More Top Stories
$12.9m approved for solar battery project, NZ confirms
12 March 2025
Crown Law Office on track for record number of lawyers
12 March 2025
‘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
Anxiety on the rise: Cook Islands faces mental health challenge
7 September 2024
MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
3 August 2024
Articles by Melina Etches
‘This has to stop’: Community rallies in support of abuse survivors at Walk4 Aro’a
Monday 3 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
In a small community where silence often cloaks suffering, the peaceful “Walk4 Aro’a” march on Saturday for victims of family harm and gender-based violence (GBV) stood as a powerful demonstration of community solidarity and support.
Engaging communities to shape the future of tourism
Saturday 1 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, In Depth, National, Tourism, Weekend
Engaging and practical public consultations have been held throughout this week to help Cook Islands Tourism develop the policies that will guide the nation positively into the future, focusing on how tourism can contribute positively to the wellbeing of the Cook Islands.
Popular night club finds a new groove
Saturday 1 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Entertainment, Features, Go Local, Hot on the Rock, National
The relocation launch of the popular “On The Rocks” dance night club certainly rolled out in style, with deep red carpet greeting guests and patrons at the entrance on Thursday night.
Walk4 Aro’a: ‘A call to protect our most vulnerable’
Saturday 1 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
A peaceful march, ‘Walk4 Aro’a’, to show that love, peace and safety, starts in the home, starts with parents and education, will be held today at 4pm from the Constitution Park in town (opposite the Avarua Catholic church).
Exhibition showcases Aus-Cooks connections
Thursday 30 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
The Australian High Commission in Rarotonga celebrated Australia Day with a beach barbeque and the launch of the ‘Stories of Friendship’ exhibition highlighting Cook Islanders’ connections to Australia.
Balancing tourism and culture
Thursday 30 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Australia, Features, Regional, Weekend
Cook Islands Tourism’s transparent, inclusive and practical planning public consultation which explored the challenges and opportunities tourism brings in all areas of wellbeing, drew a good number of community members.
Airport marks 51 years, Cook Islands’ 60 years of self-governance
Thursday 30 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Airport Authority Cook Islands (AACI), the nation’s gateway to the world, celebrated its 51st anniversary yesterday, marking 51 years since its opening by the late Queen Elizabeth II on January 29, 1974.
Pride Cook Islands celebrates ‘From Struggle to Strength’
Wednesday 29 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Pride Cook Islands is proud to announce the return of Anuanua Week from April 11 – 14, 2025, a celebration of pride, unity and resilience.
Cook Islands Tourism embarks on community consultations for sustainable future
Wednesday 29 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Tourism
Embracing the vision of ‘Love Our Little Paradise’, the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation is once again reaching out to the community with its first of several public consultations this week for the ‘Our Paradise, Our Promise’ initiative.
US Coast Guard vessel visits Rarotonga, crew joins reef conservation efforts
Wednesday 29 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
The United States Coast Guard vessel USCGC Joseph Gerczak (WPC-1126) docked at Avatiu Harbour on Monday for a five-day rest visit with her 27 crew members on board.
Finding solace in paradise
Tuesday 28 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features
The World Day of Prayer pilgrimage to the Cook Islands has provided a stark contrast between the peaceful island life and the ongoing turmoil in Lebanon for a visiting participant who has found peace and inspiration in the island’s culture and deeply rooted faith.
Te Tau Papa O Avarua on track for 60th Constitution celebrations
Tuesday 28 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Te Tau Papa O Avarua project is progressing towards achieving several key milestones in stage one of the physical works.
‘Reel’ good start to the year for local anglers
Tuesday 28 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Fishing, Sports
In an exciting start to the year, local fisherman and captain of Te Kukupa II, Lieutenant Commander Tuariki Stu Henry and his dad Strickland Henry from Aitutaki, landed two marlins off the east side of the island on Sunday.
In honour of late Henrica Wilson Marona
Monday 27 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
President of the Cook Islands World Day of Prayer since 2019, Luduina Williams, praised the efforts of the late Henrica Wilson Marona who successfully advocated for the nation to host the 2025 World Day of Prayer.
‘I made you wonderful’
Monday 27 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features
The World Day of Prayer pilgrim were hosted by the Catholic Women of the Cook Islands at the Saint Joseph’s Cathedral yesterday.
Sailing fun for all at RSC Open Day
Saturday 25 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Sailing, Sports
Today marks the exciting start of the sailing season as the Rarotonga Sailing Club (RSC) hosts its annual Open Sailing Day on the beautiful Muri lagoon.
Archaeologist Māeva unearths Cook Islands food preservation secrets
Saturday 25 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
A dedicated archaeologist has taken on the task of exploring, reviving, collating and recording traditional culinary traditions, with an emphasis on cultural heritage and sustainability.
Community invited to celebrate Cook Islands’ 60 years with special airport events
Saturday 25 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The Cook Islands Airport Authority is thrilled to invite the public to a series of special events next week as we celebrate the nation’s journey of 60 years of self-governance.
NGO exceeds target, removes 15k crown-of-thorns starfish
Friday 24 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
Cook Islands non-governmental organisation Te Kōrero O Te ‘Ōrau has surged past its target of removing 10,000 taramea (crown-of-thorns starfish), a notorious coral predator, from the deep blue of Rarotonga.
Darts Cook Islands remains in contention at 2025 South Pacific Championship
Thursday 23 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Sports
Darts Cook Islands are in control as they continue to play well at the 4th South Pacific Darts Championship Suva, Fiji defending their historic gold medals.
