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CI Muslim opens up about her faith and journey
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RAC to address mosque legality
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I don’t expect much change: PM Brown on US Elections
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Fifth weekly Sydney flight to Rarotonga announced
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CIIC directors seek $350,000 in damages over defamatory claims
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Man found guilty of rape, burglary
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Tenants face water bill burden
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Concerns over Minister’s role in inmate work releases: PAC
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Tourism contribution set to surpass half-billion dollar mark
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Parliament Clerk sparks outrage over deep sea mining statement
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Deep sea dilemma: Cook Islanders weigh the cost of mineral riches
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Anxiety on the rise: Cook Islands faces mental health challenge
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Cook Islands deep sea mining poll sparks controversy
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MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
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Rising seas, rising costs: Climate impacts on Cook Islands economy
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Inflation eases but concerns remain
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Prime Minister defends $659,000 MPs travel bill
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Taxpayers foot $659,000 bill for MPs travel and allowance
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Corruption report exposes ‘bribe and sexual favours’
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Articles by Melina Etches
Journal featuring writings of Aitutakian Missionary donated to National Library
Thursday 20 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
Authors Kevin and Mary Salisbury have had the great privilege of following in the tracks of a “wonderful” Aitutakian author Rau, one of the very first Cook Islands missionaries in Papua New Guinea who wrote in his own language about the first four years of the London Missionary Society (LMS) during his time.
Atiu’s Gospel : Bicentennial celebrations witness harmonious blend of tradition, faith
Thursday 20 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, National, Outer Islands
Before the break of dawn, the island of Atiu or Enuamanu rose to the drums of the tangi kaara signalling the beginning of the official ceremonial events to commemorate the 200-year anniversary of Te Arikianga o te Evangelia, the arrival of Christianity in 1823.
Tutavake reels in 33.1kg yellowfin tuna to win fishing comp
Thursday 20 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Other Sports, Sports
While the winter fishing season could be better, the Cook Islands Fishing Association (CIFA) competition held over the weekend saw some good catches weighed in delighting local fishermen.
Atiu marks Te Arikianga o te Evangelia –200 years of Christianity
Wednesday 19 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features
Two centuries ago on July 19, 1823, the Gospel made its way to the shores of Enuamanu/Atiu, forever changing the lives and culture of its people.
Te Rito o Taku Peu Tupuna sponsor Te Maeva Nui
Wednesday 19 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
For the first time, CIC Ltd & Te Rito O Taku Peu Tupuna have signed up as platinum sponsors ($15k plus) for Te Maeva Nui, the biggest and best national cultural event held each year to celebrate the August 4 birthday of the Cook Islands as an independent nation.
Vaka Paikea stops over in Suwarrow
Wednesday 19 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Environment, Features, Local, National, Outer Islands
Vaka Paikea has stopped over in Suwarrow for two nights before making its return to Rarotonga after a significant voyage from Samoa.
Paddlers Producing Good Results for the World Champs in Samoa
Tuesday 18 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Paddling, Sports
Te Tupu O Te Manava paddlers Andre Tutaka George and Serena Hunter took out the Cook Islands Canoeing Association (CICA) national singles championships over the weekend in a hotly contested 18k race from Avana harbour to the Arorangi jetty.
Whetū Marama - Bright Star screens to mark Matariki Day
Tuesday 18 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, National
In honour of Matariki Day and the inaugural visit by the Aotearoa New Zealand Minister of Māori Development, Willie Jackson, the High Commission of New Zealand hosted a reception and screening of Whetū Marama - Bright Star, over the weekend.
Atiu begins 200-year Te Arikianga o te Evangelia Celebrations
Tuesday 18 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, National, Outer Islands
A jubilant atmosphere is on the island of Enuamanu/Atiu as its residents and visitors gather to commemorate the momentous occasion of Te Arikianga o te Evangelia to mark their historic 200th anniversary of the Arrival of the Gospel.
A dedicated CICC General Assembly
Monday 17 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National
The Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) 34th General Assembly drew to a close yesterday morning in a momentous ceremony which saw hundreds of the devout congregation march along the road to the Are Pure Ebenezera church in Ngatangiia.
Humble Warrior Punches for Gold
Saturday 15 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Boxing, Sports
In a remarkable display of grit and determination, Cook Islander Tamatoa Hunter has clinched Gold at the Boxing New Zealand National Championship cruiserweight division that was held in Tauranga.
Tivaivai exhibit showcases masterful needlework
Saturday 15 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
The National Museum is hosting a vibrant exhibition celebrating the captivating artistry of tivaivai, a traditional quilt like textile masterpiece.
Marumaru Atua showcases traditional heritage
Saturday 15 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, Weekend
The Vaka Marumaru Atua Cook Islands Voyaging Society (CIVS) were thrilled to have Aotearoa New Zealand’s Minister for Māori Development, Willie Jackson and Aotearoa Film Director/Writer/Producer Te Arepa Kahi on board for a brief sail.
Walk with a smile for Apii Nikao
Friday 14 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Walk with a smile and join in the Apii Nikao fundraising walk tomorrow (Saturday) morning to help improve your health and support the school’s Parents & Teachers Association.
Matariki dinner with Aotearoa Minister
Friday 14 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Food, Local, National, Weekend
The Aotearoa Society celebrated Matariki, the beginning of Aotearoa New Zealand’s new year in the Māori lunar calendar with the presence of Minister for Māori Development, Broadcasting and Media Willie Jackson.
Drought preparedness steps up as ‘very dry’ conditions present ongoing concern
Friday 14 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Weather
Technical training on drought triggers based on metrological information, have started this week amid forecasts of likely “very dry” conditions, while work continues on the National and Rarotonga Drought Plan’s response processes, actions and responsibilities of stakeholders.
Meeting house reopened with grand ceremony
Thursday 13 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National
Te Kapua’anga O Te Evangelia’ Meeting House in Takuvaine, a special gathering place which was built to commemorate Gospel history, has reopened its doors following a two-month-long renovation project.
Driving towards a more accessible environment for individuals with various disabilities in Cooks
Wednesday 12 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
Paving the way for inclusion and equality for people with disabilities, the Disability Inclusive Programme is driving awareness and empowering private sectors, government agencies and organisations to create accessible workplaces.
Deep tones of the oud fascinates students
Wednesday 12 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Tereora College students had the honour of welcoming two visiting distinguished guests who are making a unique music video about the global impacts of climate change.
Decision paves way for treated radioactive water long-term release plan into the Pacific Ocean
Wednesday 12 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
Pacific Islands Forum Chair and Prime Minister of the Cook Islands Mark Brown has received the comprehensive International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report on the Safety Review of the ALPS-Treated Water at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Japan.
