More Top Stories
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‘Serious questions’: Opposition challenges China partnership
15 February 2025
No-confidence motion against PM and his Cabinet faces delays
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Ruta Mave: People’s Republic of China red flag
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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
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MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
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Articles by Melina Etches
Tracing Polynesian roots
Saturday 28 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
In a significant occasion that celebrates heritage, Pa Marie Upokotini Ariki attended the opening ceremonies of the Austronesian Cultural and Art Exhibition and the Keqiutou Site Museum in Pingtan Island, China, reflecting on the shared heritage of Austronesian peoples and emphasising the importance of understanding their origins, including those of the Cook Islands.
Children bring joy to Christmas service with handcrafted gifts
Friday 27 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
Pictured is the Sacred Heart Parish “nativity scene”, also known as the Crèche - a beloved Christian holiday tradition celebrated for centuries. Each year, families and churches set up nativity scenes to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Boaza family connects with heritage and future generations
Friday 27 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
The Boaza family from Atiu was thrilled to host their first-ever family reunion, bringing together 120 relatives from Atiu, Australia, New Zealand and Rarotonga from December 14th to 17th.
Cook Islands Badminton celebrates successes at annual prizegiving
Tuesday 24 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Badminton, Sports
Cook Islands Badminton celebrated its end of year annual prizegiving awards on Friday night that honoured the dedication and achievements of players in all levels.
Met Service staff on duty through Christmas
Tuesday 24 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Weather
Cook Islands Meteorological Service staff will be at work throughout the Christmas holidays, ensuring that our community stays informed about the ever-changing weather conditions.
Christmas stock lost in devastating Mangaia fire
Tuesday 24 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, National, Outer Islands
Over the weekend, a blazing fire in Oneroa, Mangaia, originating from faulty electrical wiring destroyed a shop, a storage building and the neighbouring home.
Social Impact Fund awards $199,825 to 14 community projects
Saturday 21 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
The Cook Islands Social Impact Fund approved 14 proposals totalling $199,825.20 from 21 applications, supporting community initiatives across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, with a focus on sports, wellness and youth development.
New mammography machine offers improved breast cancer detection
Saturday 21 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Health, Local
The arrival of the new mammography machine in the Cook Islands marks a significant advancement in women’s health, enabling earlier detection of breast cancer and potentially saving lives.
Christmas blessings for community champions
Saturday 21 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Christmas came early for two amazing people who have a passion for serving our community, thanks to Vodafone Cook Islands.
Promoting local crafts for Christmas gifts
Friday 20 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Culture, National
As the festive holiday season approaches, the spirit of giving and community shines brighter than ever.
Hospital gifted transfer wheelchairs
Friday 20 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National
Land Holdings Ltd and Ocean Fresh Ltd have donated 19 I-MOVE BMB Medical transfer wheelchairs to Te Marae Ora that will allow the reception of the patient and his/her transport in a sitting position.
A new era for women’s rugby league
Thursday 19 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Rugby league, Sports
The world of rugby league has seen a significant growth and recognition for female athletes, highlighting their skill, determination and passion for the game.
Search for family of WWI hero John Tuaine Apa
Thursday 19 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National
The New Zealand Remembrance Army is searching for the family of John Tuaine Apa, a Cook Islander who served as a Corporal in the New Zealand Pioneer (Māori) Battalion, Rarotongan Company, during World War I.
Apii Rutaki celebrates diamond jubilee
Thursday 19 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National
Once threatened with closure, Rarotonga’s smallest primary school celebrated its 60th anniversary yesterday, highlighting its resilience and dedication to nurturing young minds.
Cook Islands Rugby Union hosts ‘She’s a Ruckstar’ Christmas beach rugby festival
Wednesday 18 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Rugby Union, Sports
The Cook Islands Rugby Union (CIRU) is hosting the ‘She’s A Ruckstar’ Christmas beach rugby fun festival for girls to provide a safe and fun learning space to start their rugby journey in a less intimidating environment.
Kōrero o te ‘Ōrau’s youth programme fosters cultural connection
Wednesday 18 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Education, Local, National
Kōrero o te ‘Ōrau’s ‘Ātui’anga ki te Tango (AKTT) youth programme continues its holistic learning activities for youth and families, immersing them in learning about Cook Islands culture, its values and natural environment, to promote cultural connection.
Aitutaki beauty Maoate crowned Maine Kūki ʻAirani Aotearoa 2024
Tuesday 17 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Education, Entertainment, National
In a celebration of beauty, culture and empowering young women, Ngatepaeru Maoate of Araura Enua (Aitutaki) was crowned Maine Kūki ʻAirani Aotearoa 2024 in Auckland, New Zealand.
Local organisation promotes Māori language and literacy
Tuesday 17 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
With Christmas around the corner, Punanga Turuturu Itivaine (PTI), a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing support for women survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, have been spreading festive cheer around Rarotonga schools.
Titikaveka students soar to new heights
Saturday 14 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Titikaveka College celebrated the achievements of their students in academics, sports and the arts earlier this week.
Divided legacy: Arioka invested as Pera Mataiapo Tutara amidst controversy
Saturday 14 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Features, National, Weekend
Patrick Arioka has been invested with the traditional title of Pera Mataiapo Tutara in the second investiture for the same title this year, little over a week after another claimant, Ana Andrew, was invested on November 27, 2024.
