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Articles by Melina Etches
Nuku Day brings joy to attendees
Saturday 28 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features
More than 600 members from the six Ekalesia of the Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) on Rarotonga came together on Nuku Day (Gospel Day) celebrations to commemorate and celebrate the arrival of Christianity.
A century of grace: Whitta credits God for her long life
Saturday 28 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
One of the Cook Islands oldest living persons says there is no secret to long life, other than the ‘Amazing Grace of God’.
Whitta’s 100th birthday a Royal affair
Saturday 28 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
As a delightful surprise during her 100th birthday party on Wednesday, October 25, Tepaeru Whitta nee Araitia was presented with a special birthday card from both King Charles III and the Governor General of New Zealand, courtesy of the King’s Representative, Sir Tom Marsters.
Enhancing boating safety in Aitutaki
Friday 27 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
The Iceberg motor yacht and Flying Cloud sailing boat have both made generous donations to the Aitutaki Boating Education (ABE) while recently visiting the island.
Rarotonga celebrates Nuku Day with biblical dramas and joyous singing
Friday 27 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features
A good crowd of over 200 visitors and locals gathered at Teimurimotia Park in Titikaveka yesterday to witness the wonderful Nuku Day (Gospel Day) biblical drama presentations celebrating the arrival of Christianity to the Cook Islands.
Artists wanted for 2024 Hawaii Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Wednesday 25 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Next year the world's largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders is to make a spectacular re-appearance at the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (FestPAC) which will convene in Honolulu, Hawaii, 6–16 June 2024.
Nuku Day commemorates Christianity
Wednesday 25 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National
Each year on Gospel Day draws an assembly from each of the six Ekalesia of the Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) on Rarotonga to perform their gospel dramas, or nuku to commemorate the Arrival of Christianity to the Cook Islands.
Cook Islands documentary ‘Taonga’ continues to wow global film festivals
Monday 23 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
Taonga, a short documentary film about Cook Islands artist and activist Mike Tavioni, directed and produced by local filmmaker Glenda Tuaine, has been screened worldwide and most recently at the Hawaii International Film Festival.
Early detection is key: Breast cancer survivors celebrated
Saturday 21 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers found in women. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, also known worldwide as Pink October, and the Cook Islands joined the world in raising awareness of the disease with a special event on Thursday.
Lured in by love: Groom-to-be reels in big on wedding eve
Saturday 21 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Ryan Young and his group of 12 friends and family from New Zealand were thrilled to have a successful fishing trip on board Akura Fishing Charters yesterday morning.
Aitutaki search and rescue effort highlights need for safety gear
Friday 20 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Boat operators in the Pa Enua are being reminded of the importance of having reliable communication equipment while at sea, after two Aitutaki fishermen were recently rescued over 20 kilometres away from the island.
Kicking off a love of sport: Tuakau Terrabulls Club donates sports balls to Apii Nikao
Friday 20 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Other Sports, Sports
The visiting Tuakau Terrabulls Golden Oldies Rugby Union Club from Aotearoa New Zealand has donated sports balls to Apii Nikao to help foster an interest for sports amongst the students.
A gateway to the past: New digitising kit to preserve Cook Islands’ recent voyaging history
Thursday 19 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Technology
The Cook Islands Voyaging Society as well as Tauranga Vananga were gifted a Rokirokitia Digitising Kit by Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision, the New Zealand’s audiovisual archive.
Aitutaki residents frustrated by ‘chronic’ water shortage crisis
Thursday 19 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Health, Local, National, Outer Islands
Aitutaki residents are frustrated by the ongoing water shortage crisis on the island, as some households face extended periods of water cuts lasting up to four weeks and more.
Ngamaru Tupuna Ariki wins court case to confirm her title
Wednesday 18 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Tupuna Moeroa Ngamaru has been granted her application to the High Court to be confirmed as the elected Ngamaru Ariki of the Ngati Te Akatauira tribe, of Enuamanu Atiu.
New digitising kits to preserve and promote Cook Islands history and culture
Wednesday 18 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
Thanks to the introduction of new digitising kits, Cook Islands history and culture can now be preserved and promoted, ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to explore and understand them.
Marae Moana art project creates more awareness
Tuesday 17 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Environment, Features, National
Aitutaki students have conveyed strong messages through “amazing art” pieces to signify the importance of ocean conservation and its environment.
The magic of music: Dame Kiri Jeanette Claire Te Kanawa attends Opera in Rarotonga
Monday 16 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The audience was entertained by operatic Arias, classics and contemporary, “trying to get everyone on the edge of their seats and to have fun.”
Pink Ribbon Day awareness: Early detection is key
Saturday 14 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National
In a global effort to raise awareness on breast cancer, October has been designated as Pink Month. During this time, there are efforts to educate the public about the disease, including early identification and the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
‘Our culture is deeply ingrained within us, and it is our responsibility to hold onto it’
Saturday 14 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
One of the biggest and most vibrant Cook Islands cultural festival in the world – Te Maeva Nui ō Aotearoa New Zealand – thundered to a close at the Trust Arena in Auckland, New Zealand, late last month. This year’s biennial event which had over 1500 performers saw some first timers who shared their experience with senior journalist Melina Etches.
