More Top Stories
$12.9m approved for solar battery project, NZ confirms
12 March 2025
Crown Law Office on track for record number of lawyers
12 March 2025
‘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
Anxiety on the rise: Cook Islands faces mental health challenge
7 September 2024
MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
3 August 2024
Articles by Melina Etches
Friendly rivalry heats up as Rarotonga and Tahiti sailors compete
Friday 25 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Sailing, Sports
The Rarotonga - Tahiti Sailing Challenge got underway this week in the Optimist Class, Laser 4.7 Class and Vaka at the Rarotonga Sailing Club (RSC) in Muri.
Daughter of late ariki elected Te Maeu O Te Rangi Teikamata Ariki
Thursday 24 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Features, In Depth, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
In a significant occasion for the island of Mitiaro, the daughter of the late Mii Tungane Upokoati O’Bryan, Te Maeu O Te Rangi Teikamata Ariki OBE, has been elected to assume the esteemed title once held by her mother.
Solar powered pump system to improve Aitutaki water supply
Thursday 24 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Aitutaki is facing water shortages due to broken and improperly sized pumps but a new solar-powered pump system is being installed to improve water management efficiency and supply.
Multimillion-dollar hangar project to improve capacity and efficiency
Wednesday 23 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
The Airport Authority Cook Islands (AACI) is set to improve its operational capabilities with the introduction of a new multipurpose (M1) building designed to accommodate tenant ground handling, service equipment and cargo.
Creative Centre extension provides safe learning space for members
Wednesday 23 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The handover ceremony of Creative Centre’s new extension of its vocational learning facility was held last week. It was funded by Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Project.
Tahiti and Rarotonga sailors bond over sailing and fun
Tuesday 22 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Sailing, Sports
The Rarotonga Sailing Club (RSC) is pleased to be hosting sailors and coaches from Tahiti this week for the Rarotonga-Tahiti Sailing Challenge.
CISNOC defends point system amidst social media backlash
Tuesday 22 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Bowling, Boxing, Cook Islands Games, Cricket, Cycling, Handball, League, Netball, Sports
Despite the negative comments circulating on social media, the point system for this year’s Cook Islands Games multi-sport event has remain unchanged from the previous edition that was held in 2022, according to the Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC).
Ministry addresses education gaps with curriculum update
Tuesday 22 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Cook Islands Ministry of Education is undertaking a curriculum refresh to update the outdated curriculum and better align it with New Zealand, with the aim of implementing all changes by 2027.
CI Games conclude in spectacular fashion
Monday 21 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Other Sports, Sports
The brilliant display of fireworks celebrated the closing ceremony of the third Cook Islands Games after two weeks of absolutely enjoyable, intense and competitive sport events.
Team Mangaia defends Cook Islands Games open division title: Tactical genius secures victory
Monday 21 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Other Sports, Sports
Mangaia has once again demonstrated its athletic prowess by successfully defending the Cook Islands Games Open division trophy, solidifying its reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the sporting arena.
Cook Islander named manager of country’s largest department store
Saturday 19 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Features, National, Weekend
A former sales assistant, who has worked diligently for a decade, has been promoted to the manager position of the country’s largest department store.
Aitutaki women clinch back-to-back cricket gold
Saturday 19 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Cricket, Sports
The Aitutaki Cricket Women’s “Golden Girls” team has once again claimed victory at the Cook Islands Games, successfully defending their champion title. Aitutaki players were jubilant and excited having fought hard on the cricket ground yesterday in a thrilling final against Atiu, at the Turangi Oval. Leanne Kiria-Browne, captain of the Aitutaki women, was overjoyed […]
Daughter adds new chapter to father’s memoir
Saturday 19 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane
A revised edition of Tom Neale’s memoir about his solitary life on the remote island of Suwarrow has been published, featuring a new chapter and epilogue written by his daughter, offering a fresh perspective on his experiences.
Cook Islands Games to culminate in spectacular dance, fireworks display
Friday 18 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
In the quiet hours before dawn, an excited group of dancers and drummers rise at 4.30am, driven by anticipation and passion for the closing ceremony of the 2024 Cook Islands Games that will be held tomorrow evening at the National Stadium in Nikao.
Transport ministry, BTIB partner to streamline business licensing process
Friday 18 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, National
In an effort to further economic growth and improve the efficiency of business operations, Te Mana Tumotu o te Kūki ʻĀirani/ Ministry of Transport (MOT) and the Business Trade Investment Board (BTIB) are pleased to announce the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MoA).
Island Govt By-election candidates confirmed
Friday 18 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Candidates for the Island Government By-Election 2024 for Ivirua and Tetautua have been confirmed by chief electoral officer Taggy Tangimetua.
Education ministry launches new teacher training centre
Thursday 17 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Cook Islands Ministry of Education has announced plans to establish a teacher development centre in partnership with the University of Waikato, aiming to improve teacher quality and align the curriculum with the country’s language, culture and heritage.
Pacific voices harmonise in Rarotonga
Wednesday 16 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, National
Against the alluring backdrop of sky and ocean blue, the Tamarind House lawn came alive with the incredible Opera in Rarotonga event, offering a unique fusion of combined artistry and nature, to local audience over the weekend.
Koutu Nui swears in new leaders, addresses land issues and other challenges
Wednesday 16 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
Holders of taoanga Māori titles were sworn in at the Koutu Nui annual general meeting (AGM) this week.
Cloud nine: Teenage sensation Akava shines at Cook Islands Games
Wednesday 16 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Cook Islands Games, Sports
At just 16, delightful Emii Akava has emerged as outstanding talent at the 2024 Cook Islands Games, displaying her exceptional skills across multiple sports.
