More Top Stories
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
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
Eleven women referred to New Zealand for breast cancer treatment
Thursday 3 November 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in
Eight hundred and nine (809) women attended the four-week mammogram breast screening programme which was held throughout August until September 13 at the Rarotonga hospital.
Turama: in memory of those who have passed
Wednesday 2 November 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local
Amanda Blake-Pauka arranges fresh flowers for the grave of her late brother, Remy Blake who passed away suddenly at a young age in 1973, for All Saint’s Day or Turama which falls on November 1 every year.
‘We are resilient’
Tuesday 1 November 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, Memory Lane
On November 1, 1997, Cyclone Martin struck the island atoll of Manihiki with waves higher than the highest coconut tree, claiming 19 lives. Today marks the 25-year anniversary of the destructive cyclone – the most catastrophic storm to hit the Cook Islands. Anna and Willie Katoa and their daughter Katarina are some of the survivors. Ana was five months pregnant when the waves struck, tragically they lost their seven-year-old daughter Maureen (older Maureen) who was presumed drowned. ‘Resilience’ is the word that springs to Anna’s mind when she emotionally recollects the surreal fight for survival during their three days at sea from the devastation of Cyclone Martin.
Long serving staff recognised
Monday 31 October 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Local
Cook Islands’ largest private sector organisation recognised and rewarded its long serving staff at a special event this month.
Battle of the MPs: Cooks host New Zealand Parliamentary First XV
Monday 31 October 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Rugby Union, Sports
Former Cook Islands and Kiwi rugby league star Kevin Iro and former national 15s and 7s player Clive Nicholas featured for the Cook Islands Parliamentary side against New Zealand Parliamentary First XV on Saturday at Nukupure Park in Muri.
91 years and counting
Saturday 29 October 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in In Depth, Local
At the age of 91, Rongo Ezekiela is trim, energetic and agile, and continues to watch his food intake and mobility routine. He shares his healthy lifestyle journey, and his work experiences with Government in the 1950s taking care of the transmitter masts and stations, with senior journalist Melina Etches.
Are Ariki members agree to resolve traditional title disputes outside of court
Saturday 29 October 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
The 51st Are Ariki (House of Ariki) Assembly closed yesterday with the attendance of Ui Ariki, Ui Mataiapo, Ui Rangatira, Putokotoko/Kauono and Aronga Mana and the Minister of House of Ariki, George (Maggie) Angene at the National Auditorium.
Cook Islands to battle New Zealand Parliamentary First XV
Saturday 29 October 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Rugby Union, Sports
The New Zealand Parliamentary First XV rugby team will take on their Cook Islands counterpart in what is anticipated to be an entertaining game in the spirit of fun, friendship and fraternity today at 4pm at Nukupure Park in Muri.
Warrants presented at Are Ariki Assembly
Friday 28 October 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
The 51st Are Ariki (House of Ariki) Assembly opened with the recognition of official warrants which were presented by the King’s Representative Sir Tom Marsters to three Ariki on Monday.
Rejoicing in the Gospel
Thursday 27 October 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local
Sylvana Taoro-Puia, Numangatini Tangi Ariki, Tangi Taoro and Tutai Rairi Tereapii celebrate Tae’anga Evangelia or Gospel Day at Raemaru Park in Arorangi yesterday.
Feeling blessed
Thursday 27 October 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local
At the graceful age of 86, Marii Parekura Kaina Ripata affirmed her Christian belief and received Confirmation - a Sacrament in the Catholic Church, on Sunday.
Vaka Waa’Qab in Mangaia for cultural study
Thursday 27 October 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture
Vaka Okeanos Waa’Qab departed for the island of Mangaia on Tuesday morning with a team from Macquarie University, Australia.
Yellow Bellies play Mongoose
Thursday 27 October 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Rugby Union, Sports
The 53 strong Yellow Bellies golden oldies rugby team from Hamilton, New Zealand are visiting Rarotonga for the third time.
Arorangi CICC to host Gospel Day celebrations
Tuesday 25 October 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local
Tae’anga Evangelia or Gospel Day will be hosted by the Arorangi Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) at Raemaru Park tomorrow starting from 10am.
Penrhyn schools undertake emergency drills
Tuesday 25 October 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Outer Islands
The Penrhyn schools of Omoka and Tetautua hold emergency drills – in the event of a tsunami, cyclone or fire – each term to ensure the students and teachers are kept updated and informed of the necessary procedures.
Rain brings little relief to Raro’s drying intakes
Monday 24 October 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Weather
Over the weekend the heavens opened and down came the rain, filling the catchment intakes, increasing water pressure in households and bringing much needed relief to the dire water shortage the island has been experiencing. But more rain is needed to replenish the drying intakes.
Graduation day stirs emotions
Saturday 22 October 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Endings and beginnings, the nostalgia – wistful affection for the past, the friendships, the regrets, the relief and excitement, all came to the surface when a group of Cook Islanders graduated in New Zealand this week.
Kiwi experts share knowledge at inaugural science expo
Friday 21 October 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) in New Zealand, conducts research across a broad range of disciplines in the environmental sciences such as the oceans, climate, freshwater, rivers, lagoons, lakes and all the animals.
Making tertiary education easier
Friday 21 October 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Tereora College final year students Shalom Vunibaka, Josifini Wong and Zhera Moetaua were among those who attended the University of the South Pacific (USP) open day at its Cook Islands campus in Takamoa, Avarua yesterday.
Indigenous art exhibition attracts young, emerging and established artists
Friday 21 October 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local
Drawing strength from its first exhibition in 2021, this year’s Toki Indigenous artist exhibition ‘Kopu Tangata’ features local and international artists with a platform to project their own stories through art.
