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Solid and Hazardous Waste Bill referred to Parliament committee
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DPM defends CIIC finance and travel policies
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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
Apii Arorangi prizegiving marks principal’s departure
Tuesday 20 December 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Apii Arorangi’s prizegiving on Wednesday last week saw Teraipoia Rose Heather presented with the Dux of the Year award. Lana Aperau-Toa won the First Runner-up Dux award and Ariki Tekorona took out Second Runner-up Dux.
NZ funds lend Cooks NGOs a helping hand
Tuesday 20 December 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands non-government-organisations (NGOs) are grateful to have received financial assistance from the 2022/2023 round of the New Zealand High Commission Fund.
Manihiki schools unite for prizegiving
Monday 19 December 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National
The two schools on Manihiki, the second largest island in the Northern Group, held their combined prizegiving awards together earlier this month hosted by Tauhunu.
Penrhyn prizegiving: ‘Lagoon highway’ to success
Saturday 17 December 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National
Schools on the largest and northernmost atoll of Penrhyn, also known as Tongareva, had their prizegiving day ceremonies delayed due to the principal of both schools Apii Napa having to cross the immense ‘Lagoon Highway’.
Elderly happy to celebrate festive season
Saturday 17 December 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
There were smiles all around at the Are Pa Metua centre for the elderly this week for their Christmas party and wrap-up for the year.
Aitutaki experience the magic of Science Expo
Friday 16 December 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
The first Science Expo on Aitutaki with hopes to inspire the next generation of scientists, drew over 300 people.
Chinese gifted Rangi Marumaru Dome ‘blessed’
Friday 16 December 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Netball, Sports
The rain bucketed down yesterday - a great way to test the historical grand new Tupapa Maraerenga dome “Rangi Marumaru” which withstood the deluge, keeping everyone dry and warm.
Santa Parade to be held today
Thursday 15 December 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Christmas is creeping around the corner so bring the kids into town this afternoon for the Tropical Christmas Santa Parade through town starting from the Constitution Park at 4.30pm.
Climate change issues dominate bilateral talks
Thursday 15 December 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Local, National, Politics
The United States (U.S.) Diplomatic Envoy to New Zealand Thomas Udall’s visit to the Cook Islands is his first significant bilateral engagement with the nation.
Titikaveka College caps off ‘challenging year’ with annual Prizegiving Day
Wednesday 14 December 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Proud families and friends attended the Titikaveka College Prizegiving Day which was held yesterday.
Sharing the gift of music
Tuesday 13 December 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Motivated to leave a legacy behind, the ambitious, vivacious and talented recording artist, Cook Islander Vaniva Tixier has released six albums of CD’s all in one hit.
New Zealand funded ‘Tivaivai Taorei Revival Project’ proves successful
Tuesday 13 December 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
The New Zealand High Commission funded “Tivaivai Taorei Revival Project” to teach women and girls the fading intricate artwork skills, has proven to be a success.
Happy on Penrhyn Island after 160 days at sea
Monday 12 December 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
After 160 days at sea in a 24 foot ocean rowing boat, Australian Tom Robinson was brought ashore to Omoka, the capital of Penrhyn/Tongareva island on Friday afternoon.
Men’s health advice . . . look in the mirror
Monday 12 December 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National
The Cook Islands Men’s Health has received $800 cash which will assist with health awareness programmes to better men’s health and fitness in the country.
Live it, Love it: Netball in Paradise is a wrap!
Saturday 10 December 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Netball, Sports
Netball in Paradise wrapped up on Thursday this week with the last of the games played at the Ngatangiia Matavera netball courts in the morning.
Refreshing rain and flowers for prize giving day
Saturday 10 December 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National
The refreshing rain didn’t dampen the high and happy spirits of children, parents and families at the popular well attended annual prize giving day events held this week for some schools on Rarotonga.
‘Study hard and do your best’
Saturday 10 December 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Apii Avarua’s dux of the year Teiva Nanai is pictured with her younger Year 5 brother Avaikibo – who won an award for the most outstanding student in his class – and their proud parents Teeiau and Teava Nanai.
Swimming Legend ‘Thorpedo’ Visits
Friday 9 December 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in
Ian “Thorpedo” Thorpe, a legendary Australian Olympic Gold medallist and World Champion Swimmer, now retired, gives high fives to school kids in the Cook Islands Aquatics Federation (CIAF) programme at the Social Centre beach.
Swimming pool in pipeline for Raro
Friday 9 December 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Sports, Swimming
The assumption is made that in the Pacific Islands, the people know how to swim, but most don’t, they grow up collecting seafood in the sea and just hanging out in the water.
Thrills and spills at Atiu fishing comp
Thursday 8 December 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Fishing, Local, National, Sports
There were plenty of thrills and spills at Atiu Fishing Club’s inaugural five-day ocean fishing competition which saw 11 boats competing.