More Top Stories
Cook Islands passport proposal
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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
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.
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.
