More Top Stories
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
Rising seas, rising costs: Climate impacts on Cook Islands economy
2 September 2024
Inflation eases but concerns remain
31 August 2024
Prime Minister defends $659,000 MPs travel bill
23 August 2024
Taxpayers foot $659,000 bill for MPs travel and allowance
22 August 2024
Corruption report exposes ‘bribe and sexual favours’
17 January 2023
PM Brown eager to hand over Forum chair role to Tonga
13 August 2024
ICI explains road works delay in front of old Sheraton site
10 August 2024
Housing crisis hits tourism industry
27 July 2024
MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
3 August 2024
Challenging ‘rape culture’
8 July 2024
Articles by Melina Etches
Social Impact Fund awards $199,825 to 14 community projects
Saturday 21 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
The Cook Islands Social Impact Fund approved 14 proposals totalling $199,825.20 from 21 applications, supporting community initiatives across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, with a focus on sports, wellness and youth development.
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.
Christmas blessings for community champions
Saturday 21 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Christmas came early for two amazing people who have a passion for serving our community, thanks to Vodafone Cook Islands.
Promoting local crafts for Christmas gifts
Friday 20 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Culture, National
As the festive holiday season approaches, the spirit of giving and community shines brighter than ever.
Hospital gifted transfer wheelchairs
Friday 20 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National
Land Holdings Ltd and Ocean Fresh Ltd have donated 19 I-MOVE BMB Medical transfer wheelchairs to Te Marae Ora that will allow the reception of the patient and his/her transport in a sitting position.
A new era for women’s rugby league
Thursday 19 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Rugby league, Sports
The world of rugby league has seen a significant growth and recognition for female athletes, highlighting their skill, determination and passion for the game.
Search for family of WWI hero John Tuaine Apa
Thursday 19 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National
The New Zealand Remembrance Army is searching for the family of John Tuaine Apa, a Cook Islander who served as a Corporal in the New Zealand Pioneer (Māori) Battalion, Rarotongan Company, during World War I.
Apii Rutaki celebrates diamond jubilee
Thursday 19 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National
Once threatened with closure, Rarotonga’s smallest primary school celebrated its 60th anniversary yesterday, highlighting its resilience and dedication to nurturing young minds.
Cook Islands Rugby Union hosts ‘She’s a Ruckstar’ Christmas beach rugby festival
Wednesday 18 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Rugby Union, Sports
The Cook Islands Rugby Union (CIRU) is hosting the ‘She’s A Ruckstar’ Christmas beach rugby fun festival for girls to provide a safe and fun learning space to start their rugby journey in a less intimidating environment.
Kōrero o te ‘Ōrau’s youth programme fosters cultural connection
Wednesday 18 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Education, Local, National
Kōrero o te ‘Ōrau’s ‘Ātui’anga ki te Tango (AKTT) youth programme continues its holistic learning activities for youth and families, immersing them in learning about Cook Islands culture, its values and natural environment, to promote cultural connection.
Aitutaki beauty Maoate crowned Maine Kūki ʻAirani Aotearoa 2024
Tuesday 17 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Education, Entertainment, National
In a celebration of beauty, culture and empowering young women, Ngatepaeru Maoate of Araura Enua (Aitutaki) was crowned Maine Kūki ʻAirani Aotearoa 2024 in Auckland, New Zealand.
Local organisation promotes Māori language and literacy
Tuesday 17 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
With Christmas around the corner, Punanga Turuturu Itivaine (PTI), a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing support for women survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, have been spreading festive cheer around Rarotonga schools.
Titikaveka students soar to new heights
Saturday 14 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Titikaveka College celebrated the achievements of their students in academics, sports and the arts earlier this week.
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.
Sailing club celebrates strong finish
Saturday 14 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Sailing, Sports
The Rarotonga Sailing Club hosted the National Championships for the Optimist class and Optimist ‘Jellybeans’ class in Muri Lagoon earlier this month.
BMX enthusiast pushes for skate park
Friday 13 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Cycling, Sports
Dedicated BMX enthusiast Cook Islander Tony Takurua whose passion for the sport extends beyond his personal pursuits is on a mission to advocate for the construction of a skate park.
Experienced leaders take the helm in Pa Enua governments
Friday 13 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
The outgoing Cook Islands Airport Authority board chairman and the director of Island Governance at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) have been announced as new executive officers of Pa Enua governments.
Imanuela Akatemia honours top students
Thursday 12 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
In the spirit of faith and community, the Imanuela Akatemia (God With Us Academy) gathered yesterday to celebrate their prizegiving day, singing songs of praise and gratitude.
Internship programme aims to ease transition for new nurses
Thursday 12 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National
Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health has launched a new programme to support newly qualified nurses in transitioning to the clinical setting, providing a structured 12-month programme focusing on clinical competence, practical performance and soft skills across various healthcare settings.
