More Top Stories
$541.7m tourism earnings
25 January 2025
‘Paedophile’ gets 13 years in prison
22 January 2025
Thomas Wynne: Where were our leaders while children suffered?
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
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
Archaeologist Māeva unearths Cook Islands food preservation secrets
Saturday 25 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
A dedicated archaeologist has taken on the task of exploring, reviving, collating and recording traditional culinary traditions, with an emphasis on cultural heritage and sustainability.
Community invited to celebrate Cook Islands’ 60 years with special airport events
Saturday 25 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The Cook Islands Airport Authority is thrilled to invite the public to a series of special events next week as we celebrate the nation’s journey of 60 years of self-governance.
NGO exceeds target, removes 15k crown-of-thorns starfish
Friday 24 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
Cook Islands non-governmental organisation Te Kōrero O Te ‘Ōrau has surged past its target of removing 10,000 taramea (crown-of-thorns starfish), a notorious coral predator, from the deep blue of Rarotonga.
Darts Cook Islands remains in contention at 2025 South Pacific Championship
Thursday 23 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Sports
Darts Cook Islands are in control as they continue to play well at the 4th South Pacific Darts Championship Suva, Fiji defending their historic gold medals.
New Christian Movement plans to challenge Government
Thursday 23 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The recently established incorporated Cook Islands Christian Movement Inc (CICM) intends to challenge the government on the Crimes (Sexual Offences) Amendment Bill 2023, viewing it as a departure from the moral foundations that have guided society.
“Happy” to be back to school
Wednesday 22 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
The air at St Joseph’s primary school was filled with joyful laughter and chatter as children eagerly returned to school yesterday for a brand new year.
Ombudsman Office engages community in decision making
Wednesday 22 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Te Mato Akamoeau/Office of the Ombudsman is implementing two projects focused on engaging the community in decision making, and to ensure the Ombudsman Office is more accessible.
Giving back to the community
Tuesday 21 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in League, Sports
Cook Islands rugby league skipper Kiana Takairangi is dedicated to nurturing the athletic talents of young people, championing the importance of physical activity and community engagement.
Telecom company celebrates anniversary with giveaways
Tuesday 21 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, National
Vodafone Cook Islands is celebrating its fifth birthday with a week of instore activities starting at 10am, featuring groovy sounds by popular local DJ GDub George Williams, enticing instore specials and sweet cupcakes.
Perseverance pays off for AKTT
Monday 20 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Other Sports, Sports
The finals of the women’s beach volleyball competition – the final event at the 2025 Cook Islands Beach Games – were held under scorching conditions, with the women persevering despite the staggering 28°C temperatures.
Artist finds her roots in Rarotonga
Monday 20 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, Weekend
Cook Islander Remiah Chanelle Mani is an extraordinarily gifted and self-taught artist who has a deep appreciation for her culture and vibrant hues of nature that inspire creativity.
Vogel brings passion for education and culture to Apii Rutaki
Saturday 18 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Apii Rutaki is entering a new chapter with the appointment of Renall Vogel, from Matavera, as its new principal.
Teiotu appointed acting CISNOC head
Saturday 18 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Other Sports, Sports
Following a special executive board meeting convened this week, the Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) has announced the appointment of Simiona Teiotu as its acting president.
Talent on display at beach volleyball
Friday 17 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Sports, Volleyball
Developing talent and strong teams are featured in the beach volleyball competition as the sport continues to grow in popularity.
Matavera’s new two storey commercial hub to open soon
Friday 17 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Local, National
In Matavera, the smallest district by land size on Rarotonga, a new two storey building “Te Waka” is set to redefine the local landscape with its mix of culinary delights, island apparel and commercial opportunities.
Young Cook Islands golfers compete in prestigious NZ tournament
Thursday 16 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Golf, Sports
Talented Rarotonga golfers, Tane Wichman and Tahitoa Webb, both participated in the North Island Age Group Championships that was held at the Taupo Golf Club in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Te Mire Atu composers competition goes global
Thursday 16 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in
The Ministry of Cultural Development is expanding the prestigious Te Mire Atu National Māori Composers competition to include overseas Cook Islanders to celebrate the country’s 60th anniversary of self-governance.
Community rallies for Poila family after devastating fire
Thursday 16 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Support surged from the community at the fast-selling fundraiser event for the Poila family of Mangaia whose beloved family home, store and warehouse, was reduced to ashes in a devastating fire just days before Christmas.
Te Marae Ora launches free whooping cough booster campaign
Wednesday 15 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National
In response to the recent outbreak of pertussis (whooping cough) in Aotearoa New Zealand, health authorities have initiated the rollout of the free BOOSTRIX booster vaccination.
Te Puna Marama collecting knowledge of food preservation in Mauke
Tuesday 14 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National, Outer Islands
Kicking off brand new 2025, Te Puna Marama Voyaging Society is excited to host its first workshop today on Mauke (January 14 – 15, 2025), dedicated to exploring and documenting traditional methods of growing and preserving food.
