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
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.
Papeete Rugby Club team in Raro
Wednesday 28 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Regional, Rugby Union, Sports, Tahiti
After more than three years without travelling abroad due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Papeete Rugby Club from Tahiti have finally arrived in Rarotonga.
USP Cook Islands to host 5th Pacific Islands Universities Research Network Conference
Wednesday 28 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
The University of the South Pacific (USP) Cook Islands Campus with Te Puna Vai Marama (Cook Islands Centre for Research), is hosting the 5th Pacific Islands Universities Research Network (PIURN) Conference next week.
PIFS Secretary-General home on first official visit
Tuesday 27 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National, Pacific Islands, Pacific Islands Forum, Regional
Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), Henry Puna, received a warm welcome home on Monday, on his first official visit to the Cook Islands since becoming the Secretary-General in 2021.
Air Tahiti direct flights resume
Tuesday 27 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
Air Tahiti is reuniting families with the resumption of their non-stop flights between Papeete, Tahiti and Rarotonga which started over the weekend.
New Zealand-based Cook Islands group promotes culture in Italy
Monday 26 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
In a captivating display of cultural exchange, the Cook Islands group Te Mana Māori from Aotearoa New Zealand embarked on a journey to Bergamo, Italy to showcase and share their heritage.
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.
