Weekend
Cook Islands vaka to set sail for Festpac 2024 in Hawaii
Saturday 27 April 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Features, Weekend
Cook Islands traditional canoe Vaka Marumaru Atua will set sail for Hawaii next week to participate in the 2024 Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (Festpac 2024) in Honolulu in June. Cook Islands Voyaging Society explains the country’s long history of sending vaka (voyaging canoes) to the regional cultural event.
Local dancers take centre stage in WiRepa’s show stopping designs
Saturday 27 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, Weekend
In a stunning display of creativity and style, acclaimed Aotearoa New Zealand/Cook Islands fashion designer Kharl-William WiRepa revealed his first fashion show on the island.
Hundreds gather to honour fallen at Anzac Day Dawn Parade
Friday 26 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
President for the Cook Islands Boys Brigade Bob Williams (left) leads the uniform organisation representatives for the laying of wreaths during the Anzac Day Dawn Parade service yesterday morning.
Balancing rights and culture: ‘Hard Talks’ panel discusses progress and challenges
Saturday 20 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
Thought-provoking candid conversations on human rights or tika’anga tangata on the evolving relationship of the LGBTQI Anuanua rights in the Cook Islands shed light on the challenges, progress, and aspirations for individuals in the community and abroad.
Resort leads the way for Earth Hour
Thursday 28 March 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
Several businesses and households across Rarotonga participated in Earth Hour on Saturday by turning off their lights for an hour.
Kermode soars towards dream
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.
The monumental task of fixing our land laws
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.
Cook Islander credits NZ Defence Force for turning life around, encourages youth to join
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.
Celebrating progress: Cook Islands women share stories of success
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’.
‘The Aitutaki secret …’ How canoes evolved (and almost sank) for sailing
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.
A novel idea: Rankin considers Raro romance after Rebus rest
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
Beyond the numbers: How tourism benefits everyday life in the Cook Islands
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.
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.
Turning illness into inspiration, Upokoina’s story of resilience
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.
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.
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.
