More Top Stories
$12.9m approved for solar battery project, NZ confirms
12 March 2025
Crown Law Office on track for record number of lawyers
12 March 2025
‘Nothing to worry about’: Prime Minister Brown on China agreement
16 February 2025
‘Serious questions’: Opposition challenges China partnership
15 February 2025
No-confidence motion against PM and his Cabinet faces delays
15 February 2025
Ruta Mave: People’s Republic of China red flag
10 February 2025
No debt in China deal
8 February 2025
Thomas Wynne: Haka with the taniwha or dance with the dragon?
8 February 2025
‘Paedophile’ gets 13 years in prison
22 January 2025
Thomas Wynne: Where were our leaders while children suffered?
25 January 2025
$541.7m tourism earnings
25 January 2025
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
Anxiety on the rise: Cook Islands faces mental health challenge
7 September 2024
MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
3 August 2024
Articles by Melina Etches
Avatiu Eels defeat TKV Warriors
Monday 10 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in League, Sports
Cook Islands Rugby League’s (CIRL) domestic 13s competition defending champion Avatiu Eels solidified their reputation as a formidable force showcasing their prowess on the field against the returning Takuvaine (TKV) Warriors on Saturday.
New pumps installed in Aitutaki water project
Saturday 8 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Aitutaki is prone to water shortages given that it is reliant on rainwater for its potable water supply and the non-potable water supply which is sourced from groundwater infiltration water galleries.
Cook Islands, NZ reaffirm strong ties on Waitangi Day celebration
Saturday 8 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, New Zealand, Regional, Weekend
New Zealand and the Cook Islands commemorated Waitangi Day and the Cook Islands' 60th anniversary of self-governance on Thursday, highlighting their unique bond and dedication to navigating the future together through continued partnership and respect, despite issues surrounding the now abandoned proposed passport and the upcoming China agreement.
Prefects leading the way
Saturday 8 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Features, National, Weekend
Ten students from the Year 6 class of St Joseph’s Primary School were inducted as prefects yesterday during a beautiful opening of the school year and prefect investiture church service at St Joseph’s Cathedral, led by Bishop Reynaldo Getalado.
Cook Islands to debut in NZ’s major BBQ fest
Friday 7 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Food
The Cook Islands Barbeque Alliance (CIBA) is thrilled to announce its participation in the highly anticipated Meatstock Hamilton 2025 festival, New Zealand’s biggest barbecue event, for the first time.
‘We’ve had enough’: Cook Islands community to protest Government
Friday 7 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in
Community members are set to participate in a protest march despite Prime Minister Mark Brown’s recent announcement that the Cook Islands passport proposal was “off the table at the moment for us”.
Takurua culinary festival in honour of 60th anniversary of self-governance
Thursday 6 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Tourism
In celebration of Cook Islands' 60th Anniversary of Self-Governance celebrations this year, Cook Islands Tourism is presenting Takurua – taste of the season, a culinary celebration of identity, heritage and connection to Cook Islands homeland through food.
Scientists explore coral heat tolerance in Rarotonga
Thursday 6 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
A group from the University of California is working with Cook Islands marine biologist and chairperson for the environmental NGO, Kōrero o te `Ōrau, Dr Teina Rongo, to discover how corals around Rarotonga respond to high temperatures.
Punanga Turuturu Itivaine set to make a positive impact
Wednesday 5 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Punanga Turuturu Itivaine (PTI), the women’s counselling and support centre for survivors of gender based violence (GBV) and abuse, responded to 11 calls for assistance during the festive season.
Are Pa Metua rings in their New Year
Wednesday 5 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
To ring in the New Year, Te Are Pa Metua members were treated to a delightful lunch on the beach.
TKV women break decade-long drought, Nikao men retain title
Tuesday 4 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Cricket, Sports
For the first time in nearly a decade, the Takuvaine women’s cricket team won the Cook Islands domestic cricket title after clinching the 2024 T20 Cookie Sadaraka Cup over the weekend.
Coastwatcher honoured after 80 years
Tuesday 4 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
On a beautiful afternoon in the Ruatonga valley, a poignant ceremony unfolded as the ‘Last Post’ echoed through the gathering at the unveiling of a military plaque for a Cook Islands Coastwatcher.
Back-to-back cruise ship visits boost Rarotonga tourism
Tuesday 4 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Tourism
Within 48 hours, two cruise ships – the Zuiderdam, which visited on Saturday, and the Costa Deliziosa, which arrived yesterday – called at Rarotonga.
Cook Islanders share stories of friendship with Australia
Monday 3 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Australia, Features, Local, National, Regional, Weekend
The strong and growing relationship between Australia and the Cook Islands has been amplified by the stories of Cook Islanders who have lived and thrived in Australia.
‘This has to stop’: Community rallies in support of abuse survivors at Walk4 Aro’a
Monday 3 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
In a small community where silence often cloaks suffering, the peaceful “Walk4 Aro’a” march on Saturday for victims of family harm and gender-based violence (GBV) stood as a powerful demonstration of community solidarity and support.
Engaging communities to shape the future of tourism
Saturday 1 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, In Depth, National, Tourism, Weekend
Engaging and practical public consultations have been held throughout this week to help Cook Islands Tourism develop the policies that will guide the nation positively into the future, focusing on how tourism can contribute positively to the wellbeing of the Cook Islands.
Popular night club finds a new groove
Saturday 1 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Entertainment, Features, Go Local, Hot on the Rock, National
The relocation launch of the popular “On The Rocks” dance night club certainly rolled out in style, with deep red carpet greeting guests and patrons at the entrance on Thursday night.
Walk4 Aro’a: ‘A call to protect our most vulnerable’
Saturday 1 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
A peaceful march, ‘Walk4 Aro’a’, to show that love, peace and safety, starts in the home, starts with parents and education, will be held today at 4pm from the Constitution Park in town (opposite the Avarua Catholic church).
Exhibition showcases Aus-Cooks connections
Thursday 30 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
The Australian High Commission in Rarotonga celebrated Australia Day with a beach barbeque and the launch of the ‘Stories of Friendship’ exhibition highlighting Cook Islanders’ connections to Australia.
Balancing tourism and culture
Thursday 30 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Australia, Features, Regional, Weekend
Cook Islands Tourism’s transparent, inclusive and practical planning public consultation which explored the challenges and opportunities tourism brings in all areas of wellbeing, drew a good number of community members.
