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DPM defends CIIC finance and travel policies
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Cook Islands has its first mosque
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CI Muslim opens up about her faith and journey
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RAC to address mosque legality
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I don’t expect much change: PM Brown on US Elections
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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
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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
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Anxiety on the rise: Cook Islands faces mental health challenge
7 September 2024
Cook Islands deep sea mining poll sparks controversy
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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
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Prime Minister defends $659,000 MPs travel bill
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Taxpayers foot $659,000 bill for MPs travel and allowance
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Corruption report exposes ‘bribe and sexual favours’
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PM Brown eager to hand over Forum chair role to Tonga
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Challenging ‘rape culture’
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Articles by Melina Etches
Thousands celebrate Airport’s golden anniversary
Tuesday 30 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
Dance, drums, song, and a downpour of rain marked the 50th Anniversary of Rarotonga International Airport as joyful cultural celebrations took flight on the tarmac yesterday morning.
From 5000 to 3.2 million: Celebrating Rarotonga International Airport’s golden voyage
Tuesday 30 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
Thousands attended the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Rarotonga International Airport yesterday morning, the festivities starting with a refreshing shower of rain that blessed the opening formalities.
Golden memories of Rarotonga International Airport
Monday 29 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
At 5am this morning the tangi kaara of the drums around the island will signal the start of the 50th Anniversary of the opening of the Rarotonga Airport which starts 8.30am.
50 years of connecting the nation
Saturday 27 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
Anticipation builds as the Rarotonga International Airport prepares to mark its 50 years of excellence on Monday, January 29, celebrating its Golden Jubilee.
Airport’s longest-serving employee reflects on 45 years of service
Saturday 27 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
Amidst the bustling hub of aviation activity at the gateway to the Cook Islands, Rarotonga Airport, stands Rescue Fire Services’ dedicated manager, George Nicholls, who has committed nearly 45 years of solid-service to the community. Melina Etches reports.
Reconnecting with Airport’s past during runway walk
Saturday 27 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
Prime Minister Mark Brown was one of the close to four thousand people who took up the opportunity presented by Airport Authority Cook Islands to walk along the 2.3-kilometre airport runway for the first time on Tuesday.
Airport gears up for Kia Orana Day
Friday 26 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Celebrating the richness of people and culture, the Airport Authority Cook Islands will today host a special Kia Orana Day as part of their 50th anniversary celebration on Monday.
Sweat session for super triathlete
Friday 26 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Other Sports, Sports
The Cardio Combat (CC) crew will be presenting an energising sweat session this Saturday, January 27, at 6.30am at the Tupapa Centre to support Cook Islands 68-year-old super triathlete Kevin Henderson, who is gearing up for his 19th Ironman New Zealand in Taupō, Aotearoa next month.
Public input sought on coastal protection projects
Friday 26 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
The National Environment Service (NES) has received three new Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) permit applications for public consultation.
Kora showcases local gems at Airport Market Days event
Friday 26 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
Tiare Kora, who takes care of her family’s “Kora Pearls” booth, is one of the 24 vendors at the Airport Market Days.
Airport Market Days draw crowds
Thursday 25 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
After the exhilarating Airport Runway experience on Tuesday afternoon, Airport Authority Cook Islands (AACI) got back into gear early yesterday morning for the official opening of their Market Days.
Long Service Awards honour courage and dedication
Wednesday 24 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Honouring courage and dedication, three Airport Authority Rescue fire fighters were recognised with Long Service Gold Star awards (25+ years’ service).
Airport tour offers rare glimpse into Rarotonga’s travel hub
Tuesday 23 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Local, National
In the lead up to next week’s 50th anniversary celebration of the Rarotonga International Airport, passengers on “Flight Bus Number 50” public tour broke into heartfelt island songs, cherishing the milestone moment of riding along the airport runway.
Apii Te Uki Ou students take off for new year with Airport Tour
Tuesday 23 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Senior students at Apii Te Uki Ou kicked off their 2024 academic year and first day back at school yesterday with a unique experience – a bus tour on the Rarotonga International Airport.
Embracing island life and education
Saturday 20 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Features, National, Weekend
New teachers from Aotearoa New Zealand, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea bring diverse experiences and enthusiasm to Cook Islands classrooms.
Past meets present at Johnson’s Photographic Studio exhibition
Saturday 20 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
The ‘Glimpse of the Past’ exhibition at the National Archives showcasing Johnson’s Photographic Studio images from the Cook Islands in the 1960s to 80s, sparks nostalgic memories for viewers.
Ministry of Justice seeks diaspora input on Cooks land law reform
Friday 19 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Parliament
Cook Islands is reforming its land laws and will hold public meetings in New Zealand, Australia, and Cook Islands to gather input from both residents and overseas Cook Islanders.
Vaka Marumaru Atua and Vaka Paikea find temporary home as Avarua gets makeover
Thursday 18 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Vaka Marumaru Atua and Vaka Paikea have been relocated to the western seaside of Constitution Park to make way for developments for the Te Tau Papa o Avarua project.
People are not cooperating: To Tatou Vai
Wednesday 17 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Health, Local, National
Water levels in the Rarotonga catchments have quickly fallen again as the island hopes for more rain.
Who cares about locals?: Muri residents upset over delayed whale removal
Tuesday 16 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Local, National
Local residents in Muri have been concerned at the delay in the disposal of a whale carcass which was brought ashore last Friday morning.
