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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
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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
23 October 2024
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
8 October 2024
Concerns over Minister’s role in inmate work releases: PAC
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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
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MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
3 August 2024
Rising seas, rising costs: Climate impacts on Cook Islands economy
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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
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MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
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Challenging ‘rape culture’
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Articles by Melina Etches
Rain brings blessings to the Arorangi CICC dedication
Saturday 24 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
The renovated Arorangi Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) Ziona Tapu, gleaming with improvements and vibrant flowers, was ready to re-open in a special dedication ceremony on Thursday.
Aunty Maara: A pillar of strength, Christianity, love and all things golf
Saturday 24 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Maria Maara Metua Kenning nee Hosking, warmly known as Aunty Maara, was an elegant, remarkable woman who touched the lives of many. After bravely battling an illness, she sadly passed away on June 11 at Rarotonga Hospital at the age of 75. In a tribute, senior journalist Melina Etches writes about this extraordinary woman who embodied love and generosity.
Science Careers Expo Gives Students Career Prospects
Saturday 24 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
The annual Science Careers Expo drew hundreds of college students from across the island as they gathered to explore a range of opportunities and ignite their passion for scientific pursuits.
Highlighting the plight of the ocean
Friday 23 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
Vaka Paikea has started delivering the Samoa Guardian Programme which aims to improve the environmental literacy of primary school students as a tool for community resilience to the impacts of climate change in Samoa.
Indulge in luxury at Pacific Resort Rarotonga’s new nail salon and massage room
Thursday 22 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, Go Local
Pacific Resort Rarotonga is thrilled to announce the opening of “Pacific Lounge” – their new nail salon and massage room – offering guests the ultimate in pampering and relaxation.
Archaeologists unearth rich heritage
Thursday 22 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Features, Local, National
Archaeologists visiting the Cook Islands have uncovered a formation of rocks at the Arai-Te-Tonga marae at Tupapa.
Fresh is best: From farm to your table
Thursday 22 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
Farm-fresh vendors Turua Mamaou (left), Ngamata Maropa and Heimata Nicholas, sell their produce at Punanga Nui Market.
Rekindling the spirit of the past to shape the future
Wednesday 21 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
In a heart-warming display of nostalgia, a group of former students from the 50s and 60s have united with a shared vision of forming an association dedicated to preserving their cherished memories and supporting their old college.
Church reopens its doors in dedication service
Wednesday 21 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
After three months of labour intensive renovations the Arorangi Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) will open its new doors tomorrow for its anticipated Dedication and Reopening ceremony.
Schools ‘pump up the beats’ in preparation for 2023 Tangi Kaara
Tuesday 20 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Local, National
Rarotonga schools have been practising fiercely for the new and exciting junior drumming competition, the “CITC Pump the Beats 2023” Emo’anga Tangi Kaara, to be held on Friday, June 30 at the Are Karioi National Auditorium.
Ngatokorua wins on debut in ‘global’ mixed martial arts
Monday 19 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Boxing, Other Sports, Sports
In a stunning display of talent and determination, local Cook Islands kickboxing fighter Scholar Ngatokorua has emerged victorious in his debut international fight in New Zealand.
Strengthening ancestral and contemporary links between Cook Islands and Aotearoa
Saturday 17 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, In Depth, Weekend
Aotearoa New Zealand Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro and husband Dr Richard Davies enjoyed the hospitality of Rarotonga twice before her official state visit to the Cook Islands last week. In an interview with Cook Islands News senior journalist Melina Etches Dame Cindy reflected on the deep cultural connections between the Cook Islands and Aotearoa NZ and the contemporary relationship the two countries share.
Dame Cindy’s visit brings to life commitments made under Waka Hourua Vaka Purua
Saturday 17 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
Aotearoa New Zealand Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro GNZM QSO visited Rarotonga and Aitutaki on her first official visit to the Cook Islands last week.
Proposed policy to improve and strengthen social welfare services
Saturday 17 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
Consultations have been held in Rarotonga and Aitutaki to share reviews and have discussions with members of the public on the proposed Cook Islands National Social Assistance Policy.
Koutu Nui elects new executives, discuss key national issues
Saturday 17 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
Four new members were sworn in at the Koutu Nui 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday morning at Palmerston House.
CIGT barge undergoing extensive maintenance
Friday 16 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands
The MV Taunga Nui barge is undergoing a five-year class survey in Whangārei, Aotearoa New Zealand and is scheduled to return to Rarotonga towards the end of this month.
Young Cook Islands Catholics receive ‘Sacrament of Love’
Friday 16 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Catholic candidates across the nation received the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist – the first time when parishioners part take in the eating of consecrated bread and drinking of consecrated wine or Holy Communion – last Sunday.
Rower ‘Mahuta Hoehoe Asanga’ reaches Pago Pago 38 days after leaving Penrhyn
Thursday 15 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
After 38 days at sea spanning over a distance of 1500 kilometres, Australian rower Tom Robinson, who spent four months on Penrhyn, arrived in Pago Pago, American Samoa after leaving the northern group island in April.
Kiwi family returns Cook Islands artefacts gifted to their forefather
Thursday 15 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
A visiting New Zealand family yesterday returned Cook Islands artefacts owned by their forefather, entrusting them to the Cook Islands Library and Museum Society for future generations of Cook Islanders.
Meeting house gets new look
Wednesday 14 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Te Kapua'anga o te Evangelia Meeting House in Takuvaine is shining white and brighter as major renovation works on the building near completion.
