More Top Stories
‘Nothing to worry about’: Prime Minister Brown on China agreement
16 February 2025
‘Serious questions’: Opposition challenges China partnership
15 February 2025
No-confidence motion against PM and his Cabinet faces delays
15 February 2025
Ruta Mave: People’s Republic of China red flag
10 February 2025
No debt in China deal
8 February 2025
Thomas Wynne: Haka with the taniwha or dance with the dragon?
8 February 2025
‘Paedophile’ gets 13 years in prison
22 January 2025
Thomas Wynne: Where were our leaders while children suffered?
25 January 2025
$541.7m tourism earnings
25 January 2025
Cook Islands passport proposal
6 January 2025
Top cop position advertised
7 December 2024
Police need numbers and bigger budget
9 December 2024
Niki Rattle: A call for stronger human rights protections
10 December 2024
Solid and Hazardous Waste Bill referred to Parliament committee
10 December 2024
DPM defends CIIC finance and travel policies
6 December 2024
Cook Islands has its first mosque
14 November 2024
CI Muslim opens up about her faith and journey
16 November 2024
RAC to address mosque legality
19 November 2024
I don’t expect much change: PM Brown on US Elections
6 November 2024
Fifth weekly Sydney flight to Rarotonga announced
23 October 2024
CIIC directors seek $350,000 in damages over defamatory claims
21 October 2024
Man found guilty of rape, burglary
24 September 2024
Tenants face water bill burden
8 October 2024
Concerns over Minister’s role in inmate work releases: PAC
5 October 2024
Tourism contribution set to surpass half-billion dollar mark
25 September 2024
Parliament Clerk sparks outrage over deep sea mining statement
23 September 2024
Deep sea dilemma: Cook Islanders weigh the cost of mineral riches
21 September 2024
Anxiety on the rise: Cook Islands faces mental health challenge
7 September 2024
Cook Islands deep sea mining poll sparks controversy
7 September 2024
MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
3 August 2024
Articles by Melina Etches
Apii Te Uki Ou prefects ready to lead
Friday 21 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Features, National
The newly inducted Apii Te Uki Ou student leaders were reminded to uphold the school’s values at all times and represent it with pride.
Seven home cooks vie for kuru crown
Friday 21 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Rarotonga residents are in for a treat tomorrow morning when home cooks in the community battle it out in the Takurua tiopu kuru (breadfruit stew) competition at the Punanga Nui Market.
Atiu Harbour upgrade to address deterioration and safety concerns
Thursday 20 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
The National Environment Service is seeking public input on an Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed upgrade of Atiu Harbour, which involves dredging, makatea cliff removal and concrete repair to address deterioration and safety concerns.
Māori MP draws parallels between Cook Islands protest and Māori concerns
Thursday 20 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, New Zealand, Regional
Aotearoa New Zealand’s Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer says Cook Islanders’ protest against their government over key decisions resonate with the feelings of New Zealand Māori in Aotearoa “with a lot of decisions being made about us, without us”.
Cook Islands Tourism prepares for Takurua culinary celebration
Thursday 20 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National, Tourism
Cook Islands Tourism chief executive Karla Eggelton says the upcoming Takurua culinary festival gives an opportunity to share the nation’s food story in a way that “connects us to our past while also showcasing how our cuisine is evolving”.
Dollars and sense: Autism Cook Islands students learn financial literacy
Thursday 20 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National
Autism Cook Islands (ACI) has started their Term 1 programme teaching their transition group of seven students how to use money wisely.
Culinary celebration of Takurua - Umu Cooking
Wednesday 19 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
To celebrate Cook Islands’ 60th Anniversary of Self-Governance celebrations, Te Mato Manava Turoto/Cook Islands Tourism will present the culinary celebration of Takurua – Taste of the Season, this week.
Peaceful protest to Parliament House, Cook Islanders voicing their concerns and advocating for change
Wednesday 19 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Hundreds of Cook Islanders marched in protest to Parliament, demanding that government prioritise their New Zealand citizenship, address concerns about the China agreement and listen to the people’s wishes. Reporter Melina Etches looks back at the rally that was held in front of Parliament on Monday.
Young leaders rise at Apii Rutaki
Tuesday 18 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in
Apii Rutaki, the smallest school on Rarotonga, inducted their eight prefects during a special school ceremony last week.
Over 1200 water meters installed on Rarotonga
Monday 17 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
To Tatou Vai (TTV), the island’s water authority is progressing well with its water meter installation project for both residential homes commercial property. As of last week, just over 1200 meters have been installed – “a 50/50 split”.
Eels, Panthers remain unbeaten
Monday 17 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in League, Sports
The second round of the Cook Islands Rugby League (CIRL) Rarotonga 13s League competition continued on Saturday at Nukupure Park amidst the intermittent bursts of rain which kept the players cool but led to missed kicks and dropped balls.
No-confidence motion against PM and his Cabinet faces delays
Saturday 15 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Parliament
A motion of no confidence against the Cook Islands Cabinet, filed on February 11, faces delays due to parliamentary procedure, specifically the 14-day notice requirement and the precedence of an Appropriation Amendment Bill.
Faith vs rights: Cook Islands debates declaring itself a Christian nation
Saturday 15 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, National, Parliament
Parliament is considering a constitutional amendment to declare the nation a Christian state, sparking debate about religious freedom, human rights and the separation of church and state, with various religious leaders and legal experts presenting their views to a special committee.
Tereora College students treated to concert preview
Friday 14 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
Tereora College students cheered and rocked to a special preview by New Zealand artists, who entertained the school with a taste of what to expect at tonight’s LG Entertainment Rarodice Concert.
Religious groups and CI Law Society weigh in on Christian nation proposal
Thursday 13 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Parliament
A special select committee is reviewing submissions on a proposed constitutional amendment to declare the nation a Christian state.
Aitutaki water crisis: Resident disputes ICI’s claim of well-functioning galleries
Wednesday 12 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
An Aitutaki resident and contractor disputes the claim that most of the island’s water galleries are functioning well, citing ongoing water shortages and criticising the spending priorities of Infrastructure Cook Islands.
Opposition files no-confidence motion against Prime Minister
Wednesday 12 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in BREAKING NEWS, National, Parliament, Politics
A vote of no confidence motion has been filed against the Prime Minister and his Cabinet following the recent fiasco involving the now-abandoned Cook Islands passport proposal and the comprehensive strategic partnership the country will sign with China this week.
Home cooks to battle for Kuru Trophy and $1000 cash prize
Tuesday 11 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Agriculture, National
Home cooks in the community will have the opportunity to display their tiopu kuru (breadfruit stew) culinary skills at Te Mato Manava Turoto/Cook Islands Tourism’s “Takurua – Taste of the Season”, an annual celebration of cuisine that highlights local ingredients and their cultural significance.
Rarotonga set to rock with inaugural Rarodice music festival
Tuesday 11 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
The inaugural “family friendly” Rarodice concert will feature a diverse lineup of talented artists from overseas, bringing their unique sounds and styles to the Cook Islands.
Prominent PMN broadcaster promotes Cook Islands culture
Monday 10 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
Cook Islander Tauraki Rongo a prominent Pacific Media Network broadcaster based in Aotearoa New Zealand is known for his efforts in promoting and preserving the culture, heritage and language of the Cook Islands.
