Weekend
Cook Islands, NZ leaders celebrate Waitangi Day, pledge stronger ties
Saturday 10 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Waitangi Day and the first visit of Aotearoa New Zealand’s new Deputy Prime Minister, Winston Peters, and Minister of Health and Pacific Peoples, Dr Shane Reti, was marked with a special garden reception at Ngātipā, the official residence of New Zealand. New Zealand High Commissioner Tui Dewes hosted the special evening on Wednesday, February 7, attended by around 200 people.
Heather invested as new Tamakeu Mataiapo
Saturday 10 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Features, National, Weekend
Joseph Heather was invested as the new Tamakeu Mataiapo of Teimurimotia, a traditional title also held by his late mother Puretu a Tangiiau Api Heather, in a ceremony attended by hundreds and marked by cultural significance.
Pacific first: Wichman wins prestigious human rights award
Saturday 10 February 2024 | Written by RNZ | Published in Features, Weekend
Valery Wichman, a leading figure in the Cook Islands’ LGBTQI+ movement, was presented with the Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law in Wellington.
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.
Maungaroa Valley inches closer to UNESCO world heritage status
Saturday 3 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Environment, Features, Local, National, Weekend
The Maungaroa Valley in the Cook Islands is one step closer to becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognising its cultural significance and prompting calls for wider protection of cultural and natural heritage sites in the region.
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.
“What is our responsibility to the people of Kūki ‘Airani? Our tuakana”
Monday 29 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Features, In Depth, Weekend
Debbie Ngarewa-Packer is the wahine co-leader of Te Pāti Māori, a political party in Aotearoa. Descending from Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāruahine and Ngā Rauru, she is a grassroots activist and environmental campaigner with a lifetime of fighting for indigenous rights. Candice Luke reports.
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.
‘Miracle baby’ Mana discharged after 128 days in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Saturday 27 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
After 128 days in intensive care, “miracle baby” Mana Te-Hine-Toa Pearl Castledine was finally discharged from the Waikato Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in New Zealand.
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.
Long Service Awards honour courage and dedication
Wednesday 24 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Honouring courage and dedication, three Airport Authority Rescue fire fighters were recognised with Long Service Gold Star awards (25+ years’ service).
