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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
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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
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
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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
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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
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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
Suwarrow park rangers to monitor visiting vessels
Tuesday 30 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
The Cook Islands Suwarrow National Park will open its maritime borders to visiting international vessels tomorrow after having closed its entry for a few years since the outbreak of Covid-19.
Agronomist Purea awarded OBE for public and community service
Monday 29 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, Weekend
Dr Teariki (Mat) Matairangi Purea, an agronomist by profession, was conferred and presented with the Queen’s Award – “Officer of the British Empire” (OBE) – in the King’s Chamber at the Cook Islands Consulate in Tamaki Makaurau, Aotearoa New Zealand for his services to public services, community and the pacific region.
Stitching together friendships – Vainetini in good and bad times
Saturday 27 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
Tuitui (sewing), creating tivaivai and textile crafts is a time for sharing. It is a communal activity when women gather to share, to build friendships, to talk and share a meal while working on their designs. Melina Etches reports.
Apii Te Uki Ou celebrates 30th anniversary
Saturday 27 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Apii Te Uki Ou started its journey in 1993 with one teacher, Kathy Nooroa and 15 students, using the LDS hall in Avatiu as their classroom.
Avarua CICC collects $520k
Friday 26 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Donations from CICC Ekalesia members, Cook Islanders and families in Australia and New Zealand have raised $520,900 towards the re-build of the Avarua CICC Ziona Tapu which is on track for its opening on July 7.
Quilting group sew bonds of friendship
Friday 26 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
The women in the Vaimaanga Vainetini sewing group meet each week to chat, share a meal and sew together.
Cook Islands chefs prepare for global challenge
Thursday 25 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, Food
Cook Islands chefs will feature in the Global Chefs Challenge Pacific Rim Semi Final event at the Arena in Auckland, New Zealand during the Fine Foods Festival next month from Sunday, June 25 to Tuesday, June 27.
Supermarket to close for power upgrade
Wednesday 24 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
CITC Supermarket shoppers are being asked to purchase their essentials in advance in preparation for the store’s closure next week for its major power upgrade.
Cook Islander crowned World Fire Knife Dance champ
Wednesday 24 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
A Cook Islands born female fire dancer has been crowned the World Fire Knife Dance champion in Hawaii.
Paikea sets sail for Samoa
Tuesday 23 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, National, Tourism
Vaka Paikea is on its way to Apia, Samoa travelling the 800 nautical miles using traditional voyaging knowledge under the captaincy of master navigator Peia Patai.
Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade proves the Sky’s the limit in charity challenge
Tuesday 23 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade members have again done and dusted no ordinary climb after taking part in the Firefighters Sky Tower Challenge in Aotearoa New Zealand on Friday to raise $18,721 in support of Kiwis living with blood cancer.
The church that built Arorangi
Saturday 20 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Church Talk, Features, Weekend
Renovations are well underway and nearly complete at the Arorangi Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) in preparation for the 200-year commemoration of the arrival of Christianity to Arorangi on July 26. Tinomana Enuarurutini Ariki accepted the gospel to Puaikura on 26 July, 1823. Secretary of the Arorangi CICC, Okirua Teokoitu shares the church history with senior journalist Melina Etches and updates on the renovations.
Questions over spending : Vaka Puaikura receives $423k in donations
Saturday 20 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in BREAKING NEWS, Economy, National
Overseas donors who contributed over $420,000 towards the hosting of the Vaka Puaikura Bicentennial Gospel celebrations in July this year are questioning how the money will be spent after it was revealed the funds collected will not cover the renovation of the church.
Standing unified: Cook Islands LGBTQ+ community celebrates IDAHOBIT Day
Friday 19 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Weekend
The Pride Cook Islands and Te Tiare Association’s public campaign to decriminalise same-sex relations in the Cook Islands have been successful, both organisations are now continuing their work to keep raising awareness of the LGBTQI+ community.
Interaction of persons with disabilities and disaster warnings
Friday 19 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
A workshop designed to bring people with different impairments – hearing, seeing, walking, talking, thinking and self-care – together to understand their experiences of an emergency disaster, was held yesterday at the Ruaau Meeting House.
Leading private company recognise and celebrate long serving staff
Thursday 18 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Cook Islands Trading Corporation (CITC), the country’s second biggest employer (after government) with over 400 staff, recognised and celebrated the ‘Long Service Years’ of their employees earlier this month.
Autism mums spend Mother’s Day sharing laughter, love and a few tears
Thursday 18 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Autism Cook Island mums celebrated Mother’s Day with a difference, spending a “fabulous afternoon” hosted by Sylvie Kirst at Creatuitive Gatherings – SoulCollage in Matavera on Sunday.
Matavera Cook Islands Christian Church prepares for 34th General Assembly
Thursday 18 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local
The Matavera Ekalesia Church are preparing for the 34th Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) General Assembly which will be held from July 9-16, 2023.
46.1 kilo yellowfin tuna wins Weighmaster fishing event
Wednesday 17 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Despite the unpleasant and moderate wind conditions of about 16 knots over the weekend, the fishermen competing in the Cook Islands Games Fishing Club Weighmasters competition reeled in good catch on Saturday.
Nukupure Park to host second Cook Islands Rage Concert
Wednesday 17 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
Ngatangiia’s Nukupure Park will be hosting a special music concert tomorrow (Thursday) featuring the Luna Boys – a mix of talented and popular Cook Islands artists from Aotearoa New Zealand.
