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
A family dynasty built on hard work and humility
Tuesday 25 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features
The Anae siblings, all elite athletes in their respective sports, credit their strong work ethic, instilled by their Cook Islander mother, for their success.
Cook Islands laws now consolidated and freely accessible online
Tuesday 25 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Court, National, Parliament
The Parliament of the Cook Islands, the Crown Law Office and Aotearoa New Zealand’s LexisNexis have collaborated to make the laws of the Cook Islands consolidated, accessible and clear.
Tereora College’s Anau Ikurangi wins secondary schools Tangi Ka’ara competition
Monday 24 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Education, Local, National
The powerful rhythms of the tangi ka’ara traditional drums reverberated through Te Are Karioi as college students across Rarotonga showcased their mastery of drumming techniques, thrilling the audience on Friday night.
Young drummers steal the show
Saturday 22 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
Apii Avarua has again proved its prowess in the annual Rarotonga primary schools Tangi Ka’ara Drumming Competition winning the champion trophy on Thursday night.
Cook Islands leaves lasting impression at FestPAC
Saturday 22 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The lively iconic neighbourhood of Waikiki in Honolulu, Hawai’i – a world-renowned tourist destination – played host to a celebration of the rich cultures of 27 Pasifika nations.
Tereora, Titikaveka vie for Tangi Ka’ara title
Friday 21 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
A group of enthusiastic Api’i Tuarua secondary school students will perform in tonight’s highly anticipated CITC Pump the Beats Emo’anga Tangi Ka’ara Drumming Competition at the National Auditorium.
Sword brothers share expertise with aspiring sporting stars
Friday 21 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in League, Rugby Union, Sports
Cook Islands brothers, home for a break from the international rugby scene in Japan, are sharing their expertise and inspiring the next generation of sports stars.
Vaka Marumaru Atua makes homecoming journey with two women aboard
Thursday 20 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
As the Cook Islands voyaging canoe Vaka Marumaru Atua cuts through the blue waters of the Pacific making her journey back home to Rarotonga, alongside the male crew members are two women.
‘Miscommunication’ sparks confusion, Cook Islands delegation ‘not stranded’
Thursday 20 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
The Cook Islands delegation attending the FestPAC in Honolulu clarified that they are not stranded and are returning home in two groups due to pre-planned limited flight seat availability.
Rarotonga burglaries on the rise as businesses targeted
Wednesday 19 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Crime, National
Burglaries are spiking in Rarotonga with two more break-ins reported yesterday by Vili’s Burger Joint in Matavera and Next Shipment in Arorangi.
Apii Takitumu girls break barriers, embrace Tangi Kaara Challenge
Tuesday 18 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
For years, the art of drumming had been the domain of the boys, however, a shift has occurred, as more and more girls have stepped up, eager to master the art of tangi ka’ara (drumming).
Pacific voyaging organisations forge new path of collaboration
Monday 17 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
A gathering of all the voyaging organisations from Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia, including around 10 Pwo navigators, was held last week before master navigator Peia Patai and Vaka Marumaru Atua left Hawai’i for Rarotonga on Saturday.
New guardians for Suwarrow Park
Saturday 15 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National, Outer Islands
With their complementary skills and passion for conservation, the newly appointed Suwarrow Park rangers are ready to safeguard the island’s ecology and cultural heritage.
Cook Islands drum up excitement at FestPAC with captivating shows
Saturday 15 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The pulsating drums, magnificent performers, vibrant costumes and skilled artisans from Cook Islands are capturing crowds at the 13th Pacific Arts Festival and Culture in Honolulu, Hawai’i, with their captivating shows and highly crafted artistic skills.
Ukulele maker’s act of kindness at FestPAC Hawai’i
Friday 14 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
As the vibrant energy of the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) thrums through the streets of Honolulu, Ricky Adamu, the renowned ukulele maker, has his own story that extends beyond his exceptional craftsmanship.
Atiu artisan keeps traditional Ava art alive at FestPAC 2024
Thursday 13 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Tereapii Ardmore Manu from the island of Atiu is embracing the traditional art of transforming the humble Ava (banyan) tree root bark into a stunning array of decorative and functional items.
Chipping away at perfection: Cook Islands carvers captivate crowds at FestPAC
Thursday 13 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Amidst the vibrant cultural performances and artistic demonstrations at the 13th Pacific Arts Festival in Honolulu, skilled carvers from the Cook Islands have set up their workspace under the shade of a large, fruit-bearing mango tree at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, Hawai’i.
FestPAC gathering strengthens Pacific identity
Wednesday 12 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
As the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) enters its second week, Cook Islands Consul General in Aotearoa New Zealand, Keu Mataroa, expresses his deep appreciation for the rich cultural artistry and talent showcased in Honolulu, Hawai’i.
Bataillard shares gift of traditional massage at Festival of Pacific Arts
Tuesday 11 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
When her daughter Tepaeru was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Tekura Nancy Bataillard found herself searching for and discovering through her own personal journey the healing mana of natural remedies and traditional massage.
Apii Takitumu gets new drums thanks to Titikaveka College
Tuesday 11 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Apii Takitumu was thrilled to receive a brand-new set of drums from Titikaveka College through Te Rito O Taku Peu Tupuna last month.
