Weekend
Taking Cook Islands culture to the world
Saturday 2 November 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Weekend
Papatua Papatua is one of Cook Islands best-known faces; certainly one of the country’s best-known voices – but his latest work sharing islands tradition with our people across the ocean was new and special even for him.
Superwoman Rebeka
Wednesday 30 October 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Weekend
Rebeka Buchanan has come a long way in her professional career spanning about four decades. Tomorrow, Buchanan will be recognised for her effort when she will be awarded the prestigious “Woman of the Month” for October.
From fur and away
Sunday 27 October 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Weekend
As Te Are Manu veterinary clinic marks two years in Cook Islands, Losirene Lacanivalu discovers what makes it unique.
Mama Maru's voyage to look into the eye of the sea
Sunday 27 October 2019 | Published in Weekend
When marine scientists wanted to understand the decline of the paua, one of the country’s most culturally significant kai moana, then it made sense to go back to basics by diving from the Marumaru Atua. Rachel Reeves joins the journey to Manuae and Takutea.
Vaine Rangatira awards and recognition 2019
Thursday 24 October 2019 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Weekend
Te Maeva Nui o Aotearoa New Zealand hosted this inaugural awards and recognitions event, to honour Cook Islands women who have been instrumental in the growth and development of Cook Islanders in New Zealand and across the globe.
Dream weaver
Tuesday 22 October 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Weekend
It was 21 years ago Mama Tuki suffered her stroke, but she doesn’t let disability stand in her way.
Beauty pageant contestants put on a spectacular show
Monday 21 October 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Weekend
Sand art, pole dancing, singing, a guitar performance, line dancing and the evergreen spirited Cook Islands culture, added flair and diversity to the Miss Cook Islands talent category.
Guiding the way for 91 years
Saturday 19 October 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Weekend
When Ngara Katuke was a girl, there were no mattresses for Girl Guides camps. They slept on mats on the floor and nobody whinged, she laughs.
The naturopath who claims to treat cancer with baking soda
Saturday 19 October 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Weekend
Australian naturopath Barbara O’Neill has been banned from pushing her unproven cancer cure in Australia – but here in the Cook Islands, her followers are awaiting her next visit with excitement.
A catwalk of confidence
Wednesday 16 October 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Weekend
Sashaying the runway in the Miss Cook Islands (MCIA) Tropicana Parade was a new experience for beauty pageant contestant Tajiya Sahay.
Victoria's not-so-secret garden
Monday 14 October 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Weekend
Victoria Charles’ first love was dance – but when she began creating new dance costumes from flowers, she discovered a new passion.
Masters of the Globe
Saturday 12 October 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Weekend
The Cook Islands team yesterday boarded a massive Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster III for the trip to perform at the even bigger Edinburgh Tattoo in Sydney. For a small country, we’re hitting the big-time!
50yos 'get down on it' again
Saturday 12 October 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Weekend
Their school may have burned down, but the Apii Avatea students of 1982 reunited this week to burn up the dance floor – ‘and we have all turned out to be pretty amazing’.
Daughters take on fashion world with mum
Saturday 12 October 2019 | Published in Weekend
Showing at London Pacific Fashion Week is about far more than celebrating their unique Cook Islands designs, for Tasha and her daughters. It’s about passing on traditional knowledge to a new generation.
Revealed after 250 years: The real meaning of master navigator Tupaia's maps
Friday 11 October 2019 | Published in Weekend
Gerald McCormack from the Natural Heritage Trust explains timely new research that shows how far ahead of his time Tahitian navigator Tupaia was – and why Captain Cook was right to trust him to steer the Endeavour.
Saving Cooks' crowning glory from the Crown of Thorns starfish
Wednesday 9 October 2019 | Published in Weekend
When predator Crown of Thorns starfish were found in the pristine waters of Mitiaro last month, locals and environmentalists dove into action.
From hammer-throw, to throwing the dice
Monday 30 September 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Weekend
Siniva Marsters’ dad told her to never be shy – and that confidence has helped her to new distances.
Shifting the paradigm
Saturday 28 September 2019 | Published in Weekend
Rachel Reeves sits down with PhD candidates at USP Cook Islands, which offers scholarships for doctoral degrees and brings Cook Islands researchers together.
'Rarotonga has changed'
Monday 23 September 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Weekend
Raewyn Goldsbury first came to the Cook Islands with her family on the tiny 67-metre passenger ship, the GMV Maui Pomare. It was a long way across the ocean to come on such a small boat, not much more than 1000 tonnes.
'Just cherish them'
Tuesday 17 September 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Weekend
Nine-year-old Scorpfield Wichman Anthony was killed by his grandfather. He has never before been named. At the request of his mother, we now give him a voice. This is how she wants her boy to be remembered.
