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
Local dancers take centre stage in WiRepa’s show stopping designs
Saturday 27 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, Weekend
In a stunning display of creativity and style, acclaimed Aotearoa New Zealand/Cook Islands fashion designer Kharl-William WiRepa revealed his first fashion show on the island.
Cook Islands bowlers shine at Auckland Championship
Saturday 27 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Bowling, Sports
Cook Islands Bowls is extremely pleased with its players who performed at very high standards at the 2024 Auckland Bowling Championship last week in most disciplines.
Veterans reflect on sacrifice and camaraderie at Anzac Dawn Parade
Friday 26 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National
The Anzac Day Dawn Parade, held yesterday morning at the cenotaph by the Ministry of Justice building, drew a large crowd of hundreds including the visiting Vietnam veterans from Aotearoa New Zealand.
Hundreds gather to honour fallen at Anzac Day Dawn Parade
Friday 26 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
President for the Cook Islands Boys Brigade Bob Williams (left) leads the uniform organisation representatives for the laying of wreaths during the Anzac Day Dawn Parade service yesterday morning.
Vietnam veterans reunite to honour fallen comrades
Wednesday 24 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Cook Islanders and New Zealanders who served in the Vietnam War as part of the Victor 4 Company are holding a reunion in Rarotonga to remember their fallen comrades.
Swimmer Connolly makes history
Tuesday 23 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Sports, Tennis
Cook Islands swimmer Lanihei Connolly made history over the weekend by winning a medal at the Oceania Championships in Gold Coast, Australia.
Cook Islands RSA prepares for Anzac Day dawn parade
Tuesday 23 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Rarotonga is gearing up to mark Anzac Day with the annual dawn parade to be held in front of the cenotaph at the Ministry of Justice building on Thursday morning at 5am.
Budget shortfall could expedite proposed water tariffs in Raro
Tuesday 23 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
Budget allocation will be a key factor in determining the final timeline for implementing the proposed water tariff, says To Tatou Vai.
Out and proud: Miss Thunderhips shines in celebration of diversity
Monday 22 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
In a celebration of Anuanua Week’s talent, diversity, and inclusivity, the electrifying Miss Thunderhips competition took centre stage on Friday night featuring LGBTQ+ contestants, who showcased their talents captivating the enthusiastic full-house audience.
MP Utikere: A privilege to serve his community
Saturday 20 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, New Zealand, Regional
The visiting New Zealand Parliamentary delegation includes a Cook Islander who is making his first ‘official’ visit to his homeland.
Autism promotes awareness with Rescue Fire visit
Saturday 20 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National
Autism Cook Islands received donations from businesses and took children on a visit to the Rescue Fire Service to promote awareness and inclusion.
Balancing rights and culture: ‘Hard Talks’ panel discusses progress and challenges
Saturday 20 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
Thought-provoking candid conversations on human rights or tika’anga tangata on the evolving relationship of the LGBTQI Anuanua rights in the Cook Islands shed light on the challenges, progress, and aspirations for individuals in the community and abroad.
Local MPs discuss challenges with NZ Speaker Parliamentary delegation
Friday 19 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, New Zealand, Parliament, Regional
Cook Islands parliamentarians engaged in open discussions with Aotearoa New Zealand’s Speaker of the House of Representatives Gerry Brownlee and his delegation at Parliament House yesterday morning.
Vaka Marumaru Atua sets direct course for Hawaii
Thursday 18 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National, Tourism
Vaka Marumaru Atua will skip Tahiti and sail directly to Hawaii with a youth crew to attend the 2024 Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture in Honolulu in June.
Akava’ine to take centre stage as Miss Thunderhips strikes back!
Thursday 18 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, National
After a decade-long break, the electrifying Miss Thunderhips dance competition is back with a thunderous bang and taking to the stage tomorrow night at Te Are Kariori Domes for the Anuanua festival celebrations.
60-year-old woman dies in first road fatality of 2024
Thursday 18 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands recorded its first road fatality of the year after a 60-year-old woman died from crash-related injuries yesterday morning.
Catholic community gears up for arrival of new coadjutor bishop
Wednesday 17 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National
The newly appointed coadjutor bishop arrives in Rarotonga tonight to assist the retiring Bishop before eventually succeeding him.
Vaka Marumaru Atua makes a splash after docking for repairs
Wednesday 17 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
After months of careful restoration and maintenance on dry dock during cyclone season, Vaka Marumaru Atua has returned to the water in preparation for its voyage to Hawaii for the 2024 Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture in Honolulu from June 6 to 16.
Cervical cancer self-testing returns ‘low high-risk’ HPV
Tuesday 16 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National
The pilot self-testing programme for cervical cancer showed a low rate of high-risk HPV and good uptake, especially among women who hadn’t had a Pap smear in a long time.
Aitutaki debuts, young paddlers make a splash at annual Vaka Iti
Tuesday 16 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Paddling, Sports
Despite a few showers, the weather cooperated for the Cook Islands Canoeing Association’s (CICA) annual Vaka Iti schools oe vaka competition held last week at Muri Beach.
