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Solid and Hazardous Waste Bill referred to Parliament committee
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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’
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Articles by Melina Etches
Celebrating cultural diversity
Thursday 3 August 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Kapa haka groups from Aotearoa New Zealand joined by local Kiribati, Filipino and Indonesian communities illuminated Te Maeva Nui International Night.
Cook Islands natural skincare products a hit with customers
Thursday 3 August 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National
Locally made oils featuring in the ‘Maruoi Natural Skincare & Cosmetics’ range is becoming increasingly popular among locals and visitors attending the annual trade show due to their natural ingredients.
Kapa haka group returns to Cook Islands to heal and give thanks
Thursday 3 August 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
On Tuesday night, the 2023 Te Maeva Nui International Night stage witnessed a deeply moving tribute by Aotearoa New Zealand kapa haka group Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao as they paid homage to their beloved leader, Sally-Ann “Hereana” Roberts, who tragically passed away during last year’s festival.
Funds not lost 'in the controversy' : FIFA boss
Wednesday 2 August 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Football, Sports
The head of the world football’s governing body has promised funding to help develop the sport in the Cook Islands.
Te Maeva Nui 2023: A celebration of ‘who we are and where we come from’
Wednesday 2 August 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
A small respectable crowd attended the official opening ceremony of Te Maeva Nui – the 58th Cook Islands Constitution Celebrations – which marks the beginning of week-long events at Te Are Karioi Nui (National Auditorium).
Promoting local businesses
Wednesday 2 August 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Economy, National
Over 80 vendors set up their stalls in the light rain as customers flowed into the Punanga Nui Market for the biggest Bank of the Cook Islands (BCI) trade show.
First-timers Vaka Tereora ‘wows’ audience with heartfelt performance at Te Maeva Nui
Wednesday 2 August 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The Vaka Tereora (Tereora College) team sang with pride and joy in the choir and imene tuki sections, delighting the audience at Te Maeva Nui official opening ceremony on Monday night.
School holiday programme gives students hands-on experience with local resources
Tuesday 1 August 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
The first day of the Kōrero o te ‘Ōrau ‘Ātui’anga ki te Tango school holiday programme for Rarotonga, Atiu and Mangaia kicked off yesterday morning when all 30 senior students teamed up for introductions.
Record vendors for Trade Days
Tuesday 1 August 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Economy, National
The Bank of the Cook Islands (BCI) Trade Days Expo is proving popular, this year a record number of 84 vendors have signed up to showcase locally made products and home-grown produce.
58th Constitution Celebrations officially open
Tuesday 1 August 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The 2023 Te Maeva Nui cultural festival got off to a spectacular start with the official opening ceremony which involved the lighting of Te Maeva Nui Flame by Prime Minister Mark Brown at the National Auditorium last night.
New book shines light on the life of Cook Islander Missionary in Papua New Guinea
Monday 31 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Features, National, Weekend
A new book was presented to the Cook Islands National Library, shining light on the life of Orometua (pastor) Tumupu Kea, who lived in Papua New Guinea over a century ago, spreading the message of the Gospel.
Tereora College ready to make history at Te Maeva Nui cultural festival
Monday 31 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
A spirited and enthusiastic 100-member team will be representing Tereora College (Vaka Tereora Team) in their first ever Te Maeva Nui cultural festival this week.
The monument that ‘tore’ Vaka Puaikura people apart
Saturday 29 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features
Tinomana Tokerau Ariki and the Arorangi Ekalesia unveiled a large and prominent monument that had been shipped all the way from Italy to commemorate 200 years of Christianity in the district.
Historic visit: Bringing the love of football to our future generations
Saturday 29 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Football, Sports
FIFA president, Gianni Infantino touched down on Rarotonga yesterday, making a historic first visit to the Cook Islands, where FIFA Forward funds are boosting football development.
Darts Cook Islands hosting ‘strong’ NZ Niue team
Friday 28 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Other Sports, Sports
The Darts Cook Islands is hosting New Zealand Niue 40 plus strong team with competitions held last week Saturday and on Wednesday this week.
Platinum sponsor extends support
Friday 28 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Vodafone Cook Islands has announced it will continue with its platinum sponsorship for Te Maeva Nui, the nation’s best and most popular cultural event of the year.
Creatives Centre receives timely donation
Friday 28 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Glenn Coogan and Tracey Hunt from Aotearoa New Zealand delivered 23 kilograms of wooden puzzles and gifts to the Creative Centre on behalf of the Rotary Club of Feilding Oroua, last week.
Pukapuka defies odds at Te Maeva Nui
Friday 28 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, National, Outer Islands
Pukapuka Nassau will be hitting the stage at next week’s Te Maeva Nui culture festival with spirited “girl power”.
Puaikura pays tribute to Tinomana Enuarurutini Ariki and Papeiha
Thursday 27 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Culture, Features, National
Vaka Puaikura celebrated 200 years of Christianity Arrival to Arorangi with the unveiling of stone carved monuments and vibrant culture on Tuesday afternoon.
‘Rare’ sighting of New Zealand fur seal in Rarotonga’s lagoon
Thursday 27 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Editor's Pick, Environment, National
A juvenile New Zealand fur seal was sighted swimming in Rarotonga’s lagoon this week, says Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR).
