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
Rand claims second Round Rarotonga title
Monday 23 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Athletics, Sports
A beautiful breezy sunny morning accompanied by the symphony of drums welcomed runners to the finish line at the 47th Round Rarotonga Road Race (RRRR) on Saturday morning.
Celebrating 50 years of hospitality
Saturday 21 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National, Weekend
A leading Cook Islands resort, celebrating its 50th anniversary, is honouring its dedicated staff, particularly those who have served for over 20 years, and reflecting on its growth and impact on the community.
Atiu Enua calls for unity as new leadership takes office
Saturday 21 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
Atiu Enua celebrated the swearing-in of their new mayor and Island Council members on Wednesday at the CICC Sunday School Hall in Mapumai.
Cook Islands girls take on the world
Friday 20 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
An inspiring group of young women are making their way on an exciting journey to Athens, Greece, to participate in the prestigious FIRST Global Robotics Challenge.
‘Bribing my dogs’: Family seeks help to find stolen 21st birthday bike
Thursday 19 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Crime, Local, National
A concerned resident is asking the community to help locate her nephew’s XR 125 black and red clutch motorbike with licence plate #ABB936. The motorcycle was stolen from their home early yesterday morning.
Cook Islands students benefit from Rotary Rarotonga’s generosity
Wednesday 18 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Students across the nation are given a way with words thanks to the Rotary Club of Rarotonga 9920, who continue their legacy of providing dictionaries to every Year 9 student in the Cook Islands.
Punanga Tauturu women’s counselling centre announces new executive board
Wednesday 18 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The newly appointed executive board of the national women’s counselling centre is committed to strengthening relationships with key agencies to improve support for victims of gender-based violence in the country.
New Mangaia mayor Rani pledges service to community
Wednesday 18 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
Mangaia’s incoming Island Government members were sworn in during a special ceremony last week.
‘Netball is in our DNA’: Cook Islands hosts Netball World Youth Cup Qualifier
Tuesday 17 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Netball, Pacific Islands, Regional, Sports
Netball Cook Islands is proudly hosting the 2024 Netball World Youth Cup Oceania Qualifier from September 16-21 in collaboration with the Oceania Netball federation.
‘Golden ei’ buzzer puts four through to Cook Islands Has Talent Final
Tuesday 17 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
Four talented performing acts from the semi-finals of the Cook Islands Has Talent show have secured their spots in the grand finale, which will take place next Saturday, September 28.
Local butchers sharpen their skills
Monday 16 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Local, National
Aspiring butchers at CITC are sharpening up their tools, “excited” to be the company’s first students in the Skills4Work New Zealand Trade Butchery Apprenticeship.
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.
