Features
Cook Islands leads charge in war against invasive species
Tuesday 13 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Features, National, Weekend
Cook Islands is hosting a regional meeting this week to address the significant threat of invasive species to the country’s ecosystems, food security and biodiversity, while sharing knowledge and seeking solutions with other Pacific nations.
War of the wings: The Rimatara lorikeet and how I learnt to hate the Atiu mynah
Monday 12 August 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, Features, Local, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
After a seven-year battle using a combination of poisoning, trapping and shooting, the Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust successfully eradicated an initial population of around 6000 mynahs from Ātiu, making it the world’s largest island-based mynah eradication project. Roger Malcolm, a resident hotelier on Ātiu and one of the key people behind the eradication project, shares his own battle with one of the most invasive bird species in the world.
From pest to past: Ātiu’s epic battle against invasive myna
Saturday 10 August 2024 | Written by Gerald McCormack | Published in Environment, Features, National, Outer Islands
After six years of no reported mynas on Ātiu, the Natural Heritage Trust is declaring its Eradication Project a success. The removal of a population of about 6000 mynas made it the world’s largest myna eradication on an island. It dwarfed the second largest island-eradication of 1641 mynas on North Island in the Seychelles completed in February 2019. By Gerald McCormack, Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust.
Mariri honours mother’s dream
Saturday 10 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Weekend
A 30-year-old mother of four and a local teacher of over five years has made her dream and her mother’s come true, graduating with a Bachelor of Education from the University of the South Pacific (USP) amid a hectic lifestyle.
‘Helava Walk for Life’ aims to raise funds for cancer treatment
Saturday 10 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Weekend
Friends and family of an 18-year-old Rarotonga resident who is diagnosed with lymphocytic leukaemia will be holding a “Helava Walk for Life” fundraiser to assist with her further treatment in Singapore.
Winning costume sparks outrage
Saturday 10 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
A week after the 2024 Te Maeva Nui cultural festival, controversy continues over Oire Tupapa Maraerenga’s winning costume, which was originally designed for the CINAT team. The Ministry of Cultural Development has dismissed claims of unfair advantage.
Church Talk: A word from our Jubilee Celebration
Friday 9 August 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
It has been an outstanding time for The Assemblies of God Cook Islands celebrating our Jubilee Celebration Conference, writes Paul Kauri, the General Superintendent of Cook Islands Assemblies of God Church.
Journey of Pacific Mothers comes to Rarotonga screen
Friday 9 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features, Health, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
A locally shot documentary feature film exploring the importance of women’s birthing choices through the stories of Pacific mothers reclaiming indigenous practices premieres in Rarotonga tomorrow.
Diaspora dismayed over lack of Te Maeva Nui livestream
Thursday 8 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The decision not to livestream the annual Te Maeva Nui festival due to copyright concerns has sparked widespread disappointment among the Cook Islands diaspora and those in remote areas.
Everyone is a winner, says Culture
Wednesday 7 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The organisers of Te Maeva Nui 2024 have clarified the results of the prize giving on Sunday following reports that a specific team had won and been named champions.
Thousands flock to witness Te Maeva Nui’s best, empty seats mar closing night
Wednesday 7 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
Te Maeva Nui 2024 showcased strong, solid and stunning cultural performances of a high standard from each respective team, representing their districts and home islands with pride as they celebrated 59 years of Cook Islands self-governance.
Former Tereora students dig deep for college projects
Wednesday 7 August 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Education, Features, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
Tereora College Former Students Association president Teina Etches was overwhelmed by the strong support of former students who attended the Projects Fundraiser Dinner held late last month.
Vendors thrive at annual Trade Days
Saturday 3 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National
As the three-day annual Trade Days came to an end yesterday, young businessman Kesomi Tatola said the chance to showcase the beauty of the Cook Islands through the arts and crafts each vendor had was a great experience.
‘Then, now and forever British’: The mystery of Mangaia’s Victoria flag
Saturday 3 August 2024 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
A Pilot Jack, with Queen Victoria’s head painted on the hoist, has become a symbol of office for successive chiefs of Mangaia. Following annexation by New Zealand the flag also became a symbol of the islanders’ resistance to colonial rule and their determination to retain sovereignty over their lands, writes Rod Dixon.
Te Maeva Nui: A journey through time and tradition
Saturday 3 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The combination of powerful drumming and dancing, dazzling vibrant costumes, thrilling performances and non-stop energy on stage is creating a mesmerising spectacle at the 2024 Te Maeva Nui held at the National Auditorium.
Vibrant performances light up Te Maeva Nui
Friday 2 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
This year, seven groups representing different islands and districts of Rarotonga showcased their unique and captivating dances, chants and music, which have been passed down through generations.
Resort pays tribute to devoted employee
Friday 2 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National
The Pacific Resort in Rarotonga on Tuesday celebrated the life of one of its dedicated employees who passed away last week after a short illness.
Church Talk: Jesus is the living Gospel
Friday 2 August 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
The gospel is a term that comes from the old English word ‘godspell’ which means ‘good news’, writes Reverend Mata Tumu-Makara of the Cook Islands Christian Church.
Cancer survivor and advocate honoured as Woman of the Month
Friday 2 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Health, Local, National, Weekend
Myra Tatakura is a warrior, a true inspiration and a shining example of courage, resilience and compassion. As a breast cancer survivor, she has faced immense challenges with steadfast strength, battling the disease with determination and never losing sight of her faith in the Lord.
Pukapuka Nassau make bold statement as dancers shake up the competition
Friday 2 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, National
Although their traditional dances are the pride of Pukapuka and Nassau, they have found that they often receive lower scores in the annual Te Maeva Nui festival when performing their cultural heritage.
