Weekend
The perks of being an army officer
Saturday 5 September 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Weekend
Proud Cook Islander Lance Corporal Thomas Harrison, a soldier in the New Zealand Defence Force, wants to encourage people back home to dream big and pursue any career their heart desires.
'Dad-ication' is key
Thursday 3 September 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Weekend
Nia Heather is jack of all trades but nothing beats being a dad.
New Tourism Industry Council president talks tough
Saturday 29 August 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Weekend
It’s not textbook management. But Liana Scott doesn’t care. The tourism boss’s forthright style gets results – and if others won’t step up, she will.
The ariki Numangatini of Mangaia
Friday 28 August 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Weekend
Today, Tangitamaiti Tereapii will be invested as the 9th ariki Numangatini of Mangaia. Allan Tuara and Rod Dixon, of Mangaia, tell how the powers of the Mangaian Aronga Mana have become enshrined in our Constitution.
Going local: New cruise boat named in honour of ground-breaking politician
Tuesday 25 August 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Weekend
Who better to explain Aitutaki’s captivating sea-life than marine scientist Richard Story? Jonathan Milne and his family go out on the water.
Helping the models of the Pacific dream big
Saturday 22 August 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Weekend
For those that feel down or depressed, this Cook Islands model wants to share God’s love and light – on the catwalk.
A home away from home
Saturday 22 August 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Weekend
They had a dream. The Cook Islands community in Queensland wanted their children to have the same chances as everyone else – and that meant finding a way to nurture them economically and culturally.
'No man is an island, entire of itself' – John Donne
Saturday 22 August 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Weekend
Island countries have a choice of whether and how to reopen their borders – it’s a luxury that most of the world doesn’t have. So what are they doing? Jonathan Milne investigates different islands’ solutions to Covid-19.
'Every day is a new day and I'm blessed to be here with my Mum'
Wednesday 19 August 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Weekend
Ruth Sahay knows how tough it can to be to care for a loved one as their mind is gripped by dementia; now she is sharing that experience with others.
Landfill worker: 'People can make my job easier by simply separating their waste'
Saturday 15 August 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Weekend
Government Infrastructure bosses may work miracles in creating solutions for reusing and recycling and getting rid of our rubbish, but it’s a really stink job unless the community does its bit to reduce waste.
In the footsteps of giants
Saturday 15 August 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Weekend
Cook Islanders were some of the first Pacific people to write down and publish their stories; now, they are among the first to tell those stories on the new platform of podcasting.
'If I can do it, anyone can'
Saturday 15 August 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Weekend
There’s no special secret to the phenomenal success of the Johnson’s health and fitness challenges. It’s just about supporting each other.
Kiwi couple are happily stranded – in paradise
Monday 10 August 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Weekend
While the rest of the world locked down against Covid-19, Carlie Paterson and Coral Seath have been spending their days basking in the sun, swimming with the turtles and hiking in the jungle-clad mountains. Not too shabby.
The pull of the tide
Saturday 8 August 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Weekend
Late at night once a month, whether it’s warm or cold, a small group of people gather quietly on the beach at Muri. They talk, then they walk into the lagoon and dive below the surface. What drives these Full Moon Swimmers?
'A lot of people need help in our village at this time'
Saturday 8 August 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Weekend
Infrastructure Cook Islands has poured energy and resources into fixing up roads, bridges and culverts this year, to protect homes and businesses from regular and devastating floods. This week’s one-in-four-years record downpour was the big test.
Sailing on the quiet of Aitutaki lagoon
Saturday 1 August 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Weekend
Taking the family out sailing on Aitutaki lagoon with Captain Ted Tavai is a reminder of just how lucky we are – and how important it is to value that by supporting our local businesses.
Fisheries industry: Hooking the big one
Saturday 1 August 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Weekend
Local fishermen are struggling to make a buck with the tourists gone – but it is large-scale fisheries that could yet help the country get back on its feet again.
'One person can make a difference'
Saturday 1 August 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Weekend
Earrings from used plastics; packaging from used toilet rolls. Rebecca Jim tells Rashneel Kumar how she is selling a clean dream to customers overseas.
A Nazi spy in the Cook Islands?
Saturday 1 August 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Weekend
With Hitler having just seized power in Germany, and tensions rising across Europe, Mangaia residents were understandably suspicious of the sandy-haired, Luger-carrying Nazi sympathiser who turned up on their island.
Helping people is reward enough
Saturday 25 July 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Weekend
Growing up, nursing was always Rangi Matapo’s ambition.
