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Tourism contribution set to surpass half-billion dollar mark
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Parliament Clerk sparks outrage over deep sea mining statement
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Articles by Melina Etches
Senior dancers wow crowd at annual traditional dance comp
Saturday 6 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
Stunning performances from the 11 senior Te Mire Ura dancers battling on stage for the coveted title of champion dancer of the year, wowed the large crowd on Thursday night at the National Auditorium.
Titikaveka’s Betela Church on track
Friday 5 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The new ceiling of the Titikaveka CICC church has been completed which will provide more comfort to its parishioners when its $250,000 renovation project is completed.
Titikaveka MP uses Constituency Fund to buy roasters for his village
Thursday 4 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Politics
The four tapere (sub-district) of Titikaveka – Tikioki, Akapuao, Turoa and Vaimaanga – have received roasters which will help lighten their cooking duties in upcoming community events.
Vaka Paikea’s maiden voyage documented
Thursday 4 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Vaka Paikea returned to Rarotonga last Friday morning arriving at Te Ava Tapu, Avana Harbour at 9:45am, making it back in good time of 24 hours from its maiden voyage.
ICI, Titikaveka MP call meeting to discuss road work after ‘damage had been done’
Thursday 4 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
The widening and improvement work to the Vaimaanga Ara Metua backroad in Titikaveka is causing havoc for farmers in the area.
Ministry of Cultural Development addresses eligibility concerns
Wednesday 3 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
Tauranga Vananga Ministry of Cultural Development has acknowledged and addressed the issues raised in regards to the acceptance of late registrations, overseas applications and eligibility criteria for the upcoming Te Mire Ura senior dance competition.
‘Sounds of the drum beats makes me want to get up and dance’
Wednesday 3 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
Inspired by the theme “Te au Manu Puapinga o toku Matakeinanga/enua – The important animals and birds of my tribe/island”, Ngatupuna Kae has signed up for Te Mire Ura seniors competition to be held tomorrow night at the National Auditorium.
Nui Rarotonga for pregnant mothers
Tuesday 2 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National
Pregnant women can prepare better for their new babies thanks to the new Pregnancy Care Centre ‘Nui Rarotonga’ – a free community-based course focused on empowering women with knowledge and support about pregnancy, birth and baby’s arrival.
‘Soldier Search Mission’ successful in locating 43 World War I graves
Tuesday 2 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
One hundred and eleven (111) Mangaia-born soldiers were enlisted in the First World War (WWI), according to the Cook Islands WWI New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) ANZAC Soldiers Research Project. The Soldiers Research Project team have now located and documented 43 of the 45 Cook Islands WWI soldiers’ graves and headstones on the island of Mangaia.
Apii Avarua juniors happy to be back at school
Tuesday 2 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
After two weeks of school holidays, students across the Cook Islands were back in the classrooms for the start of term two studies yesterday.
Te Hokianga o Ngāti Tūmatauenga ki Rarotonga II for ANZAC
Saturday 29 April 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, Weekend
Hundreds of Ngāti Tūmatauenga (The Tribe of the God of War) members – the Aotearoa New Zealand Army veterans and current officers – have reunited in Rarotonga for Te Hokianga o Ngāti ki Rarotonga II reunion and paid tribute to the fallen Anzac soldiers at this week’s Dawn Service.
Trailblazer’s journey to the ‘Red Diamond’
Saturday 29 April 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Sergeant Suzanne “Sue” Gingles visited Rarotonga representing the New Zealand Remembrance Army at the unveiling of the “plaque of gratitude” for Anzac World War I heroine Ettie Rout.
A dazzling night of dance and spectacular costumes
Saturday 29 April 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The Junior and Intermediate performers who hit the stage at the annual Tauranga Vananga Te Mire Ura cultural dance competition on Thursday night, thrilled the large audience with their dazzling choreography and spectacular costumes.
Vaka Paikea welcomed home
Friday 28 April 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Vaka Paikea had a good maiden voyage to the homeland of Mauke/Akatokamanava arriving at the island on Wednesday and fulfilling the dream of its captain, master navigator Peia Patai.
Breanaa’s customised chair for quality of life
Thursday 27 April 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local
Breanaa Vogel Goldsworthy is sporting her brand new customised Little Wave Flip wheelchair which features the colour she actually got to choose - purple, using her Eye Gaze computer device.
Turou for Ngāti Tūmatauenga
Thursday 27 April 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
On the Eve of Anzac, the biggest contingent of Ngāti Tumutauenga, the official Māori name of the Aotearoa New Zealand Army to Rarotonga were officially welcomed on Monday afternoon at the Cook Islands Returned Services Association (RSA).
Ten-year-old Boaza ready for debut in Te Mire Ura
Wednesday 26 April 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
For the first time, 10-year-old Boaza Manase Pukerua will be competing in Te Mire Ura 2023 cultural dance festival to be held tomorrow night.
Guardian angel of the ANZACs
Monday 24 April 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Far, far away from home, the lonely grave of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) World War I heroine Ettie Annie Rout is no longer forgotten.
Students learn about Cook Islands culture
Monday 24 April 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Te Kōrero o te 'Ōrau’s Junior 'Ātui'anga Ki Te Tango 2023 (AKTT) school holiday activity programme finished on Friday with a mighty umu feast prepared by the students.
ANZAC plaque of gratitude for Ettie A Rout to be unveiled today
Saturday 22 April 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
An appreciation plaque will be unveiled for a “Guardian Angel of the ANZAC’s” – Ettie A Rout – an Australian woman who died in Rarotonga on September 17, 1936 at the age of 59.
