More Top Stories
Cook Islands passport proposal
6 January 2025
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
Challenging ‘rape culture’
8 July 2024
Articles by Melina Etches
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.
Star compass to guide navigation centre on Aitutaki
Thursday 21 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Construction of the outdoor star compass for the “Akairo Tuku Kaveinga Māori” project in Aitutaki, spearheaded by Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation, is expected to begin in January.
From grey to glory: Stunning seawall mural captures Cook Islands’ essence
Thursday 21 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Access through the Nikao seawall road was closed off yesterday as a refreshing light sun shower sprinkled down, marking the historic blessing and official unveiling ceremony of the stunning Te Marae Moana Ocean and cultural themed seawall mural, and the striking new “Te Pou Tūtoru” (Three Pillars) mural by Airport Authority.
Turanga Memeitaki funds to enhance wellbeing
Wednesday 20 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Forty applications from across the Cook Islands were received for the New Zealand High Commission (NZHC) fund which was focused on the kaupapa or theme of “Turanga Memeitaki” or “Wellbeing for All”.
Mental health support still falling short as corrective services seeks more assistance
Wednesday 20 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National
Corrective Services are still struggling with mental health support as their needs are ‘not being met’.
Thesis explores island rhythms: Research documents Cook Islands dance traditions and transformations
Tuesday 19 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Education, Local, National
Dance and music have long been cherished as a vital part of Cook Islands cultural expression. Now, a new thesis, “Cook Islands Dance Oral History – Embodied Expressive Culture of the Cook Islands: Encounters, Change and Artistic Mobility”, offers a comprehensive exploration of their creation and performance.
Extra goodies! $50 Christmas bonus sweetens the season for Cook Islands beneficiaries
Tuesday 19 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
All beneficiaries of the Cook Islands Welfare Benefit, including the child benefit, old age pension, destitute, infirm and caregivers, will be receiving a $50 Christmas bonus payment on Thursday.
An Aitutakian’s guide for returning family
Monday 18 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local, National, Tourism, Weekend
Aitutaki local Linda Ruamoana shares 10 tips for returning Cook Islanders/Aitutakian families visiting the island, urging them to be mindful of the island’s limited resources and customs.
Considering the 2023 Tainted Cryptocurrency : Recovery Bill Civil liberties, privacy and due process
Saturday 16 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Features, National, Weekend
This week the 2023 Tainted Cryptocurrency Recovery Bill was tabled in Parliament and referred to a select committee for consideration and report. Cook Islands crypto expert, Ano Tisam says the Bill, making its way through Parliament, raises some serious concerns about civil liberties, privacy and due process. Melina Etches reports.
New Aitutaki crane boosts cargo capacity
Saturday 16 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands
The Cook Islands Ports Authority’s new crane in Aitutaki will lift the current weight restriction of 20 tonne to 25 tonne, allowing importers and the people of the island to add more tonnage of goods to containers.
Small school, big dreams: Rutaki celebrates success at annual awards
Friday 15 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Apii Rutaki, the small school with a big heart out in the west, celebrated their school prize giving day with a vibrant occasion and a huge turnout of parents and family on Thursday.
Statistics attachment boosts Maritime’s data management
Friday 15 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
The Maritime Safety Authority databases will now be managed and used more effectively, thanks to upskilling attachment training within government agencies.
Tereora students gain valuable work experience
Thursday 14 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
April Mana, the Cook Islands Trading Corporation Ltd (CITC) training manager, is passionate about empowering youth, particularly school leavers, to find employment in the country.
Taane returns with ‘One Man Band’ show
Thursday 14 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
One of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most beloved musicians, Tiki Taane, is finally back in Rarotonga and ready to take the stage at Trios Garden Bar this Friday (tomorrow).
Mitchell scoops Dux, Athlete and Reo Māori awards
Wednesday 13 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
A pe’e by student Terry Peua led the formalities of Apii Te Uki Ou prize giving day last Friday, followed by the national anthem, the opening hymn ‘Aue Te Okotai’, a prayer by teacher Sareni Poila and the welcome speech by principal Kim Noovao.
Craft to cuisine: Penrhyn schools unite for Enterprise Day
Wednesday 13 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National, Outer Islands
The Penrhyn schools of Tetautua and Omoka united for their respective curriculum enterprise programme which were introduced in both schools last year.
