Weekend
Four named on the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours
Monday 19 June 2023 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
Four well-known Cook Islands residents who have contributed to the health, judiciary and business sector have been named on the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours.
Strengthening ancestral and contemporary links between Cook Islands and Aotearoa
Saturday 17 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, In Depth, Weekend
Aotearoa New Zealand Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro and husband Dr Richard Davies enjoyed the hospitality of Rarotonga twice before her official state visit to the Cook Islands last week. In an interview with Cook Islands News senior journalist Melina Etches Dame Cindy reflected on the deep cultural connections between the Cook Islands and Aotearoa NZ and the contemporary relationship the two countries share.
What happened to me must never happen again – Puna
Tuesday 13 June 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Pacific Islands, Regional, Weekend
Former Cook Islands prime minister and Manihiki MP Henry Puna has spoken out about his ‘controversial’ appointment and impending exit as the Pacific Islands Forum secretary general at a recent event in Apia, Samoa.
Cook Islands flagged super yacht pays home port its first visit
Tuesday 13 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
Masteka 2, an elegant Cook Islands flagged 37.19 metre motor super yacht, called in to its home port of Avatiu, Rarotonga on Sunday, June 4, for the first time.
Papatua, Akava receive their Queen’s Service Medals
Monday 12 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Two medals from the late Queen Elizabeth II were bestowed by the King’s Representative Sir Tom Marsters to Tuatiaki (Papatua) Papatua (MBE) –Member of the British Empire – and Vainepoto Michael Akava (BEM) – British Empire Medal – last week.
A man with a vision
Saturday 10 June 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, Weekend
Iconic Rarotonga eatery and watering hole Trader Jacks needs little introduction. But for those looking for some insight into the establishment’s colourful background, a new book, 40 Years Behind Bars: A Publican in Paradise by Jack Cooper, might be a good starting point.
Finding the mental edge
Saturday 10 June 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Features, Health, In Depth, Weekend
Mental performance coach David Niethe has advised some of New Zealand’s top sportspeople on reaching their goals. He talks to Cook Islands News journalist Matthew Littlewood about his career and how he can inspire others.
The driving force behind the revitalisation of te reo Maori
Saturday 10 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Pa Ariki and Kainuku Ariki of Takitumu had the dream and foresight to see the establishment of a school to educate and strengthen the cultural knowledge of peu Maori. Her dream had come to fruition when the first batch of students graduated with their Diploma in Nga Toi (Peu Maori - Level 5) this week.
Canadian visitor calls for more travel options between the Cooks and Northern Hemisphere
Tuesday 6 June 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Features, Weekend
A long-time visitor from Canada is calling for more connections to Rarotonga to bring more of his fellow Canadians to the Cook Islands.
Death of Ariki’s daughter, an attempt to introduce Christianity to Mangaia
Saturday 3 June 2023 | Written by Supplied | 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 fifth article he talks about how Aitutaki’s Tamatoa Uma-tetiki Ariki embraced Christianity and the first attempt to introduce the Christian faith to the people of Mangaia.
A lifelong journey of nurturing our people
Saturday 3 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, Weekend
Pastor Tevai Matapo OBE known affectionately as Bobby is an ‘incredibly extraordinary’ man who has touched the lives of so many people.
All eyes on Japan
Tuesday 30 May 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Art, Features, Pacific Islands, Regional, Weekend
There’s one thing glaringly obvious when I land in Tokyo - it’s big and it’s fast. Overwhelming at first, as the bus carrying me to my accommodation makes a two- hour journey through the massive metropolis. Al Williams was in Hiroshima, Japan to cover the G7 Summit and gives his account of a journey made possible by the Embassy of Japan in New Zealand.
Agronomist Purea awarded OBE for public and community service
Monday 29 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, Weekend
Dr Teariki (Mat) Matairangi Purea, an agronomist by profession, was conferred and presented with the Queen’s Award – “Officer of the British Empire” (OBE) – in the King’s Chamber at the Cook Islands Consulate in Tamaki Makaurau, Aotearoa New Zealand for his services to public services, community and the pacific region.
Simply sensational
Saturday 27 May 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Features, In Depth, League, Sports, Weekend
It takes a bit of convincing to get the victorious Arorangi Bears coach Bobby Hansen to agree to an interview. Hansen says he doesn’t like to “pre-empt things” and apologises for snubbing Cook Islands News for pre and post-match interviews during the season. The newspaper caught up with him during his work break in Aroa where he lays bare the secrets that led to Arorangi’s drought breaking win.
Avaavaroa experience gives birth to new passion project
Saturday 27 May 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, Features, In Depth, National, Weekend
Award-winning Cook Islands photographer Alex King has embarked on a new journey involving something she is passionate about – protecting the environment. King talks to Cook Islands News online editor Losirene Lacanivalu about “Te Ara o te Akau – The Meaning Behind the Reef” and the role the country’s newest non-government organisation (NGO) can play in fulfilling her passion.
The ‘voice’ of the Bears
Friday 26 May 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Rugby league, Sports, Weekend
She is a woman, she is a mother, and she is also the Arorangi Bears passionate supporter and president.
The sensational Cosmar Tau’u
Friday 26 May 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, League, Sports, Weekend
As the sensational Arorangi Bears celebrate their domestic rugby league victory tomorrow, one of their senior players, who featured for the club when they last won the title 20 years ago, shares how he was not shaken or moved against giants Tupapa Panthers in the grand final earlier this month.
Leading from the front : Blood, sweat and tears of joy
Friday 26 May 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Features, League, Sports, Weekend
It has not been an easy road for the victorious Arorangi Bears premier men’s and Lady Bears teams who made a clean sweep in the Cook Islands Rugby Leagues 13s competition a fortnight ago. They overcame a jittery start in round one before storming through round two undefeated with the titles. Captains Basil Matapo and Stephanie Nooroa talk to Cook Islands News about their journey from dreamers to winners.
Flying through busy schedule for the love of rugby league
Friday 26 May 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, League, Sports, Weekend
Working full time as a pilot for Air Rarotonga has never hindered Stephen Willis from committing to his beloved Arorangi Bears team.
Cook Islands youths on Arctic voyage
Tuesday 23 May 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, Features, National, Travel, Weekend
Two Cook Islanders are on a voyage that they never imagined they would take in their lifetime.
