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
USP Student body represents 14,000 students
Thursday 21 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
The University of the South Pacific Students’ Association (USPSA) from 14 campuses spanning 12 member countries convened in Rarotonga yesterday representing the voice of 14,000 students.
Aitutaki Liftoff 2024 Draws almost 100 athletes
Wednesday 20 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Athletics, Sports
The Aitutaki Liftoff (7 – 10 November) functional fitness sports event drew a record number of almost 100 local and international athletes.
Nukutere’s “superpower” kids auction art pieces
Wednesday 20 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
To celebrate the creativity and talent of the inclusive education “superpower” class at Nukutere College, a silent auction will be held this week.
Nauru Assembly of God visit Rarotonga
Wednesday 20 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features
Thirty-five members of the Assembly of God youth ministry from Nauru are visiting Rarotonga for two weeks. The worship delegation came to celebrate the 21st birthday celebration of Tinka Marsters, a Nauruan girl who was raised by CICC Reverend Tere Marsters and his wife in the Cook Islands. Reverend Evi Agir, leader of the group […]
Hundreds march to support Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand
Tuesday 19 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in New Zealand, Regional
It was as much a celebration of Maori unity as a demonstration, according to marchers in yesterday’s Rarotonga hikoi.
French Ambassador offers support for women’s centre
Monday 18 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Punanga Turuturu Itivaine (PTI), the women’s support centre, has strengthened its partnership with the Ambassador of France with both parties optimistic about advancing shared goals of community resilience and support for women in the Cook Islands.
Three bush fires in 48-hours
Monday 18 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Volunteer firefighters had a busy weekend as they attended to uncontrollable fires within a 48-hour period started by people burning rubbish in Rarotonga.
Treaty hikoi march in Rarotonga
Saturday 16 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, New Zealand, Regional
On Wednesday in Aotearoa New Zealand thousands of marchers descended upon the city of Auckland as part of the Hīkoi mō te Tiriti (March for the Treaty of Waitangi) to call for Māori unity, and protest a law that seeks to alter the country’s constitutional foundations.
Promoting health and creativity for Children’s Week
Saturday 16 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Next week children around the globe will come together to celebrate International Children’s Week, a time dedicated to honouring the rights, well-being, and voice of children everywhere.
Children’s Choir for Christmas
Saturday 16 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Entertainment, Features
As the Christmas season approaches, a special opportunity is presented for children to come together and spread joy through music.
Pauro Arnold lands giant marlin
Friday 15 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
In an epic battle between man and beast, local fisherman Pauro Arnold on Thursday captured a giant 506kg blue marlin (1115.54 pounds) – a “grander” weighing over 1000 pounds after playing it for two and a half hours.
Cook Islands diaspora embrace digital innovation to preserve Te Reo Māori
Friday 15 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, New Zealand, Regional, Technology
Two passionate Cook Islanders living in New Zealand have embarked on an ambitious project aimed at protecting and revitalising the Cook Islands language for future generations.
Resetting the focus of culture
Friday 15 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
Te Maeva Nui, the Cook Islands elite and biggest performing arts festival has seen a shift in traditional performing arts risking the very authenticity that makes our traditions special.
Autism’s Studio Blue Offers Students Training
Thursday 14 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Autism Cook Islands have moved into their new premises and created an inclusive space where students thrive, gain confidence and develop skills to prepare for future employment opportunities.
Solar panels reduce maritime surveillance operating costs
Wednesday 13 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in
Solar panels supplied by the Australian Defence Force are helping Cook Islands Police address their financial troubles.
Water meter installed at Punanga Nui Market
Wednesday 13 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Over 900 water meters have been installed around Rarotonga, with a third placed on commercial properties and most in the To Tatou Vai trial zone in Nikao.
Outdated Compensation Ordinance still under review
Tuesday 12 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The outdated Workers Compensation Ordinance 1964 is still in its reviewing process with the National Workers’ Compensation Policy (including Employers’ Liability Insurance) final draft 2019, also calling for the ordinance to be updated.
Remembrance Day, honour the sacrifices in war and conflict
Tuesday 12 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National
The Cook Islands Returned Services Association (CIRSA) commemorated Remembrance Day yesterday, November 11, to honour and remember the sacrifices made by brave servicemen and women.
New CITC Patai Store provides services to residents and visitors
Tuesday 12 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, National
CITC is opening a new store in Titikaveka aimed at easing the increasing traffic congestion in the town centre, and to cater for the increasing number of tourists.
Faith and fasting secrets
Saturday 9 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Health, In Depth, National, Weekend
This news he had cancer came as a shock to Patrick Arioka, but it also sparked a fierce determination within him. Melina Etches talked to him for this story.
