More Top Stories
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‘Nothing to worry about’: Prime Minister Brown on China agreement
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‘Serious questions’: Opposition challenges China partnership
15 February 2025
No-confidence motion against PM and his Cabinet faces delays
15 February 2025
Ruta Mave: People’s Republic of China red flag
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No debt in China deal
8 February 2025
Thomas Wynne: Haka with the taniwha or dance with the dragon?
8 February 2025
‘Paedophile’ gets 13 years in prison
22 January 2025
Thomas Wynne: Where were our leaders while children suffered?
25 January 2025
$541.7m tourism earnings
25 January 2025
Cook Islands passport proposal
6 January 2025
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
Anxiety on the rise: Cook Islands faces mental health challenge
7 September 2024
MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
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Articles by Melina Etches
Out and proud: Miss Thunderhips shines in celebration of diversity
Monday 22 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
In a celebration of Anuanua Week’s talent, diversity, and inclusivity, the electrifying Miss Thunderhips competition took centre stage on Friday night featuring LGBTQ+ contestants, who showcased their talents captivating the enthusiastic full-house audience.
MP Utikere: A privilege to serve his community
Saturday 20 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, New Zealand, Regional
The visiting New Zealand Parliamentary delegation includes a Cook Islander who is making his first ‘official’ visit to his homeland.
Autism promotes awareness with Rescue Fire visit
Saturday 20 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National
Autism Cook Islands received donations from businesses and took children on a visit to the Rescue Fire Service to promote awareness and inclusion.
Balancing rights and culture: ‘Hard Talks’ panel discusses progress and challenges
Saturday 20 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
Thought-provoking candid conversations on human rights or tika’anga tangata on the evolving relationship of the LGBTQI Anuanua rights in the Cook Islands shed light on the challenges, progress, and aspirations for individuals in the community and abroad.
Local MPs discuss challenges with NZ Speaker Parliamentary delegation
Friday 19 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, New Zealand, Parliament, Regional
Cook Islands parliamentarians engaged in open discussions with Aotearoa New Zealand’s Speaker of the House of Representatives Gerry Brownlee and his delegation at Parliament House yesterday morning.
Vaka Marumaru Atua sets direct course for Hawaii
Thursday 18 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National, Tourism
Vaka Marumaru Atua will skip Tahiti and sail directly to Hawaii with a youth crew to attend the 2024 Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture in Honolulu in June.
Akava’ine to take centre stage as Miss Thunderhips strikes back!
Thursday 18 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, National
After a decade-long break, the electrifying Miss Thunderhips dance competition is back with a thunderous bang and taking to the stage tomorrow night at Te Are Kariori Domes for the Anuanua festival celebrations.
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.
