Features
‘Golden ei’ buzzer puts four through to Cook Islands Has Talent Final
Tuesday 17 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
Four talented performing acts from the semi-finals of the Cook Islands Has Talent show have secured their spots in the grand finale, which will take place next Saturday, September 28.
Priced out of paradise
Saturday 14 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, In Depth
Despite its efforts to address depopulation, Cook Islands is facing a steady decline in its population due to a combination of economic, social and health factors, leading many residents to seek better opportunities abroad.
‘He waka eke noa – We are all in this together’
Saturday 14 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, In Depth, Weekend
Cook Islands last week bid farewell to Tūī Dewes, the former Aotearoa New Zealand High Commissioner to the Cook Islands, who completed a four-year term on September 6, 2024. In an interview with senior journalist Melina Etches, Dewes reflects on her achievements and contributions, shared interests and enhancing Māori-to-Māori ties.
Church Talk: Nikao CICC marks historic milestone
Friday 13 September 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
“...If you do return unto the Lord with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the Lord, and serve Him only, and He will deliver you out of the hands of the Philisitines.” (1 Samuels 7:3)
14 contestants vying for $3000 top prize in Cook Islands Has Talent
Wednesday 11 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
The stage of the Cook Islands Has Talent show will come alive this Saturday with incredible voices and performances as contestants battle in the semifinals, each bringing their unique vocals, flair and passion to the spotlight.
Three-day programme promises good news!
Wednesday 11 September 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Cook Islands will join a three-day global convention this weekend, which promises to bring news to attendees.
Hand-printed hope: Elderly women find solace in art
Wednesday 11 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Art, Features
A group of elderly women from the Vaimaanga community is rallying their peers together, aiming to provide mutual support and comfort.
Powerful vocals and dazzling performances at Cook Islands Has Talent
Monday 9 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Big vocals hitting high notes and radiating great confidence captivated the audience at the “Cook Islands Has Talent” stage on Saturday night.
A family affair: Mothers and daughters thrive in rugby
Saturday 7 September 2024 | Written by Solomone Taukei | Published in Features, Rugby Union, Sports, Weekend
Three mother-daughter duos played together on the same rugby team in the Cook Islands Rugby Union women’s competition, inspiring young women and highlighting the power of family bonds in sports.
The power of family and pride in rugby
Saturday 7 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Rugby Union, Sports
A former rugby union great who represented the Cook Islands national team, shares his experiences and highlights the importance of family, community and hard work in the sport.
Anxiety on the rise: Cook Islands faces mental health challenge
Saturday 7 September 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Health, National, Weekend
The incidence rate of newly diagnosed mental health cases in the Cook Islands between 2021 and 2023 is nearly five per 1000 population, but a non-governmental organisation claims there are more cases than officially reported.
Church Talk: Why all eyes must look to Jesus Christ? – Eaa te au mata ravarai ka akara’I kia Iesu Mesia?
Friday 6 September 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Jesus has two distinct natures, one divine and the other human. Jesus is the Word who was God and was with God and was made flesh, writes Bishop Tutai Pere of the Apostolic Church.
‘A fair game for all’: No return to ranking at Te Maeva Nui, says Culture
Saturday 31 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Cook Islands Ministry of Cultural Development has ruled out the possibility of reintroducing the ranking system for Te Maeva Nui unless all participating teams agree, citing concerns about fairness and the preservation of cultural diversity.
Short and sweet: A father’s guide to raising successful children
Saturday 31 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
A proud Cook Islands father believes that the best gift a parent can give their children is the ability to thrive as adults, emphasising the importance of family values and community service.
Kīngi Tūheitia’s legacy remembered
Saturday 31 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, New Zealand, Regional, Weekend
Cook Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand, Kairangi Samuela, paid tribute to Kīngi Tūheitia, acknowledging his significant contributions to strengthening the relationship between the Cook Islands and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Church talk: Can humanity reclaim its divine image?
Friday 30 August 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Through God’s grace we can be restored and renewed, reclaiming the divine image and fulfilling the purpose for which we were created, writes Bishop Reynaldo Bunyi Getalado msp of the Catholic Church.
Paikea unveils new star compass and oe
Friday 30 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation welcomed onboard Vaka Paikea outgoing New Zealand High Commissioner to the Cook Islands, Tui Dewes, for the blessing of their new carved etu marama star compass and the naming of their oe “inuinutai”.
A father’s wish: Naea’s unfulfilled dream
Thursday 29 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
Okirua Naea’s greatest wish is that his children had met the man who raised him into the father he is today.
Tararo’s commitment to God and family
Thursday 29 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
A 29-year-old father of two, Bernard Tararo, is setting an example for all young fathers in the Cook Islands that commitment and faith are key to building a successful family.
The General’s greatest gift
Thursday 29 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
A former Cook Islands rugby star and grandfather of 11, reflects on his journey as a father and husband, emphasising the importance of love, support and equality in family relationships
