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
Kermode soars towards dream
Saturday 23 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
Fuelled by a passion for aviation and a relentless drive to conquer the skies, a determined 18-year-old Kanoa Kermode has set his sights on joining the Australian Defence Force (ADF) next month, with the ultimate goal of becoming a pilot.
Cook Islands celebrates World Water Day despite ongoing shortages
Friday 22 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Local, National
Cook Islands joins the world in celebrating World Water Day today, despite recent challenges with water shortages in homes, especially those living in the Pa Enua.
Fertiliser shortage threatens crops, says former Agriculture minister
Friday 22 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Local, National
Cook Islands growers face a crisis as fertiliser and spray shortages threaten crops across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua islands.
Schools ban fizzy drinks in bid to improve children’s health
Thursday 21 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Health, Local, National
As of today, fizzy drinks will be banned in the primary schools who have signed an agreement with Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health.
Aussie nursing students get a tropical dose of healthcare
Wednesday 20 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Australia, Health, National, Regional
Eight University of South Australia Bachelor of Nursing third-year students are visiting Rarotonga for a two-week study programme, immersing themselves in a different culture, a different health setting, and acquiring unique experiences.
12 compete for Te Mire Atu Composer of the Year
Wednesday 20 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
In celebration of original Cook Islands compositions, 12 upcoming and experienced song writers will be battling in the esteemed Tauranga Vananga Ministry of Cultural Development Te Mire Atu Composer of the Year competition next week.
Cook Islands cracks down on junk cars
Wednesday 20 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
“Te Titā ki te Titā kore – Legacy Waste Collection” campaign towards a cleaner, more sustainable future continues to take action with its end-of-life vehicle (ELV) collection beginning next month.
Preschool encourages healthy habits with daily fruit breaks
Wednesday 20 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
The adorable Imanuela Akatemia pre-school children enjoy a refreshing, healthy fruit break every morning at 10am, embracing good eating habits.
Takitumu Conservation Area set to become first OECM in Pacific
Tuesday 19 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Local, National
In a first for the Cook Islands as well as the rest of the Pacific, the Takitumu Conservation Area (TCA) will be submitted to be internationally recognised as an Other Effective area-based Conservation Measure (OECM).
Dr Tuaine Unuia appointed new Clerk of the House of Ariki
Tuesday 19 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Crime, Local, National
Dr Tuaine Unuia, clinical manager of Te Marae Ora Dental Clinic, has been appointed the new O-Tari-Kura o te Are Ariki (Clerk of the House of Ariki).
Cook Islanders cast line in world’s biggest fishing tourney
Monday 18 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Fishing, Sports
In amongst the 2000 fishers in the world’s largest fishing competition in terms of the number of boats participating, the Kubota Classic Billfish Tournament in Whitianga, Aotearoa New Zealand, were Cook Islands very own fishermen Junior Ioapa and Poe Poila from Rarotonga.
Retired judge shares expertise with Cook Islands Justices of the Peace
Monday 18 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Court, Local, National
Retired judge John Adams from Aotearoa New Zealand is facilitating this week’s orientation workshop for three Justices of the Peace (JPs) from the Pa Enua (one from Aitutaki and two from Atiu).
The monumental task of fixing our land laws
Sunday 17 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Court, Features, Local, National, Parliament, Weekend
The Cook Islands Ministry of Justice is reforming land laws to deal with issues like absentee landowners and fragmented ownership, but the proposals are facing criticism for not being clear and for not respecting traditional customs.
Rarotonga gears up for St. Patrick’s Day
Sunday 17 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The members of the Irish community in Rarotonga and their supporters will celebrate the St. Patrick’s Day to be observed tomorrow.
Fish, feast, and fun: Traditional event brings Pukapuka together
Saturday 16 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
A two-day traditional fishing competition on Pukapuka island saw villagers compete and celebrate with a community feast.
Training boosts Cook Islands’ access to justice
Friday 15 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Court, Education, Local, National
The Pacific Justice Sector Programme is providing training and resources to the Cook Islands to improve access to justice, including a new Bench Book for JPs, a Case Tracking System, and a Land Court Bench Book in development.
Clean up day at Apii Nikao
Friday 15 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Parents and guardians of Apii Nikao are kindly asked to pack their grass cutters, blowers, rakes, sponges, rags, brooms, and cleaning products, ready for tomorrow’s (Saturday) deep clean working bee.
Public up in arms over proposed expansion of Cabinet, proxy voting
Thursday 14 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Parliament
Parliament is holding public meetings to discuss proposed amendments to the Constitution, with Rarotonga residents strongly opposing an increase in Cabinet Ministers and a measure allowing MPs to vote by proxy.
Fishing vessel Zambucca hauled out of water for inspection
Wednesday 13 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Curious onlookers gathered at Avatiu Harbour yesterday to watch the precarious operation of fishing vessel FV Zambucca being lifted out of the water by two cranes.
JPs enhance skills in decision- making and judgment writing
Wednesday 13 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Court, Local, National
Justices of the Peace (JPs) practicing in Cook Islands Court are undertaking training in a workshop focused on decision-making and judgment writing.
