More Top Stories
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
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
Challenging ‘rape culture’
8 July 2024
Articles by Melina Etches
Leaks and wastage persist, says Rarotonga water authority
Monday 16 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Local, National
The issue of high-water leaks and wastage remain a pressing concern, despite the heavy downpour earlier this month that replenished the water intakes across the island.
‘He waka eke noa – We are all in this together’
Saturday 14 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, In Depth, Weekend
Cook Islands last week bid farewell to Tūī Dewes, the former Aotearoa New Zealand High Commissioner to the Cook Islands, who completed a four-year term on September 6, 2024. In an interview with senior journalist Melina Etches, Dewes reflects on her achievements and contributions, shared interests and enhancing Māori-to-Māori ties.
Over 500 trained in first aid
Saturday 14 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National
The World First Aid Day is observed on the second Saturday of September, today, to highlight the importance of first aid saving lives.
Cook Islands bolsters cyber defences
Saturday 14 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Technology
Minister Vaine “Mac” Mokoroa, Stephanie Crowe from the Australia Cyber Security Centre, and local stakeholders at the Pacific Cyber Security Operational Network (PaCSON) Annual General Meeting. MELINA ETCHES/24090912
‘Winds of change’ blow over Aitutaki as new mayor, council takes office
Friday 13 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
On Tuesday, the Aitutaki community proudly came together to witness the swearing-in ceremony for their recently elected Island Government Council members, including their new mayor.
Punanga Tauturu announces new coordinator and logo
Thursday 12 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The country’s women counselling centre is holding its annual general meeting to discuss the past year, future plans and announce a new coordinator and logo.
Clean up the Cook Islands Day
Thursday 12 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Local, National
Te Tu’anga Taporoporo National Environment Service (NES) will coordinate its annual ‘Clean Up the Cook Islands Day’ event this Friday, emphasising the importance of environmental action and also to inspire collective action against waste.
Paunu Day keeps Cook Islands toddlers healthy
Thursday 12 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Babies and infants on the island of Manihiki attended “Paunu” where their general wellbeing was monitored (weighed, measured and assessed) to track their growth and development.
Young stars emerge at Cook Islands Boxing’s Fight Night
Wednesday 11 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Boxing, Sports
The Cook Islands Boxing Association Fight Night held late last month enticed 14 boxers into the ring from three clubs on the island.
14 contestants vying for $3000 top prize in Cook Islands Has Talent
Wednesday 11 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
The stage of the Cook Islands Has Talent show will come alive this Saturday with incredible voices and performances as contestants battle in the semifinals, each bringing their unique vocals, flair and passion to the spotlight.
Pacific nations unite to combat cyber threats at regional meeting
Tuesday 10 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Pacific Islands, Regional, Technology
The Pacific Cyber Security Operational Network (PaCSON) is an operational cyber security network that plays a vital role in enhancing cyber security in the Pacific region.
Powerful vocals and dazzling performances at Cook Islands Has Talent
Monday 9 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Big vocals hitting high notes and radiating great confidence captivated the audience at the “Cook Islands Has Talent” stage on Saturday night.
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.
Talent for a cause: Stellar performances prove Cook Islands Has Talent
Friday 6 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Sweet songs, strumming ukelele strings, lip-syncing and guitar playing were showcased on stage during the first round of the Cook Islands’ Has Talent competition, celebrating local talent.
Nukutere College Raises $136,184 for Inclusive Education Centre
Friday 6 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
The Nukutere College monster raffle fundraiser recorded a net profit of $122,550, thanks to the support from dedicated parents, family and friends, the business community, tapere, and Catholic parishes across the Cook Islands and in Aotearoa New Zealand.
All-girls robotics team heads to global competition
Friday 6 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National, Technology
The “girl power” Cook Islands Robotics team, along with teams from 190-plus countries, is heading to Athens, Greece, for the FIRST Global Robotics Tournament in the home of the Olympics.
Superfund bolsters governance with two female board members
Thursday 5 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands National Superannuation Fund (CINSF) has welcomed two new women to its board to help guide its strategic direction and enrich its governance.
Mauke hits fundraising goal for Cook Islands Games
Thursday 5 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Other Sports, Outer Islands, Sports
The Mauke Cook Islands Games sports committee is thrilled to announce the successful raising of $17,000 through its recent golf ambrose and radiothon fundraisers for its 400-plus athletes.
Cook Islands marks Merchant Navy Day, honours fallen heroes
Wednesday 4 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
As the Cook Islands Returned Services (CIRSA) came together to commemorate Merchant Navy Day on Tuesday, they also paid tribute to 91-year-old sailor Mervin Charles Martin, who passed away last month.
Penrhyn schools welcome island’s first female MP
Tuesday 3 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National, Outer Islands
The Omoka and Tetautua schools on the northern group island of Penrhyn/Tongareva held a special formal assembly to welcome and acknowledge their Member of Parliament, Sarakura Tapaitau.
