Go Local
Carrying on Jack Cooper’s legacy
Saturday 8 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National, Weekend
Bound by a love for Rarotonga and a chance encounter with a dog named Lulu, the new owners of Trader Jacks aim to uphold the legacy of its founder, the late Jack Cooper.
Island time and warm smiles
Saturday 1 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local, Weekend
Cook Islands News senior journalist Melina Etches recently visited Atiu to cover the Tamariki Api’i Kūki ʻĀirani – TAKA Educational Trust sponsorship handover. While there, she delved into the island’s unique lifestyle, exploring cultural sites and meeting the welcoming locals.
Atiu’s passionate guardian: Jim revives culture and connects youth to heritage
Thursday 30 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local, National, Outer Islands
A humble, unassuming and skillful young man, Joshua Jim is a passionate guardian of his home island Atiu’s cultural heritage.
Honouring her cultural heritage
Saturday 25 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Features, Go Local, National
To honour her cultural heritage, rising elite athlete and Cook Islander Tiana Baker Echegaray has chosen a uniquely designed and Polynesian-inspired logo for her promotional apparel.
Atiu Tīvaivai Exhibit showcases generations of craft and culture
Saturday 25 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Features, Go Local, Local, National, Outer Islands
An exhibit in Atiu showcases the traditional craft of tivaivai, hand-stitched quilts made by women, with efforts to keep the art alive amongst younger generations.
Highland Paradise Competition fights to keep traditions alive
Saturday 25 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Culture, Education, Features, Food, Go Local, National
Apii Arorangi was crowned the overall winners of the 2024 Highland Paradise Cultural Competition held on Thursday.
‘It takes a village’: Rotumans in Rarotonga unite to keep culture alive
Saturday 25 May 2024 | Written by Solomone Taukei | Published in Features, Fiji, Go Local, Regional, Weekend
The Rotuman community in Rarotonga recently celebrated Rotuma Day, marking the anniversary of the island’s cession to Great Britain on May 13, 1881.
Rarotonga resort prioritises sustainability to meet eco- conscious tourist demands
Friday 24 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, Features, Go Local, National, Tourism
A Rarotonga-based resort is participating in a German-funded green hydrogen project to reduce its carbon footprint and become more sustainable for environmentally conscious tourists.
Local hot sauce burns up Australia's Mr Chilli competition
Thursday 23 May 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Features, Food, Go Local
A locally made hot sauce has been ranked the third hottest in an annual competition featuring best of the best sauces from Australia and New Zealand.
Cook Islander finds dream job on luxury yachts
Monday 13 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local
Inspired by his family’s maritime heritage, a Cook Islander, who works on a luxurious superyacht sailing the world, encourages others to pursue a similar career.
Headstone unveiling completes long journey for WWI soldier
Wednesday 1 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local
In a moving ceremony, the final chapter of a World War I soldier’s journey was completed as his headstone, which had been uplifted from another location, was finally placed on his grave.
Faith and family fuel new bakery
Saturday 13 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Go Local, Hot on the Rock
Avarua Bakery has ventured into a brand new and exciting bakery retail business after the Covid-19 pandemic forced closure of their previous retail venture.
Resort champions sustainability through coral planting initiative
Saturday 30 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, Features, Go Local, National
A resort in Aitutaki is actively engaged in a coral planting initiative to restore and preserve the health of their lagoon’s marine ecosystem.
Resort set to unveil renovated pool area
Saturday 16 March 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National
An Arorangi-based resort is reopening its renovated pool area after guest-friendly closures for upgrades, offering complimentary Wi-Fi and breakfast as thanks for patience.
Apprenticeship aims to end need for overseas plumbing training
Friday 15 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Education, Features, Go Local, National
The Cook Islands is starting a plumbing and drainage apprenticeship programme this year to give locals opportunities in the trade and reduce the need to go overseas for training.
Beyond the numbers: How tourism benefits everyday life in the Cook Islands
Saturday 2 March 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Business, Economy, Features, Go Local, National, Tourism, Weekend
January saw a record breaking 10,368 visitors arrive on our shores. They’re staying longer, and spending more on average. But what do these facts and figures look like in the daily lives of Cook Islanders? Cook Islands News journalist Candice Luke spoke to locals about how the tourist dollar is affecting them, their families, and their businesses right now.
Personal trainer fights for a happier, healthier community
Saturday 17 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National
Heart diseases, stroke, and heart attack made up 53 per cent of NCD (non-communicable disease) deaths in the Cook Islands from October to December last year. A new grassroots initiative ‘Gym and Juice Club’ may help to battle the Cook Islands’ increasing NCD diagnoses and waistlines.
Cafe revived, Italian-style pizzeria opened by two Cook Islands chefs
Monday 29 January 2024 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, Food, Go Local
Two Cook Islands cooks have teamed up to revive and expand a Rarotonga café by transforming it into a traditional Italian pizzeria at night.
One of Rarotonga’s few classic cars for sale
Wednesday 24 January 2024 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, Go Local
Cruising the Rarotonga loop road in one of the only classic cars on the island could soon be a reality for a keen Cook Islands petrol head.
Raro fitness group takes Cook Islands dance to the world
Friday 19 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Features, Go Local
After four years of running a hugely popular ura fitness class out of Avatiu Club House with her ‘Queens’, the CC Tamure Fitness ladies have come full circle, entering the online fitness world to take Cook Islands dance, language and culture, global again.
