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
Smooth road for Gospel celebrations
Tuesday 11 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Bumps in a small stretch of the main road in Arorangi (from the Raemaru Park driveway to the Arorangi CICC Mission grounds) have been smoothed out and hot mix sealed in preparation for the Bicentennial Arrival of the Christianity celebrations to Arorangi/Puaikura in a few weeks’ time.
Reports finds arching solar panel connectors triggered Rarotonga International Airport blaze
Tuesday 11 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
Electrical arching from the solar panel connectors have been found to be the cause of a blaze that tore through the roof of the Rarotonga International Airport.
Manihiki donates to Seawall Mural
Monday 10 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
The stunning Marae Moana 562 metre long seawall mural project is nearing completion with the grand opening of the art piece scheduled to take place before Constitution Day August 4.
Cook Islands Christian Church General Assembly opens
Monday 10 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features
The Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) is the first and oldest church in the nation and this year the church is hosting its 34th General Assembly.
Aitutaki Liftoff promises international standards
Saturday 8 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Other Sports, Sports
The Aitutaki Liftoff, a functional fitness festival promises to be an event of international standards this year.
Glorious Avarua Cook Islands Christian Church reopens
Saturday 8 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features
Faith and community celebrated the restoration and rebirth of the glorious Avarua CICC Ziona Tapu church after a year of extensive renovations, which culminated in a joyous reopening yesterday morning.
An exemplary and prolific writer, author and educator
Thursday 6 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Fiji, National, Regional
Tributes flowed at a special celebration, a “Festschrift” (volume of tributes) for the late Dr Marjorie Tuainekore Crocombe (née Hosking) OBE (19 June 1930 – 21 July 2022), who was an exemplary author and academic of the nation.
Students design turtle shell replicas for fundraising effort
Thursday 6 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Education, Features, National
Titikaveka Students are channelling creativity in their art classes having crafted replica turtle carapace (shell) designs which are now on display.
Health and Beauty: Indulge and Relax at Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa
Wednesday 5 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, Go Local
Indulge, relax and revitalise your body and inner being at the secluded Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa, nestled on the sandy shores of stunning Muri Lagoon.
Cooks darts team named as competition heats up
Wednesday 5 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Other Sports, Sports
Twenty-six Niue dart players will be flying in to compete in a dart competition in Rarotonga.
Hundreds of Pacific academics gather on Rarotonga to connect and share research
Wednesday 5 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Education, National
Hundreds of delegates from across the blue Pacific have gathered on Rarotonga for the Pacific Island Universities Research Network (PIURN) conference.
Church renovation nearing completion
Tuesday 4 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
The Avarua (Cook Islands Christian Church) CICC Ziona Tapu is nearing the completion of an extensive renovation project that has breathed new life into the historic church.
Hundreds of delegates gather in Raro for Pacific research meetings
Tuesday 4 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
The biggest Pacific Island Universities Research Network (PIURN) conference starts this morning with an opening ceremony from 9am at Te Are Karioi (National Auditorium) Dome.
Apii Avarua and Anau Maungaroa: Tangi Kaara champions
Monday 3 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
The captivating sounds of traditional drums in the ‘CITC Pump the Beats’ Emo’anga Tangi Kaara 2023 drumming competition on Friday night, pounded through the filled Are Karioi (National Auditorium). Melina Etches was there.
Good Rugby Exchange between Papeete and the Panthers
Saturday 1 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Rugby league, Sports
Tupapa Maraerenga Panthers defeated visitors Papeete Rugby club 28 – 20 in a friendly match this week. Melina Etches reports.
Titikaveka’s CICC reopens in sun shining glory
Saturday 1 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
The Titikaveka Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) Betela, stands tall once again in its renewed splendour, reopening its doors in the blaze of sun shining glory on Friday.
Tangi Kaara beats tonight
Friday 30 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
Tonight, the vibrant sounds of drumming will reverberate through Te Are Karioi (National Auditorium) as schools from around the island gather for the eagerly awaited ‘CITC Pump the Beats’ Emo’anga Tangi Kaara 2023 drumming competition.
Inaugural Jetstar Sydney flight arrives to a warm welcome
Friday 30 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
Jetstar celebrated a significant milestone as its inaugural flight from Australia touched down yesterday in Rarotonga on a clear crisp morning, arriving to a warm cultural welcome and island hospitality.
Titikaveka’s Betela Ready to Reopen
Thursday 29 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Culture, Features, National
The village of Titikaveka is excited as the Ekalesia’s Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) Betela reopens its doors tomorrow, following months of detailed renovations.
Jetstar launches new route to strengthen tourism and connectivity
Thursday 29 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
Jetstar, one of the leading low cost airlines made history this morning with the launch of its first direct flight from Sydney, Australia to Rarotonga.
