Features
Transformational work in Rarotonga earns New Zealand Navy Commander second honour
Wednesday 3 January 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
When Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) Lieutenant Commander Makoare (Mark) Kohupara Te Kani posted to the Cook Islands in January 2020 as a Maritime Surveillance Adviser, he expected to travel. Weeks into posting, lockdowns isolated Rarotonga from the world.
2023 year in review
Sunday 31 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
A look back at the year’s biggest news stories.
Dreaver’s decades of impact : Pacific journalist honoured in New Year awards
Saturday 30 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
TVNZ’s Pacific correspondent and former Cook Islands News journalist Barbara Dreaver talks to Pacific Media Network’s Khalia Strong on three decades reporting on Pacific issues, and making her parents proud.
Cook Islands to the world : Nations will ‘disappear’ without action on climate change
Saturday 30 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Environment, Features, National, Weekend
Climate change activists from around the world are itching to team up with a Cook Islands film crew to raise awareness about the global crisis after a music video about its impact on the Pacific debuted at a United Nations conference. Joanne Holden reports.
Church Talk: Reflecting on God’s blessings and shared strength in the Cook Islands
Friday 29 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Let us all continue to share our joys with one another, our concerns with one another, challenges with one another, needs with one another, outreach sharing and compassion with one another, writes Bishop Tutai Pere of the Apostolic Church.
200 years strong: Mangaia prepares for Bicentennial
Thursday 28 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features, Memory Lane
Preparations are well underway on Mangaia for the celebration of the 200-year anniversary of the arrival of Christian missionaries on the island in 1824. By Pamela Steele.
Motone Productions ends year with stunning Tiki Taane concert and collaborative spirit
Wednesday 27 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
Motone Productions wrapped up their last concert for the year with Aotearoa New Zealand artist Tiki Taane’s “epic” show featuring stunning musicians and DJs at Trios Bar on December 15.
Prominent broadcaster Tairea dies aged 49
Wednesday 27 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Entertainment, Features
Prominent Cook Islands broadcaster — labelled by many the “Voice of the Cook Islands” — Bernard (Bernice) Tairea has died aged 49.
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.
Decades of dedication: Beloved doctors bid farewell to Cooks
Sunday 24 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, Weekend
After more than 30 years treating the Cook Islands community and making their mark on its health system, doctors Zaw Myo Aung and Yin Yin May are returning to their home country of Myanmar. Joanne Holden reports.
Coming ‘home home’: An Aotearoa Māori discovers ancestral resonance in Rarotonga
Sunday 24 December 2023 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Features, Weekend
Candice Luke’s first trip to the Cook Islands in 2008 awakened a deep connection to her Māori heritage and sparked a passion for storytelling, now leading her to become a journalist for Cook Islands News.
‘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.
Church Talk: For to us a child is born
Friday 22 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Even though we have been celebrating Christmas for over 2000 years there is a timelessness about it, writes Bishop Paul Donoghue of the Catholic Church.
Supermarkets fully stocked for festive feasting
Thursday 21 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Go Local, Local, National
The two main supermarkets in Rarotonga have enough stocks for the festive season, and Aitutaki is also fully stocked to meet the demands of residents, returning Cook Islanders, and visitors who have started to arrive on the island.
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.
Cook Islands celebrates stellar cruise year despite weather woes
Tuesday 19 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Features, National, Travel, Weekend
Cruise Cook Islands has wrapped up an exceptional season, welcoming numerous cruise ships to both Rarotonga and Aitutaki.
An Aitutakian’s guide for returning family
Monday 18 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local, National, Travel, Weekend
Aitutaki local Linda Ruamoana shares 10 tips for returning Cook Islanders/Aitutakian families visiting the island, urging them to be mindful of the island’s limited resources and customs.
Sunset on the season: Final cruise ship for the year
Monday 18 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Features, Weekend
The final cruise ship for the year, AIDAsol, arrived in Rarotonga yesterday, carrying over 1400 passengers.
C+ to cinematic success
Saturday 16 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Entertainment, Features
From a C+ on the only film paper he sat in university to writing and directing shorts and feature films, Hamish Bennett says developing a “unique voice” is the key to standing out in the entertainment industry. Joanne Holden reports.
From flycatchers to forests : How the Cook Islands are championing nature
Saturday 16 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, Features, National, Weekend
Home to the Rarotonga flycatcher, Cook Islands fruit-dove and coconut crab, the 15 South Pacific islands that comprise the nation have a rich natural heritage. Around 60 per cent of the nation’s land is still covered by tropical forest, and its lagoons and seas have an abundance of diverse marine life.
