More Top Stories
Cook Islands passport proposal
6 January 2025
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
Challenging ‘rape culture’
8 July 2024
Articles by Melina Etches
Netball fever grips Rarotonga
Monday 2 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Netball, Sports
The biggest netball tournament in the Cook Islands – ‘BSP Netball in Paradise’ – kicked off on Saturday morning with a traditional turou by Danniel Daniel at the Multi Sports Arena in Nikao.
Iro inspires next generation
Monday 2 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Rugby league, Sports
A young Cook Islander rugby league prodigy is making waves in the NRL, honouring his family’s legacy and inspiring the next generation of Cook Islands rugby league players.
Aitutaki water crisis: Government and contractor clash over solutions
Monday 2 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands, Technology
A local contractor and the government disagree on the best solution to Aitutaki’s water shortage, with the government favouring pump upgrades and the contractor advocating for additional water galleries.
Paddlers honour friend with donation
Saturday 30 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National, Paddling, Sports
The Dennes Boys Vaka Eiva crew from Australia has generously donated stationery supplies, sports equipment and t-shirts to Apii Takitumu in Matavera.
Family feud erupts at investiture ceremony
Saturday 30 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
In an emotional display of cultural tensions, families gathered in a noisy fervent and physical ‘pato’i’ (protest) during the ‘akauru’uru’anga’ (traditional investiture ceremony) for the Pera Mataiapo Tutara title of Vaka Puaikura at the Kainganui Marae this week.
Te Tupu reigns supreme
Saturday 30 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Paddling, Sports
The celebrated 2024 Cook Islands Canoeing Association Vaka Eiva concluded yesterday with the Round Rarotonga Relay V6 open men and women’s oe vaka races, showcasing the endurance and skills of the paddlers, and uniting local talent and international teams.
Juniors impress in marathon races
Friday 29 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Paddling, Sports
The Cook Islands Canoeing Association Vaka Eiva junior paddlers hit the lagoon again in Muri for the marathon two-kilometre and six-kilometre V6 races yesterday.
Legacy lives on: Tekeu honoured with ancestral Mataiapo title
Friday 29 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Features, National, Weekend
Fifty-six years after his late father held the title, Tekeu Maki Tekeu, 68, was yesterday invested with the Ta Mataiapo title of Matavera.
Local crews dominate Vaka Eiva V6 Mixed Relay races
Thursday 28 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Paddling, Sports
The good conditions of the ocean blue made for good racing around Rarotonga for the Vaka Eiva V6 Mixed Relay Round Raro oe vaka races.
‘We want to stay’: Blackrock Preschool community dismayed over relocation
Thursday 28 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National
Concerned parents and grandparents of children attending Blackrock Preschool have expressed dismay over Cook Islands Investment Corporation’s decision to relocate the beloved preschool to prioritise the development of sporting codes.
Next generation of paddlers impress at Vaka Eiva Junior Sprints competition
Wednesday 27 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Paddling, Sports
The Cook Islands Canoeing Association (CICA) Vaka Eiva Junior Sprint Races, set against the stunning backdrop of Muri beach lagoon, showcased an exciting talent of sportsmanship.
Confirmation ceremony brings together Rarotonga Catholic community
Wednesday 27 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National
The Avarua St Joseph’s Cathedral and Matavera Sacred Heart Parish gathered together on Sunday to celebrate in the spiritual journey of Catholic students as they received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Vaka Eiva paddlers unitefor charity
Wednesday 27 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Paddling, Sports
Thirty-four paddlers united for the Vaka Eiva 750-metre Boiler Swim, a charity event that involved swimming out to and around the iconic “boiler” at Avarua Wharf and back.
Ink for a cause: Movember Cook Islands tattoo event draws a crowd
Tuesday 26 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Health, National
Movember is more than just a month for growing mustaches. It is a global movement aimed at raising awareness of and funds for men’s health issues, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide.
Dry conditions fuel uncontrolled fires
Tuesday 26 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Weather
An increase in uncontrolled rubbish fires, which pose a significant risk to public safety and the environment, is being exacerbated by the dry spell with windy conditions experienced in Rarotonga.
National dialogue on Cook Islands well-being
Monday 25 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Agriculture, National
Secretary for Agriculture Temarama Anguna-Kamana says there is a decline in agriculture and local fisheries due to limited land, labour constraints and tourism competition as well as climate change.
Nukutere art up for silent auction
Friday 22 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National
An inspiring collection of artwork by the Nukutere College inclusive education “superpower” art students is now on display.
Slow Down in Town - 30 km/h speed signs in town zone
Friday 22 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Thirteen days after the Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) public notice to notify the community about the new 30 km/h speed zone along the main road at the St Joseph’s Cathedral, the road signs has finally been erected.
Fires continue despite warnings
Friday 22 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Crime, Local, National
Regardless of repeated warnings and the clear dangers associated with lighting rubbish heap fires in extended periods of dry weather, many people continue to disregard safety guidelines, especially during windy conditions.
Cooks diaspora consultations in New Zealand
Thursday 21 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
This week’s Cook Islands diaspora consultations in New Zealand have amounted to a shotgun approach to current affairs covering a variety of topics of national importance.
