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
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.
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.
