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
Aitutaki receives Pacific leaders with warm welcome
Thursday 9 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands, Pacific Islands Forum
Aitutaki received the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders in heart-warming island style, gifting each of them with a unique Cook Islands hand stitched tivaivai during their welcoming ceremony.
PM Brown calls for unity and partnership at Forum opening ceremony
Wednesday 8 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum
The unique sound of traditional drums thundered through Te Are Karioi, marking the opening ceremony of the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting on Monday night.
Cook Islands, PM Brown put on a show for Pacific Leaders
Wednesday 8 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum
The 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting got off to a colourful start with a proud display of vibrant Cook Islands culture and tradition at the National Auditorium on Monday night.
Polynesian bloc calls for halt to Fukushima wastewater release
Tuesday 7 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum
The Polynesian bloc will call for a pause in the discharge of treated radioactive water by Japan from its damaged Fukushima power plant at the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting this week.
Te Marae Moana’s ocean-themed mural project nears completion
Monday 6 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Te Marae Moana mural project, which features hundreds of vibrant characters on the Nikao seawall, is nearing completion. The last 30 metres of the 562m wall are expected to be finished this week.
PM Brown holds bilateral talks with Pacific leaders
Monday 6 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum
More Pacific leaders have arrived in the Cook Islands to participate in the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM52), which begins today with the Pacific subregional meetings followed by the official opening tonight.
Don’t hold grudges, be kind: Miitungane, 95, shares secrets to long and happy life
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Te Maeu O Te Rangi Teikamata Ariki of Mitiaro, Mii Tungane Upokoati O’Bryan, embodies a vibrant and humorous spirit as she gracefully passes through her incredible journey at the age of 95. She is one of the few Cook Islands nonagenarians who bring a lively, no-nonsense, and cherished presence to our community.
Pacific region is not a region of competition but of collaboration: PM Brown
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum
Prime Minister Mark Brown has called for the need to respect and acknowledge Pacific Island countries’ decisions as they mature and assert their independent sovereignty.
A taste of Cook Islands at Pacific Partnerships for Prosperity Pavilion
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features, National, Pacific Islands Forum
The pride and flavour of Cook Islands will be on show at the Pacific Partnerships for Prosperity (PPfP) Pavilion, showcasing the work of 55 registered food and crafts vendors and exhibitors, at the Punanga Nui Market next week.
Pacific leaders welcomed in traditional Cook Islands style
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, National, Pacific Islands Forum
Pacific leaders arriving for the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting hosted by the Cook Islands are being welcomed at the Rarotonga International Airport in traditional Cook Islands style, with a traditional chant, riveting drum beats, and enchanting dancers.
Seamstresses sew up a storm for Forum Meeting volunteers
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, Go Local, National, Pacific Islands Forum
The 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting has brought a flurry of activity to the island’s seamstresses as they sew up a storm to diligently produce uniforms for the workers engaged in organising the Forum.
Airport Day provides runway for knowledge, collaboration
Thursday 2 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Airport Authority Cook Islands yesterday welcomed key international officials here for the inaugural ‘Airport Day’ workshop which gets underway today.
Taking accessibility to new heights: Cook Islands’ first passenger lift open to public
Thursday 2 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Access to the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) building now requires just the push of a button for the elderly, vulnerable, and persons with disabilities.
Piakura brings Broncos mates to experience the beauty of Cooks
Thursday 2 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in League, Sports
Brendan Piakura, a Cook Islands international rugby league footballer who plays as a second-row forward for the Brisbane Broncos in the National Rugby League (NRL), is currently enjoying a well-deserved vacation on Rarotonga with his family. He also attended the unveiling ceremony of his late grandfather, Piakura.
Nursing students and Red Cross host elderly group for health promotion project
Wednesday 1 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National
Giving back to the community, Bachelor of Nursing Pacific students and the Cook Islands Red Cross Society hosted Te Are Pa Metua elderly group last week.
Turama: A time to remember and honour departed loved ones
Wednesday 1 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Today marks Turama or All Souls Day, a significant occasion in the Cook Islands where families commemorate their departed loved ones by decorating their graves with fragrant flowers, candles, and lights to remember and honour those who have passed on.
A reel deal: Participants get hooked on fun at Annual Reef Fishing Competition
Tuesday 31 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Fishing, Sports, Weekend
Despite unfavourable weather conditions, 74 participants took part in the popular Mama Reef Annual Bamboo Rod Fishing Competition held a week ago on Saturday, October 21.
Growers collaborate with NZ company to develop business plan for farmers’ co-operative
Tuesday 31 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
The Kai Natura Taokotai (KNT) group is moving ahead in their co-operative mission to establish a Cook Islands growers’ company (Farmers Co-op) to support, upskill, manage risk, and innovate our primary producers’ farm businesses.
$1.7m Hyundai Ioniq EVs charge up for the Pacific Islands Forum
Tuesday 31 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum
A motorcade of brand-new Hyundai Ioniq electric vehicles, valued at $1.7 million landed cost, purchased by the Cook Islands government for the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting next week, underwent its first drive trial around the island last week.
New pilot programme to provide in-homecare support to elderly and vulnerable in Rarotonga
Monday 30 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features
Rarotonga Home Healthcare ‘Toku Nei Ora’anga Ora – My Health, My Life’, a local privately owned health care service provider on the island is pleased to announce a recent new partnership with Pacific Homecare, a Charitable Trust organisation providing home-based health care and Whānau Ora services in Aotearoa New Zealand.
