Hot on the Rock
Faith and family fuel new bakery
Saturday 13 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Go Local, Hot on the Rock
Avarua Bakery has ventured into a brand new and exciting bakery retail business after the Covid-19 pandemic forced closure of their previous retail venture.
From farm to fashion: Ama creates island style clothing brand
Friday 5 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features, Go Local, Hot on the Rock
Rarotonga’s vibrant calendar of special events demands stylish, comfortable island attire for both men and women. A new fashion brand has launched, offering residents a fresh option for these occasions. Melina Etches reports.
GO LOCAL: The flavours of Mauke
Saturday 10 October 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Hot on the Rock
A tiny business, making small batches of chutneys and jams by hand from fresh naturally grown produce is taking the taste and flavour of Mauke to the world.
The calm of Aitutaki's Mike Lee: Learning to kiteboard on lagoon
Saturday 29 August 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Hot on the Rock
If Mike Lee can transform himself from a sweary, stressed out restaurant chef to the zen master of kite-boarding, perhaps he can teach Jonathan Milne to stand up on the board.
Feeling loved and comfortable
Saturday 29 August 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Hot on the Rock
Mums and dads have new, locally-made options for baby clothes and other supplies.
Mussell uses own muscle in labour of love
Tuesday 18 August 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Hot on the Rock
GO LOCAL: Chris Mussell considers himself an optimist – he likes to see his glass half-full, he says. Which is probably good, for someone who pours drinks!
It would be a grey world without art, dancing, flowers
Monday 10 August 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Hot on the Rock
Go Local: Like many women, Sonya Kamana loves flowers.
Cook Islands' own Ginger Spice
Tuesday 28 July 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Hot on the Rock
GO LOCAL: Kaota Tuariki saw beauty in ginger (kopi teatea) for the first time when he was shown the root crop by the late Robert Wigmore.
Mac or Whopper, island style
Saturday 25 July 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Hot on the Rock
GOING LOCAL: It’s Burger Friday when we turn up at Avatea Café, on Aitutaki. That means one thing: the community’s new favourite, the Island Mac.
Jancey's goes to town with doughnuts
Saturday 11 July 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Hot on the Rock
… And in Tupapa, Losirene Lacanivalu discovers Jancey’s new bakery and deli that is enticing all the workers in their breaks.
Komera puts the Cookie in Cookie Monster Café
Saturday 11 July 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Hot on the Rock
Melina Etches enjoys a coffee at the new café next-door to the police headquarters in Avarua.
GO LOCAL: Go get unknotted with a massage!
Saturday 6 June 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Hot on the Rock
GOING LOCAL: Losirene Lacanivalu leaves her worries behind and enjoys a therapeutic massage at the Muri Beach Club Hotel’s Spa.
From Ma'uke with love
Saturday 30 May 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Hot on the Rock
GO LOCAL: Jean-Marie Francis expanding range of skin and care products is already popular overseas but now, in the Covid-crisis, she’s finding a local market.
Phillip Nordt: Everyone in Raro should grow eggplant
Thursday 21 May 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Hot on the Rock
RECIPE: The humble aubergine or eggplant has quite amazing flavours when prepared correctly.
Covid couldn't kill Ray's dream
Saturday 16 May 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Hot on the Rock
When Ray Taylor Roumanu learned to cook, he was the only boy in the class.
Tailor can sew 40 facemasks in just an hour
Saturday 4 April 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Hot on the Rock
She sits by a sewing machine at the Joyce Peyroux Garments factory, turning out facemask after facemask. Working alongside the staff who prepare the material for stitching, Nanik Zuliati from Indonesia can sew 40 masks in an hour.
E-trading: Any portal in a storm
Saturday 4 April 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Hot on the Rock
With the tourists gone, local stores are reaching new customers by trading online.
'In God's name, we will serve the Bread of Life'
Tuesday 31 March 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Hot on the Rock
It was like the movie Avengers Infinity War: with a flick of the finger, all the customers disappeared.
Innovating in business: Some taros for haircut?
Tuesday 31 March 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Hot on the Rock
A hairstylist is among business owners looking for imaginative solutions to keep the economy afloat.
Barber puts down roots in Rarotonga
Saturday 7 March 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Hot on the Rock
Cook Islands’ newest barber will offer a short and stylish cut to both men and women.
