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
Darts set for international debut
Tuesday 17 January 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Other Sports, Sports
Darts Cook Islands is making history with a team of 31 in Tonga to compete in their first ever South Pacific Darts Championships from January 16 - 21.
Engaging youth in church
Tuesday 17 January 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
The declining numbers of Catholics in the Cook Islands is one of the several issues facing the church which needs urgent attention.
Taking children ‘out of their comfort zone’ to fish
Monday 16 January 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Around 100 kids accompanied by their patient parents and adult family members congregated at the beach in Tupapa on Saturday for the annual Cook Islands Game Fishing Club (CIGFC) Tamariki (kids) Fishing Competition.
In honour of a man of faith, catechist and tribe leader
Saturday 14 January 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
A unique unveiling ceremony for the late Te Ariki Rauru (Anautoa Rangatira) of Ruatonga was held at the Rauru family homestead in Ruatonga on Thursday, January 5, 2023.
Families and friends remember ‘hero’ mum
Saturday 14 January 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Cook Islander Memory Kimiora Peu, aged 52, tragically died at sea on Monday, January 2, 2023. She had been attempting to help her 11-year-old daughter, who was being swept out by the current near Arorangi jetty.
Rarotonga kids encouraged to join annual fishing competition
Friday 13 January 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Kids are being encouraged to give their smart phones a rest this weekend and get outdoors to enjoy fishing like the old days using a bamboo (stick) rod.
Avarua CICC renovations on track, says Poila
Friday 13 January 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Renovation work on the Avarua Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) Ziona Tapu at Taputapuatea is moving along smoothly and now features a solid new concrete upstairs floor balcony which can seat up to 100 persons.
Raro FADs break loose
Thursday 12 January 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
Missing anchored fish aggregating devices (FADs) around Rarotonga which are used by local small-scale fishermen, have been a concern to fishers alongside the increase in fuel costs and poor fish numbers.
Catholic Synod Forum - listen, discuss and share
Wednesday 11 January 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
For the first time in the history of the Catholic Church, the synod process has afforded people the opportunity to share their stories of existing as a ‘Church’ in the world today.
Protecting Maori culture
Wednesday 11 January 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
Mangaia is steeped in legend and mystical charm. Estimated at 18 million years old, it is one of the oldest islands in the Pacific.
Population policy endorsed
Tuesday 10 January 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
The very first Cook Islands ‘Population Policy’ to address the country’s depopulation issue has been finalised and will be launched this year.
Arutanga Koni Raoni fundraiser collects over $60,000
Tuesday 10 January 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
Oire Arutanga on Aitutaki wrapped up the island’s Koni Raoni event for the festive period.
‘She was the glue that kept our family together’
Thursday 5 January 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
E puera tiare kua takupe, Ki te ara tiroa o Takitumu, E tiare Maori kakara.
Muri fires up for New Year’s Eve
Friday 30 December 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Local, National, Weather
Party your way into 2023 to a fireworks display, cool sounds and the stunning view of Muri lagoon this New Year’s Eve.
Aitutaki’s Oire Reureu raises $69,000 from annual Koni Raoni
Friday 30 December 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, Local, National, Outer Islands
Oire Reureu has raised a whopping $69,000 in the popular annual Koni Raoni festive celebrations held on Boxing Day on the island of Aitutaki.
Healthcare at your doorstep
Thursday 29 December 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Opinion
Premium nursing and health services are now available to provide unwell and vulnerable people in the community with the best possible care and support they need in the comfort of their own homes.
Love at first sight - Ruby and Luke West
Saturday 24 December 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features
“When you know, you know.” Eighteen months after they first met, radiant 18-year-old bride Ruby Paige Pierre and 22-year old Luke Iraia West tied the knot.
Perfect day of love and unity: James and Shekinah Ah Sin
Saturday 24 December 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features
The CICC Takamoa Theological chapel Te Vai Ora was filled with colour, songs and joy for the matrimonial union of Shekinah Marsters and James Ah Sin.
Love is all around as wedding season starts
Saturday 24 December 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features
Love is All Around sung by British band Wet Wet Wet, pretty much expresses the abundance of love drifting around the island like a sweet summer breeze, considering the significant number of weddings held in the country this month. Couples are taking their affirmation of mutual love seriously taking the plunge into marriage – the legal, and binding union of two people to journey through adult life as partners in a celebration of love and friendship and a bright future together. Three newly-wed couples have kindly shared with us their images and stories of their enchanting, beautiful wedding days making the commitment day as husband and wife.
Award-winning journalist Barbara Dreaver tells it like it is
Saturday 24 December 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, In Depth
Saving a life, being arrested and held in jail in pursuit of getting information and the truth out there, has been all part of the job for journalist Barbara Dreaver, the 1News’ Pacific correspondent for TVNZ. Last month Dreaver was named Reporter of the Year 2022 at the New Zealand Television Awards.
