Weekend
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.
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.
‘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.
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.
50 years of service: Ex-chief customs officer honoured
Wednesday 31 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
One of the longest-serving former employees of the Cook Islands Customs Service, Ngapoko Ngatamaine, was recognised for his outstanding service at the opening of the 26th Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) Annual Conference on Monday.
From public service to PhD: Allsworth’s journey to uncovering public sector corruption
Saturday 27 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
A well-known Cook Islander celebrated a double milestone, turning 65 and completing his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies, which focused on corruption in the Cook Islands public sector.
Penrhyn schools celebrate culture in historic festival
Saturday 20 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Features, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
While schools in Rarotonga showcase their cultural heritage, the small but mighty schools of Omoka and Tetautua in Penrhyn/Tongareva, 1400 kilometres away, are making history.
Sibling’s illness fuels passion for healthy living
Saturday 13 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Health, National, Weekend
A young Cook Islander, inspired by her sibling’s health struggles, joined Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health to promote healthy living and supports the government’s plan to ban unhealthy substances.
Family reunites to celebrate WWII Coastwatcher
Friday 12 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
A former Coastwatcher who served in World War II, the late Tai-O-Tonga Henry, who passed away in the 1980s, remains an embodiment of unity for his family in Rarotonga.
New website helps families find World War I ancestors’ graves
Wednesday 10 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
A passionate research team created a website to document Cook Islands World War I soldiers’ graves and share stories of their contribution to the war.
Warm welcome for Vaka Marumaru Atua crew back in Rarotonga
Monday 8 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
On Saturday, hundreds welcomed the voyaging crew at Avarua Harbour, led by a pe’e from Tuaine Unuia - Anautoa Rangatira and spokesperson for Makea Karika George Ariki, followed by speeches from Kaumaiti Nui – Travel Tou Ariki and Deputy Prime Minister Albert Nicholas.
Giving ‘help and hope’ to build healthy relationships without violence
Saturday 6 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Go Local, Health, Local, National, Weekend
They say it takes a community to raise a child, and for new Te Punanga Ora’anga Matutu’s (TePOM) coordinator Rick Currie, it is quite simple; it will take a community to help reduce domestic violence and the issues surrounding it, especially for men.
Bradlee Anae living his dream as NFL player in America
Saturday 6 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Rugby league, Sports, Weekend
Bradlee Joseph Ioane Anae is living his dream.
Recognition for Pacific Coastwatchers ‘bittersweet’
Wednesday 3 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
More than 80 years after their service, Pacific Island Coastwatchers who kept watch for enemy aircraft and ships during World War II – fought between 1939 and 1945 – were formally acknowledged earlier this week in a poignant ceremony.
Ex police officer brings back private investigation services
Saturday 29 June 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, Features, Go Local, Local, National, Weekend
A 51-year-old former police intelligence officer of 15 years, Allan Rua, is transitioning his skills and abilities to a private investigation service, a first on the island after many years.
Unplanned power outages disrupt businesses, tourism in Rarotonga
Saturday 29 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Economy, Features, In Depth, Local, National, Technology, Weekend
Unexpected power outages in Rarotonga caused frustration and disruption to businesses and residents, raising questions about the reliability of the power grid despite recent upgrades. By Losirene Lacanivalu, Talaia Mika and Melina Etches.
Niue community hostel fundraiser raises $325,000
Thursday 27 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Niue, Regional, Weekend
The Cook Islands Niue Community and Friends (CINCF) monster raffle fundraiser raised $325,000.
‘The tī was coffee’: Mangaia relives its café past
Tuesday 25 June 2024 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
If you think sipping lattes is a sign of Ponsonby-style modernity – think again. Mangaia was doing it a century ago, writes Rod Dixon.
Evans earns Masters and Honorary Doctorate
Saturday 22 June 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Education, Environment, Features, National, Weekend
Renowned Cook Islands marine conservationist Jacqueline Evans had a double celebration recently – graduating from her year-long studies at Harvard University and receiving an Honorary Doctorate from the Université du Littoral Côte d'Opale (ULCO) in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France.
