Weekend
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.
Te Puna Marama begins traditional voyaging and navigation programme
Wednesday 16 August 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, National, Travel, Weekend
Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation has launched its Teretereanga Vaka programme on Mauke, providing educational opportunities for youth on the island to participate in a course that promotes and preserves the art of traditional voyaging and navigation.
Christianity brought new hope, new dreams and new prosperity
Saturday 12 August 2023 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Features, In Depth, Weekend
Historian and author Howard Henry has been fascinated by the birth of Christianity in the Cook Islands for many years. In a weekly series, Henry chronicles the arrival of Christianity to the Cook Islands and its role in building the nation. In his final article, he talks about the impact of Christianity in the Cook Islands.
Broadcaster continues to champion Cooks culture
Saturday 12 August 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Weekend
Cook Islander Kevin Dando moved to Australia with his family over two decades ago in search of new opportunities and a fresh start. His passion for keeping Cook Islands culture and identity alive remains strong. He chats with Losirene Lacanivalu.
Vaka Paikea’s challenging sail home
Tuesday 8 August 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, Weekend
After two months in Samoa and 15 challenging days at sea voyaging back home, Vaka Paikea arrived at Te Ava Tapu marae Avana harbour on July 22, relieved, safe, and sound.
Christianity lands on Mangaia
Saturday 5 August 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Church Talk, Features, In Depth, Memory Lane, Weekend
Historian and author Howard Henry has been fascinated by the birth of Christianity in the Cook Islands for many years. In a weekly series, Henry chronicles the arrival of Christianity to the Cook Islands and its role in building the nation. In this article, he talks about the arrival of Christianity on Mangaia.
Homecoming for long-haul pilot of Australia’s flag carrier airline
Saturday 5 August 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, Weekend
A Cook Islander’s journey to become a pilot for Australia’s flag carrier airline began on the hill overlooking Rarotonga International Airport, where a young Alaina Marsters would watch the aeroplanes disappear into the horizon.
New book shines light on the life of Cook Islander Missionary in Papua New Guinea
Monday 31 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Features, National, Weekend
A new book was presented to the Cook Islands National Library, shining light on the life of Orometua (pastor) Tumupu Kea, who lived in Papua New Guinea over a century ago, spreading the message of the Gospel.
Mum’s hope for missing teenage son
Monday 31 July 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Features, In Depth, Local, National, Weekend
A year after a 19-year-old teenager went missing after being dropped off at a bus stop on Rarotonga, his family is still hopeful of finding him.
Marumaru Atua showcases traditional heritage
Saturday 15 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, Weekend
The Vaka Marumaru Atua Cook Islands Voyaging Society (CIVS) were thrilled to have Aotearoa New Zealand’s Minister for Māori Development, Willie Jackson and Aotearoa Film Director/Writer/Producer Te Arepa Kahi on board for a brief sail.
Matariki dinner with Aotearoa Minister
Friday 14 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Food, Local, National, Weekend
The Aotearoa Society celebrated Matariki, the beginning of Aotearoa New Zealand’s new year in the Māori lunar calendar with the presence of Minister for Māori Development, Broadcasting and Media Willie Jackson.
Thomas Wynne: Meitaki ranuinui e kia manuia
Saturday 8 July 2023 | Written by Thomas Tarurongo Wynne | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
“Just as the sea is an open and ever flowing reality, so should our oceanic identity transcend all forms of insularity, to become one that is openly searching, inventive, and welcoming.”
Love the Ocean: Teens hear the call of the Arctic
Saturday 8 July 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Weekend
The Kōrero o te 'Ōrau's 'Ātui'anga ki te Tango students Siana Whatarau and Winton Herman held the Cook Islands flag high during their recent journey to the Arctic.
Aunty Maara: A pillar of strength, Christianity, love and all things golf
Saturday 24 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Maria Maara Metua Kenning nee Hosking, warmly known as Aunty Maara, was an elegant, remarkable woman who touched the lives of many. After bravely battling an illness, she sadly passed away on June 11 at Rarotonga Hospital at the age of 75. In a tribute, senior journalist Melina Etches writes about this extraordinary woman who embodied love and generosity.
Cook Islands teens home after Arctic journey
Tuesday 20 June 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education, Features, National, Weekend
The Kōrero o te 'Ōrau's 'Ātui'anga ki te Tango students Siana Whatarau and Winton Herman have arrived home safely from their Arctic journey.
