More Top Stories
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
ICI explains road works delay in front of old Sheraton site
10 August 2024
Housing crisis hits tourism industry
27 July 2024
MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
3 August 2024
Challenging ‘rape culture’
8 July 2024
Articles by Melina Etches
1000 Christmas hampers for the festive season
Friday 8 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
The Christmas spirit came alive in Rarotonga yesterday as volunteers at the Celebration Church wrapped gifts and filled hampers for distribution to families in Rarotonga and outer islands in the annual Christmas Box Cook Islands goodwill project.
Town speed limit drops to 30kph
Thursday 7 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
In a move aimed at improving road safety in town, the speed limit in Avarua has been reduced from 50kph to 30kph.
2025 Te Maeva Nui Theme Launched
Tuesday 5 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
Te Maeva Nui team leaders are pleased with the “tumu tapura nui” (theme) for next year’s biggest cultural event, the 2025 special 60th anniversary celebration as an independent nation.
Strengthening delivery model for climate (and ocean) information services
Tuesday 5 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The importance of effective communication and preparedness for Early Warning Systems (EWS) covering oceans and islands cannot be overstated.
Island style Halloween
Monday 4 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
Around 15 children dressed up for a spectacular island style Halloween celebration of Trick-or-treating, costume and games all set against the backdrop of the island’s landscape.
Celebrating All Souls Day or Celebrating Turama Eve in Panama
Monday 4 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features
Each year on November 1, on the eve of Turama/All Souls Day, the Catholic Panama Cemetery bursts with colourful flowers, candles and fairy lights.
Reliving Cyclone Martin 27 years on
Saturday 2 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane
The scars of Cyclone Martin still linger in the hearts of many.
Seven executive officer roles up for renewal
Friday 1 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Interest in the Executive Officer (EO) roles in the Pa Enua has grown slightly compared to four years ago, with nearly 30 applications submitted this year.
Turama, All Souls Day- Remembering our loved ones
Friday 1 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National
Today November 1 at sundown marks All Souls Day, locally known as Turama, a significant occasion in the Cook Islands when families commemorate their departed loved ones.
Working mothers welcome evening paunu clinics
Thursday 31 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The Paunu clinics on Rarotonga have seen a significant increase in the number of babies attending general wellbeing checkups to track their growth and development.
Prime opens Sundays to meet demand
Thursday 31 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, National
Reporter Melina Etches says Prime Foods management were excited when they shared this news yesterday.
Tahiti sailors win 2024 Regatta in Raro
Wednesday 30 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Regional, Sailing, Sports, Tahiti
Sailors from Tahiti edged over Rarotonga, proving to be very competitive taking out first place in both the Lasers and the Optimist classes, winning the 2024 sailing challenge overall trophy.
Over 1000 celebrate nuku at Ngatangiia
Wednesday 30 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features
To commemorate Te Arikianga o te Evangelia/The Arrival of Christianity to the Cook Islands, each year on Gospel Day brings together an assembly from each of the six Ekalesia of the Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) on Rarotonga.
Maine Kūki ʻĀirani Aotearoa Hit the Stage
Wednesday 30 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
Maine Kūki ʻĀirani Aotearoa Hit the Stage
Green climate fund direct access accreditation a milestone
Tuesday 29 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
CINews journalist Melina Etches in this report explains the banking milestone reached by the bank of the Cook Islands in gaining accreditation as a Green Climate Fund direct access entity.
Aitutaki families prioritised
Tuesday 29 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Family welfare and wellbeing are being prioitised in Aitutaki under the new mayor, Nick Henry.
Vibrant and joyous celebration
Tuesday 29 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features
Gospel Day is a vibrant and joyful occasion that brings together the six Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) Ekalesia on the island to celebrate the love and teachings of Christ, and yesterday’s 2024 celebration was just that.
When rugby was simply a way of life
Saturday 26 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, In Depth, Memory Lane, Weekend
These reminiscences by local rugby stalwarts Amene Rangi and Bob Estall were assembled by staff reporter Melina Etches.
Vodafone bake sale for breast cancer awareness
Saturday 26 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Vodafone Cook Islands decked out in a pink themed bake sale yesterday morning to support the Pink RibbonOctober Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Apii Avarua Celebrate Kia Orana Day
Saturday 26 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National
Apii Avarua yesterday celebrated their weekly Friday Kia Orana Day theme with a difference by celebrating the 2024 Cook Islands Games which closed last week.
