More Top Stories
Cook Islands passport proposal
6 January 2025
Top cop position advertised
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Niki Rattle: A call for stronger human rights protections
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Solid and Hazardous Waste Bill referred to Parliament committee
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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
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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
Tough conditions test paddlers at National Singles Championships
Thursday 8 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Paddling, Sports
Hot flat sea conditions made it a tough grind for paddlers in the National Singles Championships on Saturday.
Diaspora dismayed over lack of Te Maeva Nui livestream
Thursday 8 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The decision not to livestream the annual Te Maeva Nui festival due to copyright concerns has sparked widespread disappointment among the Cook Islands diaspora and those in remote areas.
Revitalised Vaka Paikea to embark on educational and cultural voyage
Thursday 8 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation’s Vaka Paikea was relaunched into Avatiu Harbour under the watchful eyes of its captain and traditional navigator Peia Patai and crew after nearly nine months on dry dock.
Thousands flock to witness Te Maeva Nui’s best, empty seats mar closing night
Wednesday 7 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
Te Maeva Nui 2024 showcased strong, solid and stunning cultural performances of a high standard from each respective team, representing their districts and home islands with pride as they celebrated 59 years of Cook Islands self-governance.
Te Maeva Nui: A journey through time and tradition
Saturday 3 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The combination of powerful drumming and dancing, dazzling vibrant costumes, thrilling performances and non-stop energy on stage is creating a mesmerising spectacle at the 2024 Te Maeva Nui held at the National Auditorium.
Olympic dream comes true for Dean
Saturday 3 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Other Sports, Sports
Cook Islands Football Association competition manager Pauline Dean worked as a match coordinator at the Paris Olympics, assisting with football matches.
Vibrant performances light up Te Maeva Nui
Friday 2 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
This year, seven groups representing different islands and districts of Rarotonga showcased their unique and captivating dances, chants and music, which have been passed down through generations.
Cancer survivor and advocate honoured as Woman of the Month
Friday 2 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Health, Local, National, Weekend
Myra Tatakura is a warrior, a true inspiration and a shining example of courage, resilience and compassion. As a breast cancer survivor, she has faced immense challenges with steadfast strength, battling the disease with determination and never losing sight of her faith in the Lord.
Emergency Management Cook Islands wins global award for GIS innovation
Friday 2 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Weather
Emergency Management Cook Islands (EMCI) has made history as the first Pacific island organisation to receive an international award for its innovative use of Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) technology.
Pukapuka Nassau make bold statement as dancers shake up the competition
Friday 2 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, National
Although their traditional dances are the pride of Pukapuka and Nassau, they have found that they often receive lower scores in the annual Te Maeva Nui festival when performing their cultural heritage.
Local companies donate crutches to Rarotonga Hospital
Thursday 1 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National
In a generous show of support for the Rarotonga Hospital and its patients, local companies Landholdings Ltd and Ocean Fresh Ltd have donated 100 pairs of crutches to aid in the recovery and rehabilitation of the hospital’s patients.
TMO urges mothers to breastfeed
Thursday 1 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National
Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health is highlighting the importance of breastfeeding for Cook Island babies as the country joins the rest of the world in marking the annual World Breastfeeding Week from August 1 to 7.
Emo Aito Māori race adds spice to annual Te Maeva Nui cultural festival
Wednesday 31 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
Hundreds gathered at the Avarua Town Centre at midday yesterday to witness the spectacular start of the 59th Te Maeva Nui cultural festival, celebrating the Cook Islands’ self-governance.
Cook Islands couple secure podium finish in US paddle race
Tuesday 30 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Paddling, Sports
Both fairly new to outrigger paddling, husband and wife team Damien Heather and Ana File-Heather competed at the Gorge Downwind Champs in the United States earlier this month (July 8-13), securing a podium finish.
Emo Aito Māori races to kick off Te Maeva Nui 2024
Tuesday 30 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Te Emo Aito Māori fruit-carrying races will be held this afternoon following the official opening of Te Maeva Nui 2024 at 12.30pm at the Avarua Town Centre.
‘The greatest celebration’
Saturday 27 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
Te Maeva Nui, as we know it today, is the most important annual festival in the Cook Islands and the best time to experience all aspects of Cook Islands traditional and modern culture.
Star navigators to jet planes: From ancient voyagers to modern arrivals
Saturday 27 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, Go Local, National
The theme for this year’s Te Maeva Nui Festival is “Te au Tauranga Rongonui o taku enua/matakeinanga – The important ports of my island/tribe.”
‘Our culture reminds us of who we are and where we come from’
Saturday 27 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
Kia Orana tatou katoa i te aroa kenakore o to tatou Atu. Te rekareka nei au ite akaaravei ia tatou na roto i teia tataanga; ia tatou e tapapa atu nei no teia tuatau akamaaraanga ite ivangauruanga ma iva mataiti na tatou rai tatou e akaaere.
Cultural groups gear up for spectacular Te Maeva Nui
Saturday 27 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
The annual Te Maeva Nui is Cook Islands’ biggest and greatest cultural performing arts festival that showcases the rich cultural heritage and traditions of its people in commemoration of the country’s self-governance in 1965.
From public service to PhD: Allsworth’s journey to uncovering public sector corruption
Saturday 27 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
A well-known Cook Islander celebrated a double milestone, turning 65 and completing his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies, which focused on corruption in the Cook Islands public sector.
