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
Firefighter conquers Sky Tower Challenge for second time!
Monday 20 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National
Volunteer firefighter Tahiti Isaaka has triumphantly “nailed” her second attempt at Firefighters Sky Tower Challenge 2024 in Aotearoa New Zealand on Friday (Cook Islands time) to raise funds for blood cancer.
Pa Puia Rangatira seeks family reconciliation after title dispute
Saturday 18 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Features, National, Weekend
Rota Williams has been invested with the title of Pa Puia Rangatira surrounded by his family and guests at the new Pa Puia Marae in Tupapa last week.
Women in maritime charting a course for the next generation
Saturday 18 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Cook Islands women in maritime celebrated their contributions to the industry focusing on safety, shared their experiences and highlighted the increasing presence of women in leadership roles.
Possibilities for women in maritime ‘endless’
Friday 17 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
Cook Islands women in maritime will be celebrating the International Day for Women in Maritime at Te Are Tapaeanga Pavilion at Avatiu Harbour today.
Lights out in Raro: Switch gear fumbles, planned outage looms
Friday 17 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Technology
A failed switch gear in the Tupapa substation caused this week’s unexpected power outage as Rarotonga’s electricity provider announces a planned outage for this weekend.
Customs officer inspires next generation
Thursday 16 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
In celebration of the International Day for Women in Maritime to be observed tomorrow (Friday, May 17), Maria Matua-Ioane, the chief customs officer, shares her insights to inspire the next generation to consider a career in this dynamic and fundamental sector.
‘I vow to be a fierce advocate for our needs’: MP Tapaitau
Thursday 16 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Parliament, Politics
Independent candidate Sarakura Tapaitau was sworn in as the new MP for Penrhyn/Tongareva and has pledged to represent the people’s interests.
Vaimaanga residents sought for input on turtle tour operations
Wednesday 15 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
A community consultation for residents in Vaimaanga and stakeholders, including traditional leaders and landowners, will be held tomorrow, Thursday, May 16, at 6pm at the Vaimaanga Meeting House
‘This is a celebration for us’: Matavera women gather to celebrate life after loss
Tuesday 14 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Te Au Vaine Purotu o Takitumu group of women gathered to celebrate motherhood, and their own lives despite facing the difficulties of losing their partners/husbands.
Cook Islands women making waves in maritime industry
Tuesday 14 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Technology, Weekend
Cook Islands women in the maritime industry will gather on Friday to recognise their achievements and presence in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
Trust funded by seabed mining company awards $78,500 in grants
Tuesday 14 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Local, National
Te Rito O Taku Peu Tupuna Trust, committed to preserving the cultural heritage of the Cook Islands, has announced its support for the successful eight recipients, awarding a total of $78,500 in grants.
Cook Islander finds dream job on luxury yachts
Monday 13 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local
Inspired by his family’s maritime heritage, a Cook Islander, who works on a luxurious superyacht sailing the world, encourages others to pursue a similar career.
Te Au Vaine Purotu o Takitumu celebrates motherhood and resilience
Monday 13 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Celebrating motherhood, resilience, and unity, widowed women from Vaka Takitumu have come together to celebrate their strength, support, and their invaluable role as mothers.
Senior dancers captivate audience with spectacular performances
Saturday 11 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
A sensational performance by the talented Te Mire Ura Senior dancers on Thursday night left the over 1000-strong audience awestruck.
A sea of opportunity: Mitiaro native sails on voyage of self-discovery
Saturday 11 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
A Cook Islander living in New Zealand has joined the crew of Vaka Marumaru Atua on its 25-day voyage to Hawaii to participate in the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture and learn from master navigator Captain Peia Patai.
Vaka Marumaru Atua crew embarks on cultural voyage to Hawaii
Saturday 11 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
After a week of waiting for fair winds to lead them on their way, the Vaka Marumaru Atua crew was farewelled at Avarua wharf yesterday morning at 8am by family, friends, and Kōrero O Te `Ōrau organisation.
Apii Avarua kids get hands-on with fun coding robot
Friday 10 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Apii Avarua Primary students were delighted to participate in the KaiBot in Kainundrum demonstration, a simple yet versatile robot that serves as an ideal introduction to the coding universe, at their school yesterday.
Keeping the flame alive
Thursday 9 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Rugby Union, Sports
The biennial Cook Islands Golden Oldies Rugby Mini Festival kicks off this Saturday at 1pm at Raemaru Park in Arorangi.
Breaking barriers in filmmaking: Award winning director creates first Pacific film in sign language
Thursday 9 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
In an important milestone for the Pacific film industry, local filmmaker Glenda Tuaine has been awarded a prestigious fellowship funding from the Pacific Islanders in Communications (PIC) to create her latest short film, ‘Deaf Girl Dancing’. Melina Etches reports.
Community support key to fulfilling Red Cross mandate
Thursday 9 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National
Upholding humanity in the face of adversity is one of the key messages of World Red Cross Red Crescent Day which was observed yesterday, as they confront a world inundated by conflict, disasters, and unprecedented challenges.
