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
Warm welcome for Vaka Marumaru Atua crew back in Rarotonga
Monday 8 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
On Saturday, hundreds welcomed the voyaging crew at Avarua Harbour, led by a pe’e from Tuaine Unuia - Anautoa Rangatira and spokesperson for Makea Karika George Ariki, followed by speeches from Kaumaiti Nui – Travel Tou Ariki and Deputy Prime Minister Albert Nicholas.
Bradlee Anae living his dream as NFL player in America
Saturday 6 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Rugby league, Sports, Weekend
Bradlee Joseph Ioane Anae is living his dream.
String band battle closes Te 'Epetoma ō te reo Māori
Saturday 6 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Sounds of strings and song echoed through the Are Karioi Nui as six government department teams battled for the string band champion title, closing off Te ‘Epetoma ō te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani. Apii Avarua’s vibrant string band team led by Principal Engia Baxter featured women and just one male singing their hearts out on […]
St Joseph’s Gala Raises $30,000
Saturday 6 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National
Around $30,000 was raised at the St Joseph’s Primary School gala day on Thursday.
Te Ra O Te Ui Ariki focuses on keeping traditional titles out of court
Saturday 6 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Features, National
Te Ra O Te Ui Ariki, a public holiday celebrated on the first Friday of July every year, pays tribute to the Ui Ariki, and Aronga Mana (traditional leaders) of the Cook Islands.
Rarotonga prepares official ceremony for Vaka Marumaru Atua's arrival
Saturday 6 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Tourism, Weather
Rejoicing at the arrival of Vaka Marumaru Atua and their celebrated and prominent son, master navigator Captain Peia Patai, and crew, the community of Akatokamanava Mauke turned out in force to welcome the team ashore.
Clash of opinions on Cook Islands Māori language
Thursday 4 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Education, National
The Mapu Taurekareka O Nikao, Pa Enua, Rangiatea Matavera, and Vaka Puaikura teams presented vigorous ‘akatika’ (For) and pātoi (Against) sentiments in the 'Epetoma ō te reo Māori Kūki 'Āirani debate competition on Wednesday.
Tatau, tatā and tuatua Māori - read, write and speak
Wednesday 3 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Education, Features, National
Tauranga Vananga Minister George “Maggie” Angene has called on Members of Parliament to do their part in preserving reo Māori Kūki 'Āirani by speaking the language during Parliament sittings.
Recognition for Pacific Coastwatchers ‘bittersweet’
Wednesday 3 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
More than 80 years after their service, Pacific Island Coastwatchers who kept watch for enemy aircraft and ships during World War II – fought between 1939 and 1945 – were formally acknowledged earlier this week in a poignant ceremony.
Is our language at risk of disappearing?
Wednesday 3 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
A United Nations agency says te reo Māori Kūki' Āirani is decreasing at an accelerating pace and is at risk of disappearing as more Cook Islanders shift their preference from their native tongue to English.
Tears and gratitude: Bishop Donoghue retires after 13 years of service
Tuesday 2 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features
Bishop Paul Patrick Donoghue retired after over a decade of service as Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Rarotonga, Cook Islands, paving the way for Bishop Reynaldo Bunyi Getalado’s installation as the new leader
11-year-old urges community to embrace reo Māori at Cook Islands Language Week
Tuesday 2 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Education, Local, National
Language starts at home was the powerful message delivered distinctly in reo Māori by 11-year-old Inano Urirau on day one of the 'Epetoma ō te reo Māori Kūki 'Āirani - Cook Islands Language Week yesterday.
Cook Islands Language Week kicks off with focus on youth and schools
Monday 1 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Today marks the beginning of the annual ‘Epetoma ō te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani – Cook Islands Language Week, which celebrates the languages of the Cook Islands.
Bishop Getalado takes the helm of the Catholic Diocese of Rarotonga
Monday 1 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features
Coadjutor Bishop Reynaldo Bunyi Getalado m.s.p has been installed as the new bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Rarotonga, Cook Islands.
Sisters serve up success: Volleyball stars Pati and Adora inspire the next generation
Saturday 29 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Sports, Volleyball
In the high-stakes world of elite volleyball, sisters Pati and Adora Anae have carved out a unique path, rising to the pinnacle of their sport while maintaining the humble values instilled in them by their parents Cook Islander Ina Karika-Anae and their Samoan/German father Brad Anae during their childhood in Laie, Hawai’i.
Govt considers up to 400 litres per person daily free water allocation
Friday 28 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Local, National
Domestic users in Rarotonga won’t be charged for water until July 2026, when water meter installation is complete, and the government is considering a free water allocation of up to 400 litres per person per day in each household.
Honouring the forgotten: Cook Islands coastwatchers to receive recognition
Thursday 27 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National
Cook Islanders are among the 25 Pacific Islands coastwatchers who will be recognised by New Zealand’s Governor-General for their service during World War II.
Niue community hostel fundraiser raises $325,000
Thursday 27 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Niue, Regional, Weekend
The Cook Islands Niue Community and Friends (CINCF) monster raffle fundraiser raised $325,000.
Eight teams gear up for annual Cook Islands’ cultural spectacle
Thursday 27 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
Te Maeva Nui, the nation’s biggest and most prestigious cultural celebration of the country’s self-governance, is gearing up to hit the stage at the end of next month.
$250k FestPAC investment ‘money well spent’ on culture, says Kairua
Wednesday 26 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
Cook Islands’ budget for the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC), which wrapped up in Honolulu, Hawaii over a week ago, was around a quarter of a million dollars.
