Weekend
Reviving Rarotonga’s native flora
Monday 16 October 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, Weekend
Rarotonga’s native flora has nearly disappeared from the island’s coast, a 150-metre ascent into the mountains required to find thriving examples of its original ecosystem. The only other place is a nursery in Matavera.
A second shot at greatness: Netballer Taripo comes out of retirement
Saturday 14 October 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Netball, Pacific Games 2023, Sports, Weekend
Veteran netballer Curly Taripo is all set to make her return to the national side after being named in the Cook Islands team for the Nations Cup and the Pacific Games later in the year.
The Scottish kumete from Atiu via Tahiti
Saturday 14 October 2023 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Art, Features, Weekend
Standing in the middle of the Grand Gallery of the Edinburgh Museum is the largest kumete in the world. But how did it get there, asks Rod Dixon.
Youngest athlete in athletics team eyes top 8 finish at Pacific Games
Thursday 12 October 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Athletics, Features, Pacific Games 2023, Sports, Weekend
The youngest member in Athletics Cook Islands to the Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands next month, is looking forward to the challenge.
Cook Islands stint inspires Australian law graduate
Saturday 30 September 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, Weekend
An Australian law graduate whose career trajectory was inspired by the month she spent in the Cook Islands during her study, has returned to the island nation five years later for a three-month stint supporting the Pacific Islands Forum.
A centenarian with a deep faith
Saturday 30 September 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Emily Brell-Dean-William-Dyer, a remarkable, vibrant, and extraordinary 103-year-old woman, has unwavering faith in God. She is a living testament to the power of spirituality and devotion, and to life well lived.
A legacy of learning and service
Monday 25 September 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
The New Zealand Volunteer Service Abroad Te Tūao Tāwāhi (VSA) has been operating in the Cook Islands for 60 years, providing support in education, health and well-being, and the environment. Cook Islands News senior journalist Melina Etches, who attended the organisation’s 60th anniversary last week, writes about its objectives and achievements.
Athletes eye personal bests
Sunday 24 September 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Athletics, Features, Sports, Weekend
Over 200 athletes and officials will represent the Cook Islands at the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands, this November. Cook Islands News online editor Losirene Lacanivalu interviews Athletics Cook Islands squad members Tatiana Sherwin, Max Teuruaa, Daniel Tolosa, and Piri Nga on their preparations and expectations for the regional games.
Empowering young women
Sunday 24 September 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
The Girl Guides Association Cook Islands proudly represented the country at the 38th World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) conference in Nicosia, Cyprus, along with 152 countries.
Exploring challenges and opportunities for women in business
Sunday 24 September 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Features, National, Weekend
The first ever Ambassador of Ireland to the Cook Islands, Jane Connolly, has met with the Cook Islands Business and Professional Women (BPW) this week to discuss advancing women in business and professional arena.
Marumaru Atua heads for Palmerston
Wednesday 13 September 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
Vaka Marumaru Atua has departed for Palmerston Island on a chartered trip to collect the Project Working Group (PWG) who are working with the island community to address the rat problem.
Cooks resort group nabs three trophies at travel awards
Tuesday 12 September 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Go Local, National, Travel, Weekend
A Cook Islands resort group has scooped three trophies at the World Travel Awards.
Upholding the provisions of the Rarotonga Treaty
Monday 11 September 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in 52nd Pacific Islands Forum 2023, Features, In Depth, National, Pacific Islands, Weekend
The Rarotonga Treaty remains a cornerstone of our approach to a nuclear-free zone
Being connected to the environment
Saturday 2 September 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Weekend
Climate change is not new, chairperson of the environmental non-government organisation Kōrero o te 'Ōrau in Rarotonga Dr Teina Rongo says.
Blue supermoon dances above Rarotonga
Friday 1 September 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Environment, Features, National, Weekend
Rarotonga’s full moon walkers were treated to a rare phenomenon as the first blue supermoon in 14 years ducked between the clouds above Muri Beach on Wednesday evening.
Pit masters brave wind and rain for good cause
Wednesday 30 August 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, Weekend
Sixty kilograms of beef brisket, 60kg of pork, 800 chicken wings, and three whole muttons sizzled as Cook Islands pit masters faced off in a fundraiser for the country’s junior sailors.
Reid speaks highly of Cooks rugby players
Saturday 26 August 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, League, Sports, Weekend
Cook Islands rugby players have skills, strong running and are aggressive, says former All Black Hikatarewa Rockcliffe Reid, or better known as Hika Reid.
From darkness to redemption: A journey of transformation and faith
Saturday 19 August 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, In Depth, Weekend
Mareta Angene Taana was a troubled young woman who has found solace in God, and is transforming her life and relationships. Unleashing the beast of darkness, she is now embracing the radiance of love and light, living with renewed hope.
Baby whales ‘thrown over the reef’ during migration due to warmer oceans
Thursday 17 August 2023 | Written by RNZ | Published in Environment, Features, National, Weekend
A whale scientist in the Cook Islands expects beached calves to become a more common occurrence as storms grow in intensity due to climate change. Caleb Fotheringham of RNZ Pacific reports.
Cook Islands soldier’s sacrifice remembered at memorial event
Wednesday 16 August 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
In a deeply emotional and poignant ceremony, the memory of a fallen soldier from Mangaia was honoured in the memorial unveiling of his headstone at the Nikao Cemetery.
