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
Drug bust: Two kilos of cannabis seized in Aitutaki
Saturday 17 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Crime, Local, National, Outer Islands
Police are investigating a drug supply to Aitutaki after Cook Islands Customs seized over two kilograms of cannabis at Arutanga Harbour last week.
CINYC and Family Welfare host Youth Day event
Friday 16 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Young entrepreneurs are invited to be part of the International Youth Day event today at Te Are Karioi Nui (National Auditorium) Domes by setting up their own stalls.
Vairoa stream clean-up aims to protect community from floods
Friday 16 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Local, National
An effort to clean and realign the Vairoa stream in Ruatonga valley as well as reclaim neighbouring land eroded by torrential floods is well underway.
Vaka Paikea returns to Aitutaki
Thursday 15 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Vaka Paikea and its crew arrived in Aitutaki yesterday afternoon after departing Avarua Wharf on Tuesday afternoon for an overnight sail.
Araura College takes 2024 Schools Badminton tournament by storm
Wednesday 14 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Badminton, Sports
Araura College from Aitutaki proved that great things can come from unexpected places after making a strong debut in the Schools Badminton Tournament being held at the National Auditorium in Tupapa this week.
Pa Enua heads to the polls
Wednesday 14 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Over 2500 voters are set to cast their ballots in the Island Government Election tomorrow across the nine outer islands of Aitutaki, Atiu, Mangaia, Manihiki, Mauke, Mitiaro, Penrhyn, Pukapuka and Nassau and Rakahanga.
Record number of women to contest Island Govt Election
Tuesday 13 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands
A record number of candidates, including at least 15 women, will contest for the mayoral and council seats across the Pa Enua at the upcoming Island Government Election on Thursday, August 15.
Cook Islands leads charge in war against invasive species
Tuesday 13 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Features, National, Weekend
Cook Islands is hosting a regional meeting this week to address the significant threat of invasive species to the country’s ecosystems, food security and biodiversity, while sharing knowledge and seeking solutions with other Pacific nations.
Government and NGOs collaborate on revised Biodiversity Action Plan
Monday 12 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
The Tu’anga Taporoporo National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) that was endorsed in 2002 has many gaps, is out of date and has not been reviewed or updated for 22 years.
Family’s pride in unsung hero
Monday 12 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The family of Cook Islands coastwatcher Ioaba Tearaia Marsters gathered to unveil a commemorative plaque in his honour, recognising his vital role in providing early warning during World War II.
Cook Islands diaspora keeps culture alive in New Zealand
Saturday 10 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Education, National
Cook Islanders in Aotearoa New Zealand joyfully celebrated Te Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani - Cook Islands Māori Language Week with cultural performances and educational programmes across the country this week.
Journey of Pacific Mothers comes to Rarotonga screen
Friday 9 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features, Health, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
A locally shot documentary feature film exploring the importance of women’s birthing choices through the stories of Pacific mothers reclaiming indigenous practices premieres in Rarotonga tomorrow.
Incumbents face tough challenge in outer islands mayoral election
Friday 9 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Incumbent mayors of eight outer islands face a tough battle in the upcoming Island Government election, while the mayoral positions in Rakahanga and Pukapuka Nassau are unchallenged.
Tough conditions test paddlers at National Singles Championships
Thursday 8 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Paddling, Sports
Hot flat sea conditions made it a tough grind for paddlers in the National Singles Championships on Saturday.
Diaspora dismayed over lack of Te Maeva Nui livestream
Thursday 8 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The decision not to livestream the annual Te Maeva Nui festival due to copyright concerns has sparked widespread disappointment among the Cook Islands diaspora and those in remote areas.
Revitalised Vaka Paikea to embark on educational and cultural voyage
Thursday 8 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation’s Vaka Paikea was relaunched into Avatiu Harbour under the watchful eyes of its captain and traditional navigator Peia Patai and crew after nearly nine months on dry dock.
Thousands flock to witness Te Maeva Nui’s best, empty seats mar closing night
Wednesday 7 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
Te Maeva Nui 2024 showcased strong, solid and stunning cultural performances of a high standard from each respective team, representing their districts and home islands with pride as they celebrated 59 years of Cook Islands self-governance.
Te Maeva Nui: A journey through time and tradition
Saturday 3 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The combination of powerful drumming and dancing, dazzling vibrant costumes, thrilling performances and non-stop energy on stage is creating a mesmerising spectacle at the 2024 Te Maeva Nui held at the National Auditorium.
Olympic dream comes true for Dean
Saturday 3 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Other Sports, Sports
Cook Islands Football Association competition manager Pauline Dean worked as a match coordinator at the Paris Olympics, assisting with football matches.
Vibrant performances light up Te Maeva Nui
Friday 2 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
This year, seven groups representing different islands and districts of Rarotonga showcased their unique and captivating dances, chants and music, which have been passed down through generations.
