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’
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Articles by Melina Etches
Anuanua Festival marks historic shift towards equality in the Cook Islands
Monday 15 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Cook Islands celebrated the first anniversary of decriminalising same-sex relations with an art exhibition and speeches that highlighted the progress made towards a more inclusive society.
Tikotikoca wins Anuanua Wearable Art Piece Competition
Monday 15 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
Quincy Tikotikoca won the first-placing award in the 2024 Anuanua Wearable Art Piece competition for her stunning gown modelled by Kelera Ratu.
A sea of blue: Community rallies behind autism awareness
Saturday 13 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Apii Nukutere and the local community embraced “Blue Day” yesterday by dressing up in colour to demonstrate their support for Autism Cook Islands and its initiatives, programmes.
Anuanua Festival kicks off with dazzling wearable art competition
Saturday 13 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
In a fusion of art, fashion, and innovation, the dazzling Anuanua Wearable Art Piece competition took centre stage this week, captivating the judges and audience with its exceptional display of creativity and skill.
Rarotonga residents push back on water tariff plan
Friday 12 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Environment, Local, National
A public meeting about potential water tariffs received mixed reactions, with some attendees concerned about affordability and others in favour of charging businesses.
Shining a light on the solar system
Thursday 11 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Apii Nikao Marae 4 students have created stunning interactive scientific models to demonstrate their understanding of the solar system.
Cook Islands women find strength and healing at Empowerment Retreat
Thursday 11 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Aotearoa New Zealand’s renowned social media influencer and podcaster Nicola “Nix” Adams has been inspiring empowerment and fulfilment in women on Rarotonga and Aitutaki.
Anuanua Week kicks off with art, pride, and powerful discussions
Thursday 11 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Anuanua Week will officially open tomorrow evening with a brilliant display of Art Installations and Wearable Art Piece competitions, showcased by models on the catwalk and talented designers.
Cook Islands playwright tackles taboo topics in new production
Wednesday 10 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Award-winning Cook Islands playwright Teherenui Koteka is sparking conversations about sexuality, safe sex, and healthy relationships for Pacific youth with her latest project, which will be showcased in Rarotonga next week.
A sneak peek: Wearable Arts pre-judging sets stage for Anuanua Week
Wednesday 10 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
The pre-judging of the dazzling Wearable Arts Competition, leading up to the festivities of Anuanua Week, was held yesterday at the Bergman Gallery.
Fierce competition as Tereora College’s Anau teams return to national stage
Tuesday 9 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
The Anau (house) teams of Tereora College made dazzling comeback to the national stage after a five-year absence and delivered captivating performances.
Wear blue, donate, and make a difference
Tuesday 9 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
People are encouraged to wear blue this Friday, April 12th, for Blue Day and donate to Autism Cook Islands (ACI) initiatives that support families.
To Tatou Vai seeks public input on new water tariff structure
Tuesday 9 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Environment, Health, Local, National
Cook Islands water authority To Tatou Vai is consulting with the community and other stakeholders to determine a water tariff structure for Rarotonga based on usage and operational costs.
Young orators captivate audience at Rarotonga Māori Speech comp
Saturday 6 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Education, Features, Local, National
Te Maraurau o te Pae Apii Ministry of Education Rarotonga Primary Schools Māori Speech Competition was held this week at Te Are Karioi National Auditorium over two nights.
Reel fun in the sun: Atiu Easter Fishing Competition a success
Saturday 6 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Fishing, Sports
The Atiu Easter Fishing Competition hosted by the Atiu branch of Kōrero o te ‘Ōrau’s ‘Ātui’anga ki te Tango (AKTT) programme drew fantastic support from the community.
Cook Islands history gifted to upcoming generations
Saturday 6 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
Author and historian Howard Henry has gifted his monumental effort of 16 publications of Cook Islands history to the Tauranga Vananga Ministry of Culture Development Library for generations to peruse over and enjoy.
Anuanua Film Day set to showcase stories and voices of the rainbow community
Saturday 6 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The Anuanua Film Day, set to premiere next week on April 16, is a one-day celebration of LGBTQIA+ filmmakers and culture in the Cook Islands.
Local charity pays it forward with donation to support new mums and families
Friday 5 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Autism Cook Islands has kindly donated $1340 cash that was raised from their Art Auction last year, to the Nui Rarotonga group.
Pride and unity: Inaugural Anuanua Week promotes inclusivity in Cook Islands
Friday 5 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Education, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Pride Cook Islands is proud to announce their partnership with Te Tiare Association in presenting the LGBTQIA+ Anuanua Week – a vibrant celebration of love, acceptance, and unity in the Cook Islands.
Vaka Marumaru Atua to set sail for Hawaii for Festival of Pacific Arts
Friday 5 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Vaka Marumaru Atua with a crew of 16 including youth from Pa Enua islands will sail to Hawaii for the Festival of Pacific Arts.
