Memory Lane
Family honours loved one in Rarotonga
Monday 14 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane
The family of Dr Thomas Brian Guy, who died in Rarotonga in 1977, travelled from Canada and Australia to unveil his plaque in the Nikao Cemetery, which they discovered thanks to the efforts of local volunteers.
Racy Raro sports car has new life in New Zealand
Monday 7 October 2024 | Written by Cameron Scott | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National
A high-powered Mazda RX7 sports car which once languished in a shed near the beach in Rarotonga has found a new life in New Zealand as a drag racer, driven by a former Tereora College pupil.
Mangaia’s ‘ringed web of caves’ offers rich geological and historical treasures
Saturday 21 September 2024 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Features, In Depth, Memory Lane, Weekend
A team of American cave explorers estimate there may be hundreds of caves yet to be explored on Mangaia in what one team member describes as ‘a ringed web of caves’ rich in geological and historical interest, including evidence of pre-historic exploration, writes Rod Dixon.
The power of family and pride in rugby
Saturday 7 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Rugby Union, Sports
A former rugby union great who represented the Cook Islands national team, shares his experiences and highlights the importance of family, community and hard work in the sport.
A father’s wish: Naea’s unfulfilled dream
Thursday 29 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
Okirua Naea’s greatest wish is that his children had met the man who raised him into the father he is today.
Tararo’s commitment to God and family
Thursday 29 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
A 29-year-old father of two, Bernard Tararo, is setting an example for all young fathers in the Cook Islands that commitment and faith are key to building a successful family.
The General’s greatest gift
Thursday 29 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
A former Cook Islands rugby star and grandfather of 11, reflects on his journey as a father and husband, emphasising the importance of love, support and equality in family relationships
Losacker’s 12th book features sailing adventures and medical missions
Thursday 22 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Go Local, Memory Lane
A long-serving Cook Islands medical practitioner Dr Wolfgang Losacker has added another book inspired by the country to his collection called “Sailing Adventures in the South Seas”.
‘Only in the Cooks’: Retiring judge shares fond memories of Cook Islands
Saturday 17 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Features, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
After 12 years of dedicated service to the Cook Islands justice system, High Court Judge Dame Judith Potter is hanging up her robes, leaving a legacy of legal expertise, and taking with her some ‘only in the Cooks’ memories.
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.
Resort pays tribute to devoted employee
Friday 2 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National
The Pacific Resort in Rarotonga on Tuesday celebrated the life of one of its dedicated employees who passed away last week after a short illness.
Plaque commemorates life, work of missionary couple
Friday 26 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane
Over half a century later, families and spiritual and traditional leaders gathered to unveil a plaque in memory and honour of the late Reverend Mataā Va’a of the London Missionary Society (LMS) Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) and his wife Talailalo Isaia.
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.
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.
Honouring the forgotten: Cook Islands coastwatchers to receive recognition
Thursday 27 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National
Cook Islanders are among the 25 Pacific Islands coastwatchers who will be recognised by New Zealand’s Governor-General for their service during World War II.
‘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.
Four honoured for dedication to public service and community
Tuesday 18 June 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
Cook Islands Government has announced four recipients of the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours awards, three of them women, honoured for their service to health, mental health, education, culture, and the community.
New book explores impact of Christianity on Mangaia
Saturday 8 June 2024 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Church Talk, Features, Memory Lane
Mangaia accepted Christianity 200 years ago this month. A permanent peace – te au o te Evangeria - was the main dividend of the new religion and, according to a new book to be launched this weekend, peace justified the sacrifice of ancient customs and traditions to achieve, writes Rod Dixon.
Papa Tapi Taio leaves lasting legacy
Friday 7 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Memory Lane
A huge crowd including close family and friends gathered yesterday to bid their final farewell and respects to Pera Mataiapo Tutara Tapi Teremoana Taio, a well-known former Cabinet Minister and businessman who dedicated his life to the community.
