More Top Stories
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
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
Challenging ‘rape culture’
8 July 2024
Articles by Melina Etches
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.
Cook Islands crafts fly off shelves at FestPAC, weavers replenish stocks
Monday 10 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, National
The Cook Islands huts at the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) are proving popular, with most crafts selling out on Friday, the first day of the Festival Village at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center in Honolulu.
‘We heard the call, we came’: Cook Islands delegation electrifies audience at FestPAC
Saturday 8 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
A spirit of unity and deep emotional pride in celebrating the unique cultures of the Pacific permeated the air at the opening ceremony of the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) in Honolulu, Hawaii on Thursday night. Melina Etches reports from Honolulu.
Grant supports Te Puna Marama’s mission to empower youth through voyaging
Friday 7 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation is committed to educating young people about the traditional navigation techniques and wayfinding methods practiced by our ancestors.
Warm welcome for Marumaru Atua crew as FestPAC opens in Hawai’i
Thursday 6 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Thousands gathered at Mokapu in Kāneʻohe Bay yesterday morning for the Waʻa Ceremony, which kicked off the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) from June 6-16 in Hawaii.
Cook Islands community in Hawaii thrilled to reconnect with delegation
Wednesday 5 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
The Cook Islands community in Hawai’i is enjoying the cherished opportunity to reconnect with families and friends, while also making new connections with the visiting Cook Islands delegation. Melina Etches reports from Honolulu.
New $620,000 forklift expected to transform cargo handling
Wednesday 5 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
At the bustling Ports Authority in Avatiu, where the movement of cargo is the lifeblood of the operation, a seasoned mechanic and forklift driver is filled with excitement.
‘We’re step ahead of everybody’ Cook Islands leads race to host 2032 FestPAC
Wednesday 5 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Cook Islands is one of the two countries that has submitted its bid to host the 2032 Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC). Melina Etches reports from Honolulu, Hawaii.
Cook Islands performers gear up for FestPAC debut in Hawai’i
Wednesday 5 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
After months of intense rehearsals, the Cook Islands National Arts Theatre (CINAT) performers are “really excited” to showcase their culture at the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) in Hawaii.
Players eager to return as Tennis Cook Islands International wraps up
Tuesday 4 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Sports, Tennis
The first Tennis Cook Islands international tournament sponsored by Next Shipment wrapped up successfully over a week ago on Saturday.
Spectacular send-off: CINAT wows crowd with FestPAC performances
Tuesday 4 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Rarotonga residents got a sneak peek of Team Cook Islands’ performances for the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) during a special fundraising event at the National Auditorium on Friday night.
Vaka Marumaru Atua crew greeted by host country and Cook Islanders in Hawaii
Tuesday 4 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Tourism
The Cook Islands voyaging canoe Marumaru Atua arrived at Sand Island, Hawaii, on Saturday.
Aloha! Cook Islands delegation arrives in Hawaii for FestPAC 2024
Tuesday 4 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
The 160-member Cook Islands team has arrived in Honolulu, Hawaii, ready to participate in the upcoming 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) from June 6-16.
‘We want to show the rest of the world who we are’
Saturday 1 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
A sense of anticipation and cultural pride is amongst the Cook Islands delegation as they prepare to depart Rarotonga tomorrow evening for Honolulu, Hawaii. for the highly acclaimed 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) to be held from June 6-16.
Island time and warm smiles
Saturday 1 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local, Weekend
Cook Islands News senior journalist Melina Etches recently visited Atiu to cover the Tamariki Api’i Kūki ʻĀirani – TAKA Educational Trust sponsorship handover. While there, she delved into the island’s unique lifestyle, exploring cultural sites and meeting the welcoming locals.
Smile and sweat for a cause
Friday 31 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Apii Nikao Parents Teachers Association has launched the “Walk a Mile with A Smile” initiative to bring the school and the wider community together in a positive and healthy experience.
Local chefs get culinary boost
Friday 31 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Food, Local, National
The first CITC Culinary Workshop Series drew around 40 food professionals from the hospitality industry on the island.
Government agencies team up to streamline building permit process
Friday 31 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
In a move aimed at streamlining the building permit approval process, new homeowners will no longer need to submit four copies of their building plans.
