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
Fishermen reel in giant catches
Tuesday 7 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Fishing, Sports
Rarotonga and Aitutaki fishermen are celebrating a bonanza of giant catches, including two 70-kilogram yellowfin tuna by young anglers and a massive 354.5kg blue marlin by a seasoned fisherman.
Volunteer firefighter to tackle Sky Tower for friend battling cancer
Monday 6 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National
Dedicated Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade member Tahiti Isaaka is participating in the Firefighters Sky Tower Challenge 2024 in Aotearoa New Zealand this month to raise funds for blood cancer.
Proposed law on tainted cryptocurrency ‘terrible’ for human rights, says expert
Monday 6 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National, Parliament, Technology
A Cook Islands cryptocurrency expert is critical of a proposed law targeting tainted cryptocurrency, arguing it undermines human rights and doesn’t address the real channels of money laundering.
Young dancers steal the show at Te Mire Ura Dancer of the Year comp
Saturday 4 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
A group of exceptionally talented Potiki kids took centre stage at Te Are Karioi National Auditorium on Thursday night, charming the delighted audience with their awe-inspiring performances.
Setting sail for the future
Saturday 4 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Tourism, Weekend
Vaka Marumaru Atua voyage to the Festival of Pacific Arts in Hawaii aims to revive traditional navigation techniques and celebrate cultural heritage, with a young crew mentored by experienced navigators.
Pukapuka’s Niua School celebrates 60th anniversary
Friday 3 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
On the isolated and tranquil paradise of Pukapuka, the community came together to celebrate a milestone – the 60th anniversary of Niua School, the island’s only school, which has provided education to generations of students.
Unfavourable winds delay Vaka Marumaru Atua’s departure for FestPAC Hawaii
Friday 3 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Unfavourable winds have delayed the much-anticipated departure of Vaka Marumaru Atua to Hawaii.
Apii Nikao crowned champions at Kau Swimming Competition
Thursday 2 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Sports, Swimming
Apii Nikao Primary School triumphed at the Cook Islands Aquatics Federation (CIAF) Kau Swimming Competition, taking home the overall trophy.
‘There’s fish out there biting’: Rarotonga fishermen hook bumper catches
Thursday 2 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
In the past few weeks, Rarotonga fishermen have been pleased to be returning to shore with decent-sized catches.
Young swimmers battle at annual school’s competition
Wednesday 1 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Sports, Swimming
Cook Islands Aquatic Federation’s annual Kau School Swimming Competition is underway in Nikao, with around 250 students from seven schools participating in the two-day event.
Headstone unveiling completes long journey for WWI soldier
Wednesday 1 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local
In a moving ceremony, the final chapter of a World War I soldier’s journey was completed as his headstone, which had been uplifted from another location, was finally placed on his grave.
Penrhyn/Tongareva celebrates first tertiary graduates
Wednesday 1 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National, Outer Islands
In a historic celebration for Penrhyn/Tongareva Island, the community came together to witness their first-ever graduates from a tertiary programme.
TMO steps up dengue defence following outbreak in Samoa
Wednesday 1 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National
Cook Islands is taking preventative measures to protect the country from dengue fever by fumigating incoming vessels from Pacific Island countries battling with an outbreak.
Aitutaki swims to success
Wednesday 1 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Sports, Swimming
Twelve young primary school swimmers from Aitutaki, showcasing their raw talent, participated for the first time in the Cook Islands Aquatic Federation’s annual Kau competition in Nikao, scooping up 11 medals.
Following in dad’s footsteps: Tamaiti-Phareily ready for Te Mire Ura debut
Tuesday 30 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, National
Captivated by the admiration he draws from his father, seven-year-old Tamaiti-Phareily Samson is participating in Te Mire Ura, Potiki (Junior) section culture competition on Thursday this week.
Katoa re-elected Oceania Aquatics VP
Monday 29 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Sports, Swimming
Romani Katoa has been re-elected the vice president of the Oceania Aquatics Board of Directors for a new four-year term.
Historic ordination marks new chapter for Catholic Diocese
Monday 29 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National
In a significant and deeply moving ceremony, the Catholic Diocese of Rarotonga, Cook Islands, and guests witnessed an historic event – the Episcopal Ordination of their new coadjutor bishop, Reynaldo Bunyi Getalado, M.S.P., Bishop-elect.
Catholic diocese holds ordination ceremony for new coadjutor bishop
Saturday 27 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features
For the past several months, the Catholic Diocese of Rarotonga, Cook Islands, has been preparing for the ordination of Father Reynaldo Bunyi Getalado from the Mission Society of the Philippines (MSP) as the new coadjutor bishop. The ceremony will take place this morning.
Cops-turned-politicians reunite
Saturday 27 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
New Zealand’s Speaker of the House of Representatives, Gerry Brownlee, and his delegation to the Pacific visited Rarotonga last week.
Parliament urged to focus on results, not just sitting time
Saturday 27 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Parliament
The difficulty of drafting a Private Members’ Bill, which can be introduced to Parliament by any member who is not a Minister, has been discussed in Parliament House.
