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Thomas Wynne: Haka with the taniwha or dance with the dragon?
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$541.7m tourism earnings
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Cook Islands passport proposal
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Solid and Hazardous Waste Bill referred to Parliament committee
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I don’t expect much change: PM Brown on US Elections
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CIIC directors seek $350,000 in damages over defamatory claims
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Man found guilty of rape, burglary
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Articles by Melina Etches
Cook Islands playwright tackles taboo topics in new production
Wednesday 10 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Award-winning Cook Islands playwright Teherenui Koteka is sparking conversations about sexuality, safe sex, and healthy relationships for Pacific youth with her latest project, which will be showcased in Rarotonga next week.
A sneak peek: Wearable Arts pre-judging sets stage for Anuanua Week
Wednesday 10 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
The pre-judging of the dazzling Wearable Arts Competition, leading up to the festivities of Anuanua Week, was held yesterday at the Bergman Gallery.
Fierce competition as Tereora College’s Anau teams return to national stage
Tuesday 9 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
The Anau (house) teams of Tereora College made dazzling comeback to the national stage after a five-year absence and delivered captivating performances.
Wear blue, donate, and make a difference
Tuesday 9 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
People are encouraged to wear blue this Friday, April 12th, for Blue Day and donate to Autism Cook Islands (ACI) initiatives that support families.
To Tatou Vai seeks public input on new water tariff structure
Tuesday 9 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Environment, Health, Local, National
Cook Islands water authority To Tatou Vai is consulting with the community and other stakeholders to determine a water tariff structure for Rarotonga based on usage and operational costs.
Young orators captivate audience at Rarotonga Māori Speech comp
Saturday 6 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Education, Features, Local, National
Te Maraurau o te Pae Apii Ministry of Education Rarotonga Primary Schools Māori Speech Competition was held this week at Te Are Karioi National Auditorium over two nights.
Reel fun in the sun: Atiu Easter Fishing Competition a success
Saturday 6 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Fishing, Sports
The Atiu Easter Fishing Competition hosted by the Atiu branch of Kōrero o te ‘Ōrau’s ‘Ātui’anga ki te Tango (AKTT) programme drew fantastic support from the community.
Cook Islands history gifted to upcoming generations
Saturday 6 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
Author and historian Howard Henry has gifted his monumental effort of 16 publications of Cook Islands history to the Tauranga Vananga Ministry of Culture Development Library for generations to peruse over and enjoy.
Anuanua Film Day set to showcase stories and voices of the rainbow community
Saturday 6 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The Anuanua Film Day, set to premiere next week on April 16, is a one-day celebration of LGBTQIA+ filmmakers and culture in the Cook Islands.
Local charity pays it forward with donation to support new mums and families
Friday 5 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Autism Cook Islands has kindly donated $1340 cash that was raised from their Art Auction last year, to the Nui Rarotonga group.
Pride and unity: Inaugural Anuanua Week promotes inclusivity in Cook Islands
Friday 5 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Education, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Pride Cook Islands is proud to announce their partnership with Te Tiare Association in presenting the LGBTQIA+ Anuanua Week – a vibrant celebration of love, acceptance, and unity in the Cook Islands.
Vaka Marumaru Atua to set sail for Hawaii for Festival of Pacific Arts
Friday 5 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Vaka Marumaru Atua with a crew of 16 including youth from Pa Enua islands will sail to Hawaii for the Festival of Pacific Arts.
Apii Avarua students win top trophies in Māori Speech Competition
Friday 5 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Education, Features, National
Apii Avarua students took home the top trophies at Te Maraurau o te Pae Apii (Ministry of Education) Primary Schools Māori Speech Competition held on Wednesday night at Te Are Karioi National Auditorium.
Tereora College stages cultural extravaganza at Te Are Karioi
Thursday 4 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Tereora College students will showcase their cultural talents this evening at 6pm at the Te Are Karioi National Auditorium.
Te Mire Atu expands for overseas Cook Islanders to compete in 2025
Thursday 4 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
Cook Islands composers living in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia will be invited to participate in the prestigious Te Mire Atu original Māori song composition event next year.
Child Welfare Association and Te Marae Ora partner to improve infant nutrition
Thursday 4 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National
In promoting the wellbeing and nourishment of infants, the Cook Islands Child Welfare Association (CICWA) has received a generous donation of cooking utensils from Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health.
Island lure lands winning yellowfin tuna for Piniata
Wednesday 3 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Fishing, Sports
Katoa Piniata from the Game Fishing Rarotonga charters took out both the heaviest fish and heaviest aggregate cash prizes of $1500 combined at the annual Bank of the South Pacific (BSP) Easter Fishing Competition.
Winning composition explores humanity of Katikatia legend
Saturday 30 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Renowned Cook Islands composer Thomas Peyroux proved his talent in writing original compositions, just about sweeping the Tauranga Vananga Edgewater Resort 2024 Te Mire Atu composers’ competition on Wednesday night.
House of Ariki and Maori King join forces for whale protection
Saturday 30 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
The House of Ariki and Aotearoa Maori King signed a declaration advocating for the legal personhood of whales and their protection.
Aussie artist reconnects with Cook Islands roots
Thursday 28 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
A Cook Islands Australian female artist is learning first-hand about Cook Islands cultural practices while working with one of the country’s cultural icons.
