Art
Apii Avarua students win top trophies in Māori Speech Competition
Friday 5 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Education, Features, National
Apii Avarua students took home the top trophies at Te Maraurau o te Pae Apii (Ministry of Education) Primary Schools Māori Speech Competition held on Wednesday night at Te Are Karioi National Auditorium.
Winning composition explores humanity of Katikatia legend
Saturday 30 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Renowned Cook Islands composer Thomas Peyroux proved his talent in writing original compositions, just about sweeping the Tauranga Vananga Edgewater Resort 2024 Te Mire Atu composers’ competition on Wednesday night.
Cook Islander at heart of world’s biggest school cultural show
Saturday 30 March 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
As the dust settled at the Manukau Sports Bowl at the end of the ASB Polyfest last week in Auckland, four women, including a Cook Islander, finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Aussie artist reconnects with Cook Islands roots
Thursday 28 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
A Cook Islands Australian female artist is learning first-hand about Cook Islands cultural practices while working with one of the country’s cultural icons.
Rotaract Rarotonga gears up for ‘Great Easter Eggs-capade’
Tuesday 26 March 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Rotaract Rarotonga is kicking off the year of activities with a fun-filled event this weekend.
Students champion sustainability at annual Te Tateni Korero Māori
Saturday 23 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Education, Features, National
Titikaveka College held its annual Te Tateni Korero Māori, Māori Speech Competition, centered around the theme of “Mana Tiaki – Tiaki e te akono i to tatou Matakeinanga (Regenerative Tourism – Guardians of our Environment, Culture & Ways)”.
Preserving paradise: Cook Islands shares ra’ui knowledge in Hawai’i
Saturday 23 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Environment, Features, Local, National
Representatives from the Cook Islands are participating in the University of Hawai’i Rāhui (Ra’ui) Workshop to learn more about traditional ra’ui management systems for marine resources.
Ashton brothers facilitate return of heirlooms, seek to build museum on Aitutaki
Tuesday 12 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
Priceless stone pre-European artefacts will be returned to the Cook Islands later this year.
Artist gifts Cook Islands themed collection to university
Saturday 2 March 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Art, Features
University of South Pacific’s Rarotonga campus has received a donation of 11 screen printed original works by New Zealand-based artist Jean Loomis.
Friends use humour, fun in bid to save Cook Islands language
Saturday 17 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Art, Features
Three friends in Christchurch are using their online platform Kūki Learning to teach Cook Islands Māori language and culture in a fun and engaging way, despite facing challenges with limited time and resources.
Young entrepreneur spreads culture and joy through temporary tattoos
Wednesday 14 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Art, Business, Features, Local
A young Cook Islands teen runs a successful temporary tattoo business at the market, connecting with customers through his art and cultural heritage.
Move over Ariel, there’s a new mermaid in town
Wednesday 31 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Art, Features
Children in the Pacific can now see themselves represented as a fairytale mermaid character in Merio the Polynesian Mermaid.
Past meets present at Johnson’s Photographic Studio exhibition
Saturday 20 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
The ‘Glimpse of the Past’ exhibition at the National Archives showcasing Johnson’s Photographic Studio images from the Cook Islands in the 1960s to 80s, sparks nostalgic memories for viewers.
Cook Islands prepares for Festival of Pacific Arts 2024 with 100-strong delegation
Friday 12 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
Cultural experts Mark Short and his partner Jane Rubena will be leading the Cook Islands Performing Dance Troupe to the world’s largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders at the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) which will convene in Honolulu, Hawaii, from June 6 to 16 this year.
Crafting memories at Tie Dye Rarotonga
Saturday 6 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Art, Features
Cook Islands News reporter Candice Luke enjoyed a Christmas break learning block printing and experiencing Cook Islands hospitality at Tie Dye Rarotonga, run by a passionate artist and her supportive family.
Walls come alive: Epic murals tell stories of land and sea
Sunday 24 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
Two murals, one depicting the Cook Islands’ marine life and the other representing its societal pillars, were blessed in a ceremony this week.
‘Peace and love to all’: Santa prepares for tropical Christmas in the Cooks
Saturday 23 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Santa is busy preparing for a long night on December 24 and has a message for Cook Islands kids.
Call for comprehensive arts curriculum in the Cook Islands
Wednesday 20 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Art, Education, Features, National
The principal of a Rarotonga primary school wants to see a comprehensive arts curriculum developed for the Cook Islands after a successful first year for the country’s only contemporary dance class.
The Castanie Centre: A tribute to founding father of Catholic faith
Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Church Talk, Features
Nestled behind Nukutere College, the country’s 126-year-old first Catholic Church cathedral has been restored, renamed, and blessed. The ‘sacred building’ will now serve as a library, an art centre and a place of gathering for Nukutere College student and the diocese.
Spreading festive cheer on Rarotonga
Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
The Tropical Christmas Committee is pleased with the activities of the festive period which continues today with the Santa on Tour from 8.30am to 11.30am, starting at CITC Supermarket to the Punanga Nui Market and through town.
