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
Kuki Cre8tive students grill PM Brown on flag and favourites
Friday 12 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Local, National
Kuki Cre8tive students were thrilled to have the opportunity to candidly interview Prime Minister Mark Brown yesterday, marking his first official appointment of the year.
New era for Manihiki: Fred Tangi Napara crowned Faingahitu Ariki
Thursday 11 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
A traditional ceremony in Manihiki has established a new Faingahitu Ariki, bringing an end to community disquiet surrounding the prestigious title.
Lights, camera, action! Young Cook Islanders craft TV show at creative camp
Thursday 11 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Eighteen youth from the ages of eight through to 16 have booked into an intensive three-day camp for performing arts, dance and film television production at the Pa Ariki Palace in Ngatangiia.
Local musical festival for Niue
Wednesday 10 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
The Niuean Cook Islands Community & Friends Inc. are gearing for an extravagant Live Local Music Festival tomorrow night Thursday 11 January, at 6pm at the Ngatangiia Matavera Clubhouse in Muri.
Busy year ahead for Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation
Wednesday 10 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
This week on Thursday 11 January, Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation will celebrate its second year of being established in the Cook Islands.
Giving back to our people: Airport to celebrate 50th anniversary with public tours
Tuesday 9 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The community can look forward to public access to the Rarotonga International Airport terminals during the week leading up to the 50th anniversary celebrations later this month on Monday, January 29.
Ma’uke’s Mii Tua, 78, finds joy in quiet life and community
Monday 8 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
On the island of Ma’uke, also known as Akatokamanava, 78-year-old Mii Tua (née Tairea) cherishes her quiet, simple life on the land where she was born.
Aitutaki’s Koni Raoni: Singing, dancing and over $100,000 for village dreams
Saturday 6 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
Exclusive to the island of Aitutaki, Koni Raoni translates to ‘dance around’ and involves the host village travelling through the villages on the island, dancing, singing and receiving donations during the Christmas period on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day to raise funds for their respective communities. Melina Etches reports.
‘Time to man up’: George George urges men to prioritise wellbeing
Saturday 6 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
As the new year beckons, amidst resolutions and aspirations, one of the country’s well known former rugby stars is determined to inspire men to lead healthier and fitter lifestyles. Melina Etches reports.
Miracle: Early arrival for first Cook Islands baby of 2024
Friday 5 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Vincent David is the first 2024 baby born in the Cook Islands.
From farm to fashion: Ama creates island style clothing brand
Friday 5 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features, Go Local, Hot on the Rock
Rarotonga’s vibrant calendar of special events demands stylish, comfortable island attire for both men and women. A new fashion brand has launched, offering residents a fresh option for these occasions. Melina Etches reports.
Passion drives Ma’uke ‘ginger king’
Friday 5 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
On the island of Ma’uke, a local farmer is cultivating ginger with unwavering dedication and seeing the sweet reward of his labour.
Aitutaki’s heritage preserved in new anthology
Thursday 4 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
An anthology of books on the traditional and ancestry of Aitutaki offering a collection of stories and knowledge about the history and heritage of the island was unveiled last month. Melina Etches reports.
Angler reels in whopper marlin to start the season with a bang!
Thursday 4 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local, Local, National
The 2024 marlin season has launched a splendidly impressive start to the New Year with the landing of an awe-inspiring 215 kilogram (473 pounds) black marlin.
Downpour brings relief to parched Rarotonga
Thursday 4 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Weather
The deluge of rain in the early hours of Wednesday morning brought relief to many households, who were pleased to see their water tanks filled to the brim.
Festive spirit fills Ma’uke as families reunite for annual Teretere tradition
Saturday 30 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
The Christmas and New Year’s season is a time when many Cook Islands families residing overseas return to Rarotonga and their home islands in the Pa Enua. They come to reconnect with their families and celebrate the festive season together. Cook Islands News senior journalist Melina Etches experienced this firsthand, travelling to Ma’uke for the Christmas break.
Motone Productions ends year with stunning Tiki Taane concert and collaborative spirit
Wednesday 27 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
Motone Productions wrapped up their last concert for the year with Aotearoa New Zealand artist Tiki Taane’s “epic” show featuring stunning musicians and DJs at Trios Bar on December 15.
Walls come alive: Epic murals tell stories of land and sea
Sunday 24 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
Two murals, one depicting the Cook Islands’ marine life and the other representing its societal pillars, were blessed in a ceremony this week.
TMO launches cervical cancer self-testing programme
Friday 22 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National
Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health has taken a step further into improving women’s health in the Cook Islands by launching the Cervical Cancer Self-Testing Programme that will commence in January 2024.
Rarotonga Airport gears up for 50th anniversary with water fountain blessing
Friday 22 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Local, National
In preparation for the Rarotonga International Airport’s 50th anniversary celebration on January 29, 2024, a small ceremony was held yesterday to bless the new and refreshing water fountain garden feature.
