CommunityMore than a crown: Redefining pageantry with identity, culture, leadership and voiceFrom Australia to Aotearoa, a new generation of Pasifika is putting community first and giving youth a platform to reconnect and speak up for themselves.PMN NewsMon, 20 Jul
Language & Culture‘Too white to be brown, too brown to be white’: Kayla Moe reclaiming her Cook Islands reoOnce labelled a ‘plastic Cook Islander’ for not speaking her language, she is using social media to reconnect with her Kūki ‘Āirani identity.PMN NewsWed, 08 Jul
Pacific Region • Cook IslandsCook Islands: Historic bill could reshape how Ariki titles passed onThe bill recognises customary succession for the Ngamaru Ariki title, marking the first time a tribe can enshrine its traditional leadership rules in law.Losirene Lacanivalu, Cook Islands NewsTue, 16 Jun
Arts • Cook IslandsFrom the Waikato to Rarotonga: Small-town dancers ready for Cook Islands’ biggest stageThree rangatahi say they’re proud to represent Kirikiriroa and Tokoroa at Te Mire Ura Nui for the title of International Dancer of the Year.Atutahi Potaka-DewesWed, 27 May
Arts • Cook IslandsThe Kūki Tenor: Ridge Ponini takes the Cook Islands to London stageA “boy from Nikao” is making history as the first Cook Islands-born and raised professional tenor to break into the global classical music scene.Atutahi Potaka-DewesTue, 12 May
Language & CultureCook Islands dancers get fully funded path to Rarotonga competitionFor the first time in Auckland, two dancers will head to Rarotonga with their flights, costumes, and costs covered - marking a major step for NZ diaspora.Atutahi Potaka-DewesThu, 07 May
Language & CultureFrom ‘get out’ to belonging: Porirua youth reclaim Cook Islands drummingAfter being pushed aside in traditional drumming groups, young Cook Islanders in Porirua are finding their place in a new, judgement-free space and helping keep their culture alive.Atutahi Potaka-DewesTue, 21 Apr
Community • Cook IslandsAitutaki’s young ‘superstar’ goes viral sharing language, culture and identityBorn the first Filipino child on a remote island in the Cook Islands, nine-year-old Manuia is using social media to celebrate Te Reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani.Atutahi Potaka-DewesMon, 13 Apr
Community • Cook Islands • Aotearoa New Zealand‘One of our most trusted leaders’: Tributes flow for a beloved rangatiraThe Pacific community is mourning the passing of Tauraki Rongo Raea, a veteran broadcaster and tireless advocate for Reo Māori Kūki ‘Airani.Aui'a Vaimaila Leatinu'uTue, 03 Mar
Pacific RegionMiss Cook Islands 2026, reflections of a Pacific Island beauty queenPetra Matina Mataiti’s journey to Miss Pacific Islands 2026 turned a last minute ‘yes’ into a masterclass in resilience, grace, and grit.Atutahi Potaka-DewesFri, 27 Feb
