More Top Stories
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Solid and Hazardous Waste Bill referred to Parliament committee
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DPM defends CIIC finance and travel policies
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Cook Islands has its first mosque
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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’
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Articles by Melina Etches
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.
World Food Day event celebrates Cook Islands produce and culture
Saturday 14 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The Ministry of Agriculture’s World Food Day event at Terevete Park yesterday drew over 55 stallholders selling a variety of fresh produce, plants, and crafts.
New Ombudsman Office provides inclusive and accessible space for all
Friday 13 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
In a significant step towards inclusivity and equal access to justice, the new Te Mata Akamoeau Ombudsman Office opened yesterday, providing a warm and welcoming space for everyone, including people with disabilities, to seek and receive assistance.
Traditional voyaging revived as Te Puna Marama launches new programme
Thursday 12 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Vaka Paikea’s scheduled sail from Rarotonga to the island of Mitiaro tomorrow, Friday, will mark the beginning of another voyage for Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation UNESCO Teretereanga Vaka programme.
Eye-deal opportunity for Cook Islanders to get free glasses
Thursday 12 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National
Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health is conducting basic reading eye tests and distributing free eye glasses around Rarotonga in an effort to promote World Sight Day which will be marked today.
Exciting Opera Trio
Wednesday 11 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The Opera in Rarotonga, talented and powerful Pacific trio, have arrived thrilled and ready to showcase a repertoire of opera classics, Pacific Imene, Waiata and contemporary songs over two nights this week - Friday and Saturday.
Be there for each other - Mental Health Day
Wednesday 11 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National
World Mental Health Day was an opportunity for people and communities to unite behind the theme ‘Mental health is a universal human right” to improve knowledge, raise awareness and support actions that promote and protect everyone’s mental health.
Descendants of Cook Islands coastwatchers share pride in their ancestors’ service
Monday 9 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Families of Cook Islands coastwatchers are pleased with New Zealand’s efforts to formally recognise the significant service their ancestors provided during the Second World War.
Our own version of the Grammys: Cook Islands community celebrates excellence at Te Tu Rangatira Awards
Saturday 7 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
The biennial Te Tu Rangatira Awards 2023 showcased a remarkable display of talent and unity within the Cook Islands community in Aotearoa New Zealand, serving as a powerful representation of the outstanding achievements of individuals who are making a significant impact.
Cook Islands Government donates $10,000 to help Lahaina wildfire victims
Saturday 7 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The Cook Islands Government has donated $10,000 to help the victims of the recent wildfire in Lahaina, Hawaii.
Puna strengthened with foldable beds and tablets ahead of cyclone season
Saturday 7 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
In preparation for the upcoming cyclone season, which runs from November 1 through to the end of next April, Emergency Management Cook Islands (EMCI) have donated foldable beds and tablets to the Puna (village committee) on Rarotonga and to the Pa Enua.
Mitiaro’s Te Maeva Nui NZ performing arts team visits homeland for the first time
Friday 6 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National, Outer Islands
The members of the Mitiaro performing arts team, which performed at Te Maeva Nui New Zealand in Auckland last weekend, are in the country visiting their motherland for the first time.
Cook Islander boxer eyes Olympic qualification at Pacific Games
Thursday 5 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Boxing, Pacific Games, Sports
The Australian super heavyweight boxing champion, Cook Islander Teremoana Samson Teremoana Junior, is all set to square off in the Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands from November 1 to 14.
Opera in Rarotonga returning with unique Pacific flavour
Thursday 5 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
A unique and captivating musical experience is set to unfold on Rarotonga next week celebrating Pacific and contemporary songs in the timeless art form of opera.
Cook Islands receives WHO award for best Covid practice
Thursday 5 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National
The Cook Islands has been awarded the ‘WHO (World Health Organization) Healthy Islands Best Practice Recognition Award – Work Smarter for a Covid-19 Safe Cook Islands’.
Autism art auction raises $12k
Wednesday 4 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
The Autism Cook Islands (ACI) Takavekave Tatou Art Exhibition and Auction has raised $12,000 with a percentage of the funds going back to the student artists and to a charity of their choice, and to support the organisation’s pathways programme.
