid to rest in Matavera
Monday 8 January 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
Flamboyant personality, passionate advocate for the Cook Islands language, broadcaster, and producer Bernard (Bernice) Tairea, affectionately known as “Poepoe”, was laid to rest in Matavera on Saturday.
Ma’uke’s Mii Tua, 78, finds joy in quiet life and community
Monday 8 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
On the island of Ma’uke, also known as Akatokamanava, 78-year-old Mii Tua (née Tairea) cherishes her quiet, simple life on the land where she was born.
Serving the Ui Ariki - A decade of challenges and triumphs for Rakanui
Saturday 6 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Features, In Depth, Memory Lane, Weekend
Tupuna Rakanui, Te-O-Tari-Kura o te Are Ariki (Clerk of The House of Ariki), has resigned from his tiresome but rewarding role. But he says: ‘I’m not running away’. In an interview with Cook Islands News reporter Candice Luke, Rakanui reflects on his tenure with a mixed bag of emotions – from regret to pride, and sends well wishes to the new candidates. Although his time in the job has come to a welcomed end, his service to Te Are Ariki will continue.
Aitutaki’s Koni Raoni: Singing, dancing and over $100,000 for village dreams
Saturday 6 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
Exclusive to the island of Aitutaki, Koni Raoni translates to ‘dance around’ and involves the host village travelling through the villages on the island, dancing, singing and receiving donations during the Christmas period on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day to raise funds for their respective communities. Melina Etches reports.
Social media superstar Nix Adams rings in the new year in Rarotonga
Saturday 6 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Entertainment, Features
Renowned social media influencer Nix Adams enjoyed a relaxing Cook Islands holiday, focusing on self-care and fitness, while also revealing she got divorced.
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.
Montreal teacher supporting special-needs educators in Aitutaki
Friday 5 January 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Education, Features, Outer Islands, Weekend
Canadian Lorena D’Alessandro learned teachers in Aitutaki are not especially well-equipped to work with children with ADHD and autism during her first visit in 2022. The veteran English Montreal School Board teacher returned late last year with some much-needed donations and tools for the students. (This article was originally published in the Montreal Gazette on January 4, 2024)
Miracle: Early arrival for first Cook Islands baby of 2024
Friday 5 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Vincent David is the first 2024 baby born in the Cook Islands.
Church Talk: The Messiah is coming
Friday 5 January 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Happy New Year to you all! I believe 2023 was at its best in terms of the many activities we have immersed ourselves into. The Bicentenary celebration of Nga-Pu-Toru as well as Rarotonga, the CICC General Assembly, the re-opening of Ziona Tapu in Avarua, TeKapuaanga Meeting House in Takuvaine, Ziona in Arorangi and Betela in Titikaveka to name just a few. Praise be to God Almighty. By Reverend Vakaroto Ngaro, Senior Lecturer at Takamoa Theological College.
From farm to fashion: Ama creates island style clothing brand
Friday 5 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features, Go Local, Hot on the Rock
Rarotonga’s vibrant calendar of special events demands stylish, comfortable island attire for both men and women. A new fashion brand has launched, offering residents a fresh option for these occasions. Melina Etches reports.
Aitutaki’s heritage preserved in new anthology
Thursday 4 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
An anthology of books on the traditional and ancestry of Aitutaki offering a collection of stories and knowledge about the history and heritage of the island was unveiled last month. Melina Etches reports.
Cook Islanders celebrated for service in NZ New Year Honours
Thursday 4 January 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Entertainment, Features, Weekend
A community worker, educationalist, and journalist are among the Cook Islanders who have been recognised in the New Zealand New Year Honours list 2024.
Angler reels in whopper marlin to start the season with a bang!
Thursday 4 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local, Local, National
The 2024 marlin season has launched a splendidly impressive start to the New Year with the landing of an awe-inspiring 215 kilogram (473 pounds) black marlin.
