Features
Positive trends in the Cook Islands property market
Monday 30 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Business, Features, National
November’s 2024 visitor arrivals and migration numbers are continuing on a positive trend, driving a solid economic recovery in the Cook Islands. Visitor numbers reached 13,419, showing a 7.7% increase over last year, with notable rises from Australia, Europe, and the USA. Beyond tourism, the return of 732 Cook Islanders and a net gain of […]
SIF grants address critical social needs across the Cook Islands
Monday 30 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features
The Cook Islands Social Impact Fund distributed $199,825.20 to 14 successful applicants, including organisations focused on child welfare, education, youth development, women’s empowerment and community health, to support their vital work in addressing social issues and improving the well-being of Cook Islanders.
‘Toughy’ bids farewell to 45-year banking career
Saturday 28 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
After a remarkable 45-year career spanning four different banks in the same building, a respected bank employee has retired, leaving a legacy of dedication and service to the community.
Walking for ‘Dear Love’: A journey of reflection and love
Saturday 28 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
A Cook Islands businesswoman walked the Camino de Santiago in memory of her late husband, finding solace and healing on the ancient pilgrimage route while honouring their shared love and dreams.
Tracing Polynesian roots
Saturday 28 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
In a significant occasion that celebrates heritage, Pa Marie Upokotini Ariki attended the opening ceremonies of the Austronesian Cultural and Art Exhibition and the Keqiutou Site Museum in Pingtan Island, China, reflecting on the shared heritage of Austronesian peoples and emphasising the importance of understanding their origins, including those of the Cook Islands.
Church Talk: Let Christ’s light shine all year long
Friday 27 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
As we wrap up the Christmas season and look ahead to the new year, let’s take a moment to think about the true meaning of Christmas – the light of Jesus Christ that came into the world that night in Bethlehem, writes Kayla Kaimarama-Willie of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Staying on budget in Cook Islands construction
Monday 23 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Business, Features, National
Embarking on a construction project in the Cook Islands is an exciting venture, but it comes with its own set of financial challenges. While sticking to a construction budget is indeed possible, it requires more than relying solely on square meter cost estimates. Some key basic knowledge is necessary at the start of your project […]
Collaborative efforts to a rat-free, thriving ecosystem on Takutea
Saturday 21 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features
In a monumental stride in conservation for the Cook Islands, Takutea Island is on its path to becoming rat-free.
New mammography machine offers improved breast cancer detection
Saturday 21 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Health, Local
The arrival of the new mammography machine in the Cook Islands marks a significant advancement in women’s health, enabling earlier detection of breast cancer and potentially saving lives.
Divided legacy: Arioka invested as Pera Mataiapo Tutara amidst controversy
Saturday 14 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Features, National, Weekend
Patrick Arioka has been invested with the traditional title of Pera Mataiapo Tutara in the second investiture for the same title this year, little over a week after another claimant, Ana Andrew, was invested on November 27, 2024.
Celebrating investment in healthcare workforce with graduation ceremony
Saturday 14 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Health, National, Weekend
Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health celebrated the graduation of its first cohort of Bachelor of Nursing students and other healthcare professionals, recognising their dedication and the importance of investing in local healthcare education to improve community health services.
A night of music and culture
Saturday 14 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Features
The annual Kīnura Music Festival, hosted by local NGO Kōrero o te ‘Ōrau (KO), took place at the National Auditorium on Friday, December 6, attracting a large audience of over 1000.
Church talk: The importance of obedience
Friday 13 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
I’ve been reading through the book of Hebrews lately. I preached a message in Mangaia using this book as a reference, and I recently used this book for our Bible Class at Tereora College this week, writes Pastor Paul Kauri, the General Superintendent of Cook Islands Assemblies of God Church.
Launch of late Sir Gaven Donne biography
Monday 9 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National
On Saturday morning, Nick Donne launched the self-published biography of his father the late Sir Gaven Donne “No man is an Island” at the Bounty Bookshop in downtown Avarua, Rarotonga.
Cook Islands ABC’s Nesian Footy Presenter Arona honoured to be home, shares memories
Monday 9 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Tinirau Arona, one of ABC’s Nesian Footy presenters returned to Rarotonga last week to launch the reconnection of ABC Radio Australia on 91.5FM.
ABC Radio 91.5FM partners with DJ guru GDub
Saturday 7 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Features, National, Weekend
ABC Radio Australia has reconnected with audiences of Rarotonga on 91.5FM through a partnership with popular local DJ guru George “GDub” Williams radio 88FM station.
Building dreams, kit by kit
Saturday 30 November 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National
Next Kit Home, a two-year-old local company, is striving to make building homes simpler and more affordable in the Cook Islands.
Church Talk: Blessings or curses -Akameitakianga me e Taumaa Iki Tataki Tai
Friday 29 November 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
All God’s promises are fulfilled in Jesus Christ: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise as some count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance … Kare ua te Atu I akaroaroa I Tana I tuatua maira, mei ta tetai pae e karanga ra e, e akaroaroa; e akakoromaki maata ra Tona ia tatou, kare rava I anoano e kia mate atu tetai, kia rauka katoatoa ra te tataraara” – 2 Peter 3:9.
Legacy lives on: Tekeu honoured with ancestral Mataiapo title
Friday 29 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Features, National, Weekend
Fifty-six years after his late father held the title, Tekeu Maki Tekeu, 68, was yesterday invested with the Ta Mataiapo title of Matavera.
First Cook Islander joins prestigious fellowship
Wednesday 27 November 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education, Features, Local, National, Weekend
As the first Cook Islander to be accepted into a “lifetime” fellowship, Louisa Castledine is looking forward to introducing Cook Islands to a global league of academic leaders, change-makers and visionaries.
