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7 December 2024
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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
Sewing tells a story
Wednesday 22 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, Local, National
Te Are Pa Metua, Rarotonga’s elderly centre for senior citizens, has acquired a valuable creative tool for its members - a brand new sewing machine.
Allan is home safe
Wednesday 22 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Allan Murare returned to his home safe and sound on Monday, after 12 days of being reported missing.
Storyteller battles language loss with children’s novel
Tuesday 21 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National
Storytelling has long been a cherished practice for preserving culture, celebrating heritage, and sharing diverse perspectives.
Te Tau Papa o Avarua: A 20-year masterplan to revitalise Avarua township unveiled
Monday 20 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Local, National
Dignitaries unveiled the Phase 1 Te Tau Papa o Avarua project signboards, marking the official start of the plan which includes infrastructure and landscaping activities to be carried out in Rarotonga’s main central business district.
Initiative to preserve Muri Lagoon
Monday 20 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Local, National
An enthusiastic effort is being undertaken by a whole-hearted community group whose passion is to preserve and protect the popular and beautiful Muri Lagoon in Ngatangiia.
Pacific financial intelligence units unite to combat financial crime
Monday 20 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
The Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) from the Pacific convened in Rarotonga last week to bolster regional partnerships in the fight against serious financial crimes.
Hard work pays off for Montagot
Saturday 18 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Features, National, Weekend
The Tereora College Princess Anne Hall was filled to capacity with proud parents and families as they gathered for the school’s senior prize-giving event yesterday.
Tupapa blaze sparks warning
Saturday 18 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
A shed has been gutted by a blaze following an out of control rubbish fire, prompting a warning from emergency staff, as high winds and dry conditions persist on Rarotonga.
Kickboxers ready to rumble
Friday 17 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Other Sports, Sports
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) athletes will be showcasing their skills at the inaugural Cook Islands 682 Ultimate Rage Fight Night this evening at Te Are Karioi (National Auditorium).
Colourful mural bids farewell to Cook Islands departures
Friday 17 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
Passengers departing from the Cook Islands can now enjoy a magnificent mural adorned with bold and vibrant colours in the airport’s departure terminal.
Ngāti Maoate tribe honours Samoan heritage with land gift
Thursday 16 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
The Ngāti Maoate tribe, who have close blood ties to the Mata’afa line of Samoa, have gifted land to the Samoan community on Rarotonga.
MV Lady Moana fire investigation underway: Ministry of Transport
Thursday 16 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
An investigation into the fire that broke out onboard cargo vessel MV Lady Moana about 60 nautical miles off Penrhyn over a week ago is underway, says the Ministry of Transport.
MMA mania hits Rarotonga: Ultimate Rage Fight Night promises thrilling encounters
Wednesday 15 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Other Sports, Sports
Mixed martial arts (MMA) fans are in for a thrilling treat with the Cook Islands 682 Ultimate Rage Fight Night – an adrenaline-fueled display of combat sports – set to take place this Friday in Rarotonga.
Dedicated to their faith: Rasmussen and Jessie ordained as CICC Reverends
Wednesday 15 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features
Driven by their unwavering faith and a calling from God, Saungaki Rasmussen and James Jessie were ordained as Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) Reverends (Orometuas) earlier this month.
Climate change a major threat to children’s rights in Pacific region: UNCRC
Wednesday 15 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National
The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) are returning to the Pacific Island Countries to take stock of their efforts to advance children’s rights.
Suwarrow guardians return to Rarotonga after six-month mission
Wednesday 15 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
After six months away to carry out necessary monitoring of sailing vessels to the Cook Islands Suwarrow National Park, veteran park ranger Harry Papa’i and assistant park ranger Maarateina Vakapora have safely returned home to Rarotonga on MV Lady Moana.
Vaka Paikea takes a dry dock vacation in preparation for cyclone season
Tuesday 14 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
In preparation for the upcoming cyclone season, which runs from November to April, Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation’s Vaka Paikea was lifted out of Avatiu Port and onto dry dock at the Punanga Nui Market seaside grounds yesterday.
Familiar faces honour those who fought
Monday 13 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The Last Post played on a bugle by John Hinton, followed by a minute of silence, signaled the start of the poignant Remembrance Day parade.
Forum brings economic boom to Aitutaki
Saturday 11 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, National, Outer Islands, Pacific Islands Forum, Weekend
The stunning island of Aitutaki co-hosted the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting for the second time, their first being in 2012, welcoming regional leaders this week for their retreat in the island’s picturesque lagoon.
Cook Islands to commemorate Armistice Day
Saturday 11 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
At 11am on November 11, 1918, the Armistice treaty was officially signed, marking the end of the First World War.