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
Dreams fulfilled: Rarotonga students celebrate academic achievements
Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Features, National, Weekend
This week saw more school prizegiving ceremonies held across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Today, Cook Islands News presents the senior awards list for Apii Avarua, Apii Nikao, and Papaaroa Adventist School.
Spreading festive cheer on Rarotonga
Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
The Tropical Christmas Committee is pleased with the activities of the festive period which continues today with the Santa on Tour from 8.30am to 11.30am, starting at CITC Supermarket to the Punanga Nui Market and through town.
Rarotonga’s first cathedral reopens as Monsignor Bernadin Castanie Centre
Friday 8 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Bishop Paul Donoghue, the head of the Cook Islands Catholic Church, led a joyous celebration yesterday alongside members of the diocese as they marked the restoration of the country’s first cathedral.
Proud parents witness sons’ success at Apii Nikao prize giving
Friday 8 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Apii Nikao held their junior prize-giving awards event yesterday morning, followed by the senior awards later in the evening.
Mousing around town: Mickey and Minnie jingle all the way in Rarotonga
Friday 8 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Local, National
Disney’s beloved characters, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, brought cheer to the annual Tropical Christmas float parade yesterday, drawing a respectable crowd to the festive event.
Government agencies partner to address traffic congestion and improve safety
Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Police, Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) will be taking actions to better manage traffic in the Avarua town centre to reduce risks, improve pedestrian safety and experience as well as measures for public transport.
Arrest made in fatal accident of beloved Cook Islands pilot
Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Regional, Samoa, Solomon Islands
The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) has arrested a 20-year-old male suspect in connection with the fatal accident involving a Cook Islands national in Honiara on December 3rd.
From Manchester to Rarotonga: Global grooves unite in feel-good December concert
Wednesday 6 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
The amazing cello and accordion duo will be gracing the stage tonight, bringing a delightful blend of folk, pop, and even some stripped-back pop punk tunes to a ‘feel-good’ December concert at Tamarind House in Tupapa.
Pacific police unite to build networks and capability for a safer region
Wednesday 6 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
Fifteen Pacific police agencies are attending the three-day Pacific Community for Law Enforcement Cooperation (PCLEC) meeting to discuss the ongoing development and strengthening of its network.
Strong winds ravage Penrhyn: Island calls for urgent weather alert upgrade
Wednesday 6 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands, Weather
Penrhyn residents are reeling after strong winds ripped through their homes early yesterday morning, causing significant damage and raising concerns about the lack of timely warnings.
Climate change, overfishing: Pacific tuna faces ‘unprecedented challenges’
Tuesday 5 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National, Regional
The annual regional fisheries meeting to discuss and address crucial matters concerning tuna fisheries and the marine ecosystems they inhabit began yesterday with a traditional welcome and official opening ceremony at the National Auditorium.
Tupapa legacy waste collection dates released
Tuesday 5 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
In an effort to rid the island of legacy waste, the ‘Titā ki te Titā kore’ collection project will continue this week in the district of Tupapa, starting tomorrow through to Friday.
Pacific tuna at stake: Global leaders gather for sustainable solution
Tuesday 5 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National, Regional
Cook Islands is hosting the 20th regular session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC20), which oversees the world’s largest tuna fisheries, this week.
Year 13 students tackle work experience
Monday 4 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Year 13 students from Tereora College, are participating in a five-day work experience programme across several divisions of the Cook Islands Trading Corporation (CITC).
Cops to converge on Raro for conference
Monday 4 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National
Pacific Islands chiefs of Police are invested in key areas to improve policing and outcomes across the region.
Pa Enua schools turn trash into treasure in Sanitarium Creative Art Competition
Saturday 2 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Environment, Local, National, Outer Islands
Students in the Pa Enua demonstrated their artistic prowess by designing sculptures from recycled Sanitarium product packaging in the Sanitarium Creative Art Schools Competition, facilitated by the Cook Islands Trading Corporation (CITC).
Apii Takitumu honours dedicated teachers and academic achievers
Saturday 2 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Early Childhood Education (ECE) students from Titikaveka participated in the Apii Takitumu prize-giving event held on Thursday morning at the Revival Church in Matavera.
Pa Enua schools turn trash into treasure in Sanitarium Creative Art Competition
Saturday 2 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National, Outer Islands
Students in the Pa Enua demonstrated their artistic prowess by designing sculptures from recycled Sanitarium product packaging in the Sanitarium Creative Art Schools Competition, facilitated by the Cook Islands Trading Corporation (CITC).
Apii Takitumu honours dedicated teachers and academic achievers
Saturday 2 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Early Childhood Education (ECE) students from Titikaveka participated in the Apii Takitumu prize-giving event held on Thursday morning at the Revival Church in Matavera.
Oe Vaka juniors brave the waves
Friday 1 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Paddling, Sports
In very testing conditions, local and Aotearoa New Zealand junior paddlers hit the water on Wednesday afternoon in the Vaka Eiva Junior 6km course which saw eight canoes head out from Avarua Harbour to the Club Raro buoy turnaround back towards the Avatiu Harbour, and back to the start.
