Outer Islands
Ma’uke’s Mii Tua, 78, finds joy in quiet life and community
Monday 8 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
On the island of Ma’uke, also known as Akatokamanava, 78-year-old Mii Tua (née Tairea) cherishes her quiet, simple life on the land where she was born.
Government to manage new inter-island vessel, says PM
Monday 8 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands
The Cook Islands government will manage the operations of an inter-island vessel that it hopes to receive this year.
Aitutaki roads a ‘time bomb’: Residents demand crackdown on underage driving
Monday 8 January 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in National, Outer Islands
Aitutaki residents are expressing concern about the increasing number of young ‘underage’ people riding motorbikes and speeding on the island’s roads. They worry that this could lead to serious accidents, and are calling for action to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
Aitutaki’s Koni Raoni: Singing, dancing and over $100,000 for village dreams
Saturday 6 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
Exclusive to the island of Aitutaki, Koni Raoni translates to ‘dance around’ and involves the host village travelling through the villages on the island, dancing, singing and receiving donations during the Christmas period on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day to raise funds for their respective communities. Melina Etches reports.
Montreal teacher supporting special-needs educators in Aitutaki
Friday 5 January 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Education, Features, Outer Islands, Weekend
Canadian Lorena D’Alessandro learned teachers in Aitutaki are not especially well-equipped to work with children with ADHD and autism during her first visit in 2022. The veteran English Montreal School Board teacher returned late last year with some much-needed donations and tools for the students. (This article was originally published in the Montreal Gazette on January 4, 2024)
Passion drives Ma’uke ‘ginger king’
Friday 5 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
On the island of Ma’uke, a local farmer is cultivating ginger with unwavering dedication and seeing the sweet reward of his labour.
Aitutaki’s heritage preserved in new anthology
Thursday 4 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
An anthology of books on the traditional and ancestry of Aitutaki offering a collection of stories and knowledge about the history and heritage of the island was unveiled last month. Melina Etches reports.
Festive spirit fills Ma’uke as families reunite for annual Teretere tradition
Saturday 30 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
The Christmas and New Year’s season is a time when many Cook Islands families residing overseas return to Rarotonga and their home islands in the Pa Enua. They come to reconnect with their families and celebrate the festive season together. Cook Islands News senior journalist Melina Etches experienced this firsthand, travelling to Ma’uke for the Christmas break.
New shelters take off at Atiu Airport
Thursday 28 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Cook Islands Tourism has successfully concluded another tourism-infrastructure project on Atiu, this one aimed at meeting the needs of both visitors and the local community by upgrading the local airport shelters.
Police confirm alcohol, speed in fatal motorcycle accident
Wednesday 27 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Crime, Local, National, Outer Islands
Police have determined alcohol and speed were factors in Sunday’s fatal motorcycle accident on Aitutaki.
Star compass to guide navigation centre on Aitutaki
Thursday 21 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Construction of the outdoor star compass for the “Akairo Tuku Kaveinga Māori” project in Aitutaki, spearheaded by Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation, is expected to begin in January.
Atiu resort shares success: $101k dividend boosts island community
Tuesday 19 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands
A resort in the Pa Enua has paid out over $100,000 in dividends to the island residents, demonstrating a commitment to giving back to the local community.
New Aitutaki crane boosts cargo capacity
Saturday 16 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands
The Cook Islands Ports Authority’s new crane in Aitutaki will lift the current weight restriction of 20 tonne to 25 tonne, allowing importers and the people of the island to add more tonnage of goods to containers.
Holidaymakers set sail for Pukapuka
Thursday 14 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Avatiu Harbour was buzzing with activity yesterday morning as passengers bound for Pukapuka boarded the Lady Samoa IV.
Craft to cuisine: Penrhyn schools unite for Enterprise Day
Wednesday 13 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National, Outer Islands
The Penrhyn schools of Tetautua and Omoka united for their respective curriculum enterprise programme which were introduced in both schools last year.
Pukapuka ferry trip for diaspora costs $640,000
Tuesday 12 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands, Regional, Samoa
A Samoan passenger ferry chartered by the Cook Islands government for $640,000 is scheduled to arrive in Rarotonga today and take 160 New Zealand and Australia based people of Pukapuka descent to the northern island. Al Williams reports.
Crew praised for minimising cargo damage in Penrhyn delivery
Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Penrhyn residents have commended Cook Islands General Transport (CIGT) barge crew for ensuring their goods reached the island with minimal damages after storm-like weather had affected them this week.
Penrhyn residents still disappointed about lack of timely weather warning
Friday 8 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Weather
Penrhyn Island executive officer Puna Vano remains disappointed at the lack of prior weather warning for the strong winds which damaged eight homes on the island.
Strong winds ravage Penrhyn: Island calls for urgent weather alert upgrade
Wednesday 6 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands, Weather
Penrhyn residents are reeling after strong winds ripped through their homes early yesterday morning, causing significant damage and raising concerns about the lack of timely warnings.
Aitutaki drug trial hinges on cryptic messages, expert analysis
Wednesday 6 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National, Outer Islands
Text messages, drug analysis, and expert testimony are the Crown’s mainstays in its case against an alleged Aitutaki drug dealer, Gray Ronald Pitomaki Turia.
