Memory Lane
Service and sacrifice: Puna keeps an ‘open mind’
Saturday 18 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, In Depth, Local, Memory Lane, National, Outer Islands, Pacific Islands, Regional, Weekend
Former Cook Islands prime minister Henry Puna, who ends his term as Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General later this month, is planning to retire to his island home of Manihiki. But the 73-year-old is keeping an open mind and hasn’t ruled out a return to local political scene just yet. Losirene Lacanivalu reports.
Super mum: Young mum shares her journey of motherhood
Saturday 4 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Other Sports, Weekend
Young mothers face challenges every day, and local rugby league player Sunielia Tom’s message is to live in the moment, avoid stressing yourself out, be patient with your child, and find strength in prayer.
Veterans reflect on sacrifice and camaraderie at Anzac Dawn Parade
Friday 26 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National
The Anzac Day Dawn Parade, held yesterday morning at the cenotaph by the Ministry of Justice building, drew a large crowd of hundreds including the visiting Vietnam veterans from Aotearoa New Zealand.
Cook Island coastwatchers to be honoured at ANZAC day and beyond
Tuesday 23 April 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Memory Lane
The Cook Island community is preparing to commemorate the service of soldiers and local heroes this Anzac Day in New Zealand.
Aere ra e Papa Harry: A tribute to the life and legacy of beloved Suwarrow Park Ranger
Saturday 2 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
“Suwarrow belongs to you and me and to every Cook Islander. This is our home. We have the responsibility to protect and to take care of our home.” – Tuakeu “Harry” Papai.
Descendants reunite across the Pacific
Saturday 24 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane
Over 300 descendants from Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, Tahiti, Marquesas, Rarotonga, and Mangaia participated in the George Outher Brown Reunion this week at Te Are Kariori National Auditorium.
Avarua landmark falls: Iconic flamboyant tree cut down after 130 years
Saturday 24 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane
The iconic flamboyant tree that graced the Avarua roundabout in town for around 130 years is no more.
66 years strong: Valentine’s Day message- Trust God, stay committed, thrive
Friday 9 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
A Titikaveka couple who have been married for 66 years share their secret to a successful marriage: commitment, belief, and faith in God. Losirene Lacanivalu reports.
I want to continue what he started: Widow remembers a Rarotonga tourism trailblazer
Monday 5 February 2024 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
When Kave Tamaariki booked for his two sons and their families to visit him in Rarotonga in the new year, it was meant to be his first time showing his four grandchildren his island home. Instead, their first trip to the sub-tropical paradise came a few months early – for their grandfather’s funeral.
Colourful tattoos, decorated canoes: Captain Bligh’s account of Aitutaki
Saturday 3 February 2024 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
Captain Bligh made two visits to Aitutaki and left unique accounts of their vaka and tattooing, writes Rod Dixon.
Thousands celebrate Airport’s golden anniversary
Tuesday 30 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
Dance, drums, song, and a downpour of rain marked the 50th Anniversary of Rarotonga International Airport as joyful cultural celebrations took flight on the tarmac yesterday morning.
From 5000 to 3.2 million: Celebrating Rarotonga International Airport’s golden voyage
Tuesday 30 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
Thousands attended the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Rarotonga International Airport yesterday morning, the festivities starting with a refreshing shower of rain that blessed the opening formalities.
Golden memories of Rarotonga International Airport
Monday 29 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
At 5am this morning the tangi kaara of the drums around the island will signal the start of the 50th Anniversary of the opening of the Rarotonga Airport which starts 8.30am.
50 years of connecting the nation
Saturday 27 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
Anticipation builds as the Rarotonga International Airport prepares to mark its 50 years of excellence on Monday, January 29, celebrating its Golden Jubilee.
Building Rarotonga’s runway: A land surveyor’s journey
Saturday 27 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
Eighty-four-year-old Oliver Peyroux is an esteemed land surveyor with a myriad of local and international projects under his belt, including every airport in the Cook Islands. Candice Luke reports.
Welder remembers airport build
Saturday 27 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
William Cowan of Arorangi was 30 when he became part of Cook Islands airport history.
Emotional homecoming: Nassau, Pukapuka communities reconnect after decades apart
Saturday 27 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
Ninety descendants of Nassau have returned to Rarotonga after a month in their homeland. Alongside a group of 76 who visited Pukapuka, the Nassau community of Auckland, with some from Australia, reconnected with their people, places, and unique cultures of their respective islands. Candice Luke reports.
Airport’s longest-serving employee reflects on 45 years of service
Saturday 27 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
Amidst the bustling hub of aviation activity at the gateway to the Cook Islands, Rarotonga Airport, stands Rescue Fire Services’ dedicated manager, George Nicholls, who has committed nearly 45 years of solid-service to the community. Melina Etches reports.
Reconnecting with Airport’s past during runway walk
Saturday 27 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
Prime Minister Mark Brown was one of the close to four thousand people who took up the opportunity presented by Airport Authority Cook Islands to walk along the 2.3-kilometre airport runway for the first time on Tuesday.
Papa Spoila keeps ‘Kūkis’ connected
Saturday 27 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Features, In Depth, Memory Lane, Weekend
Multi-talented Cook Islander Tautape Samson wears many hats. Samson is known worldwide as a comedian, a dance tutor, costume designer, and a music artist alongside his siblings in Samson Squad. Candice Luke reports.
