More Top Stories
‘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
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
Articles by Melina Etches
ICI confirms $90,000 spent on Apii Takitumu ‘Guardrail Fence’
Wednesday 29 March 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) has likely spent close to $90,000 to install a protective fence on Apii Takitumu grounds.
Rarotonga farmers battle over potential sludge trial
Wednesday 29 March 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
A meeting to discuss potential use of sludge from the new water treatment system came to an abrupt halt yesterday afternoon when tempers erupted between farmers who opposed and supported the idea.
‘Team work makes the dream work’: Potini elected Aitutaki’s Sports Association president
Tuesday 28 March 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Other Sports, Sports
The Aitutaki Sports Association held it’s 2023 Annual General Meeting on March 13 to elect its executive board members.
Vaipae gears up for the ‘big day’ of Te Arikianga o te Evangelia
Tuesday 28 March 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Family and friends from overseas have gathered in Vaipae, Aitutaki to celebrate the 200 years of ‘Te Arikianga o te Evangelia - the Arrival of the Gospel’ this week.
Radiothon raises funds for Takuvaine Meeting House
Tuesday 28 March 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The village of Takuvaine gratefully received $20,550 through the efforts of a radiothon held last month to raise funds for the 200-year Arrival of the Gospel Bicentennial celebrations to Rarotonga which will be held in July.
CITC ‘Pump the Beats’ for Tangi Kaara drumming competition
Tuesday 28 March 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Culture “is the heart” of CITC (Cook Islands Trading Corporation) and for many years the corporation has sponsored various cultural activities and events.
Pride CI to host renowned LGBTQI+ rights activist
Monday 27 March 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Pride Cook Islands is thrilled to announce that Phylesha Brown-Acton MNZM will be coming to the Cook Islands to help celebrate IDAHOBIT Day (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Lesbophobia and Transphobia) on May 17.
Let there be light
Monday 27 March 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands, Technology
Solar lights have been installed at the Panama Catholic Cemetery.
Vaipae celebrates 200 years of ‘Te Arikianga o te Evangelia’
Monday 27 March 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
The village of Vaipae on Aitutaki yesterday rejoiced and celebrated their 200-year commemoration of “Te Arikianga o te Evangelia” to mark their historic acceptance of Christianity.
Young swimmers create ripples at annual meet
Saturday 25 March 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National, Sports, Swimming
A good crowd of excited parents cheered their kids on at the second and final day of the Rarotonga Primary Schools Kau Competition yesterday.
Students make a splash at Junior Paddling Regatta
Saturday 25 March 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Paddling, Sports
After a lapse of three years, this year’s Vaka Iti drew over 300 students from the schools of Nukutere College, Te Uki Ou Year 9, Imanuela Akatemia, Papaaroa Adventist, Titikaveka College and Tereora College Year 9, 10 and 11.
Maungaroa Valley one step closer to achieving World Heritage status
Friday 24 March 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
Government has recognised “Maungaroa Mountains and Valleys” as a historic area and formally supported its inclusion on the Cooks Islands Tentative List for World Heritage status, in January 2019. The dream to achieve a World Heritage status is one step closer following the completion of a scoping study and report.
Brother-sister duo fulfil parents dream
Friday 24 March 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Politics
Siblings Akaiti Puna, Member of Parliament for Manihiki, and Tukaka “Kaka” Ama, the new MP for Ngatangiia, have fulfilled their parents’ dream.
‘Govt exists to help our people across all fronts’
Thursday 23 March 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Politics
The Ceremonial Opening of the 18th Parliament of the Cook Islands – Te Marae Akarau Vānanga o te Kuki Airani – got underway yesterday morning from 10am at Te Are Karioi/National Auditorium (King’s Chambers).
‘We’re in business now’, MPs sworn in seven months after general election
Wednesday 22 March 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Politics
After a long wait following the 2022 general election on August 1, 2022, the incoming Members of Parliament (MPs) were sworn in yesterday on the first meeting of the 18th Parliament of the Cook Islands.
New MP wants to work for the betterment of Cook Islands
Wednesday 22 March 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Politics
Proud family and friends showered “sworn in” Members of Parliament with ei celebrating the 18th Parliament sitting at Parliament House yesterday afternoon.
‘Be proud of your mouth’
Tuesday 21 March 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National
Oral health care and mouths play a big part in everyday life - enjoying a meal, laughing with family and friends, singing, kissing loved ones and feeling your best.
Rock Your Socks for Down Syndrome
Tuesday 21 March 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National
Rock Your Socks today and wear colourful, mismatched socks to school or your workplace in support of the ‘Lots of Socks’ World Down Syndrome Day awareness campaign.
Vaipae prepares to mark 200 years of Christianity
Monday 20 March 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Te Vaipae Pae O Pau committee and community on the island of Aitutaki are well underway with their plans and preparations for the historic ‘Te Arikianga o te Evangelia’ 200-year Bicentennial celebrations which will be held from March 26 - April 2, 2023 to mark the acceptance of Christianity to the village of Vaipae.
‘E Lupe’ all the way from Wale wins Te Mire Atu
Saturday 18 March 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, National
Seven talented composers participated in Te Mire Atu 2023 Composers Competition held at The Edgewater Resort this week. The annual event celebrated the original Cook Islands compositions by cultural artists.
