Saturday 23 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
Fuelled by a passion for aviation and a relentless drive to conquer the skies, a determined 18-year-old Kanoa Kermode has set his sights on joining the Australian Defence Force (ADF) next month, with the ultimate goal of becoming a pilot.
Sunday 17 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Court, Features, Local, National, Parliament, Weekend
The Cook Islands Ministry of Justice is reforming land laws to deal with issues like absentee landowners and fragmented ownership, but the proposals are facing criticism for not being clear and for not respecting traditional customs.
Wednesday 13 March 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Features, Weekend
Cook Islander Tom Harrison Junior is counting his blessings, saying that joining the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) got him moving forward in his career and life.
Saturday 9 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
The International Day of Women was celebrated across Rarotonga including workplaces celebrating the theme of ‘Te Vaine kia turu’ia: Tupu’anga kia Tere – Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress and Inspire Inclusion’.
Saturday 9 March 2024 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Features, Weekend
The design of Cook Islands vaka has changed so much over the years that it’s difficult to speak of a ‘traditional canoe design’ as the Aitutaki canoe demonstrates, writes Rod Dixon.
Saturday 9 March 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Features, Weekend
Renowned Scottish novelist Sir Ian Rankin with some of his books at the Cook Islands Library and Museum yesterday. RASHNEEL KUMAR/24030863
Saturday 2 March 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Business, Economy, Features, Go Local, National, Travel, Weekend
January saw a record breaking 10,368 visitors arrive on our shores. They’re staying longer, and spending more on average. But what do these facts and figures look like in the daily lives of Cook Islanders? Cook Islands News journalist Candice Luke spoke to locals about how the tourist dollar is affecting them, their families, and their businesses right now.
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.
Saturday 2 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Upokoina Bishop-Cuthers, a Cook Islands woman who battled cancer, created her own homeware brand CuBis Creations to inspire others and support her family.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.