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
Aitutaki women clinch back-to-back cricket gold
Saturday 19 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Cricket, Sports
The Aitutaki Cricket Women’s “Golden Girls” team has once again claimed victory at the Cook Islands Games, successfully defending their champion title. Aitutaki players were jubilant and excited having fought hard on the cricket ground yesterday in a thrilling final against Atiu, at the Turangi Oval. Leanne Kiria-Browne, captain of the Aitutaki women, was overjoyed […]
Daughter adds new chapter to father’s memoir
Saturday 19 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane
A revised edition of Tom Neale’s memoir about his solitary life on the remote island of Suwarrow has been published, featuring a new chapter and epilogue written by his daughter, offering a fresh perspective on his experiences.
Cook Islands Games to culminate in spectacular dance, fireworks display
Friday 18 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
In the quiet hours before dawn, an excited group of dancers and drummers rise at 4.30am, driven by anticipation and passion for the closing ceremony of the 2024 Cook Islands Games that will be held tomorrow evening at the National Stadium in Nikao.
Transport ministry, BTIB partner to streamline business licensing process
Friday 18 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, National
In an effort to further economic growth and improve the efficiency of business operations, Te Mana Tumotu o te Kūki ʻĀirani/ Ministry of Transport (MOT) and the Business Trade Investment Board (BTIB) are pleased to announce the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MoA).
Island Govt By-election candidates confirmed
Friday 18 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Candidates for the Island Government By-Election 2024 for Ivirua and Tetautua have been confirmed by chief electoral officer Taggy Tangimetua.
Education ministry launches new teacher training centre
Thursday 17 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Cook Islands Ministry of Education has announced plans to establish a teacher development centre in partnership with the University of Waikato, aiming to improve teacher quality and align the curriculum with the country’s language, culture and heritage.
Pacific voices harmonise in Rarotonga
Wednesday 16 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, National
Against the alluring backdrop of sky and ocean blue, the Tamarind House lawn came alive with the incredible Opera in Rarotonga event, offering a unique fusion of combined artistry and nature, to local audience over the weekend.
Koutu Nui swears in new leaders, addresses land issues and other challenges
Wednesday 16 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
Holders of taoanga Māori titles were sworn in at the Koutu Nui annual general meeting (AGM) this week.
Cloud nine: Teenage sensation Akava shines at Cook Islands Games
Wednesday 16 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Cook Islands Games, Sports
At just 16, delightful Emii Akava has emerged as outstanding talent at the 2024 Cook Islands Games, displaying her exceptional skills across multiple sports.
Key partnership to address women’s health and safety in Cook Islands
Tuesday 15 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between Punanga Turuturu Itivaine, formerly known as Punanga Tauturu Inc., and Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health to “enhance and strengthen support” for all women in the Cook Islands.
PM proposes Cook Islands passport at Ariki meeting
Tuesday 15 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
Various national issues, including the introduction of a Cook Islands passport, changes to the country name and anthem, resolving traditional title disputes and support for seabed minerals exploration, were discussed at the 53rd Session of Te Kura Nui A Te Are Ariki last week.
Family honours loved one in Rarotonga
Monday 14 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane
The family of Dr Thomas Brian Guy, who died in Rarotonga in 1977, travelled from Canada and Australia to unveil his plaque in the Nikao Cemetery, which they discovered thanks to the efforts of local volunteers.
Thrilling finish looms as Cook Islands Games enter final week
Monday 14 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Sports
As the first week of the thrilling Cook Islands Games sports competition between the 11 islands draws to a close, excitement is at an all-time high.
International referees share expertise at Cook Islands Games handball comp
Saturday 12 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Handball, Sports
The beach handball competition will conclude today with the open men’s and women’s finals. Alongside the country’s top players, the event also features International Handball Federation (IHF) Beach Handball referees Daniela Andreea Enache and Corina Floriana Constantin from Romania, as well as Australian referees Claire Dennerley and Sally Potocki, who is also an Australian Handball […]
Resilience and teamwork pave way to gold for Cook Islands
Saturday 12 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Technology
The Cook Islands’ all-girls robotics team overcame challenges to win a gold medal at the 2024 FIRST Global Challenge, showcasing their resilience, teamwork and dedication to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Penrhyn schools’ Literacy Week events raise funds for Māori books
Friday 11 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Penrhyn schools took a unique approach to celebrate Literacy Week by hosting an exciting spallation, a vibrant float parade combined with a pageant, earlier this month.
Aitutaki students pitch in to clean up island
Friday 11 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National, Outer Islands
Primary schools in Aitutaki took part in the island-wide clean-up effort last month to mark Clean up the Cook Islands Day.
Record-breaking handball participants at 2024 Cook Islands Games
Thursday 10 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Handball, Sports
Handball Cook Islands has witnessed an incredible surge in participation in the 2024 Cook Islands Games, reflecting a growing enthusiasm for the sports across the islands.
Pasifika powerhouses set to take centre stage at annual opera concert
Wednesday 9 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
Excitement is building for the Bank of the Cook Islands (BCI) annual Opera in Rarotonga event, featuring Pasifika and Māori singers, this weekend.
Cook Islands Games off to exciting start
Monday 7 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Athletics, Sports
The determined and mighty Mitiaro women’s Ko Akari (coconut husking) team of Ngatamaine Tekaria, Tashi Tutai and Myland Lane dominated the exciting event, winning a gold medal each on day one of the Cook Islands Games on Saturday.
