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CI Muslim opens up about her faith and journey
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RAC to address mosque legality
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I don’t expect much change: PM Brown on US Elections
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Fifth weekly Sydney flight to Rarotonga announced
23 October 2024
CIIC directors seek $350,000 in damages over defamatory claims
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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
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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’
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Articles by Melina Etches
‘Help us pick our golden apples’
Thursday 24 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands took a giant step in its bid to harvest valuable deep-ocean polymetallic nodules after formally handing out the nation’s first three seabed minerals exploration licences yesterday.
NZ radio waves deliver Reo Maori
Wednesday 23 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, National
At the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in New Zealand, Tauraki Rongo - the Pacific Media Network (PMN) Cook Islands Language Program producer in New Zealand understood the relevance of delivering the message to the Cook Islands communities in Reo Maori.
Gordon Murray Fishing Tournament
Wednesday 23 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The annual Gordon Murray memorial fishing tournament will be held this Saturday, for an opportunity to win $1000 cash.
‘Lost in translation’
Tuesday 22 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local
Vibrant and spirited, a New Zealand-born and raised Cook Islander is overcoming adversity in her quest to learn, embrace, grasp and be at harmony with the culture of the Cook Islands.
Pa Enua welcome border closure
Tuesday 22 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
The suspension of passenger travel to the Pa Enua, except Aitutaki, following Covid-19 cases on Rarotonga has been welcomed by the islands’ residents.
Keeping traditional Pukapukan culture alive
Saturday 19 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local
The island of Pukapuka is one of the few remaining places in the world that still practices ancient tradition. One such tradition is kavekave, an annual fishing competition held between two districts from a village on the northern group island.
Apii Takitumu ‘paddling with pride’
Saturday 19 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
A special ceremony was held yesterday to celebrate the investiture of Apii Takitumu’s first ever head boy and head girl.
Aitutaki border reopening brings smiles
Saturday 19 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
Aitutaki’s Tropicool Tours and Transfers owner Nane Herman Purea and happy tourists “smile with their eyes” at the reopening of the island’s border to passengers from Rarotonga on Thursday.
Responding to Covid-19 in the community
Friday 18 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health (TMO) has prioritised working with the 10 Puna on Rarotonga (including one Puna in Aitutaki), in an effort to provide health and work programmes aimed at responding to Covid-19.
Student leaders ready for challenge
Friday 18 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
St Joseph’s Primary head girl, Raya Pirangi and head boy, Henrymichael Williams were both “really happy” to be selected as the school’s new leaders for the 2022 academic year.
Pledge to promote inclusion
Thursday 17 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The Pride Pledge Cook Islands programme – an initiative for a safe and inclusive workplace for all – launched on Tuesday evening, was declared a “milestone moment” for the organisation.
‘Show the community you believe in equality’
Thursday 17 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Pride Cook Islands launched its Pride Pledge programme on Tuesday evening – a values-based commitment that organisations and individuals can take to implement a safe and inclusive culture and environment for LGBQTI+ employees and customers.
Mangaia serious about TMO protocols
Wednesday 16 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
Since the detection of the first community case of Covid-19 on Rarotonga two days ago, a Ministerial Order was issued suspending all passenger air and sea travel to the Pa Enua.
Nukutere College prefects inducted
Wednesday 16 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Since the first term of school started last Monday, schools have been preparing for the indictment ceremonies for their respective perfects.
Drive through testing to continue today
Tuesday 15 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National
The drive through testing station down at Terevete park will continue today for anyone displaying Covid-19 symptoms.
First Covid-19 case activates Titikaveka Puna
Tuesday 15 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The Titikaveka Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) or Puna was activated on Sunday, shortly after the first positive Covid-19 community case was announced.
No further Covid-19 cases from over 300 tests
Tuesday 15 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National
No further Covid-19 cases have been detected in Rarotonga from over 300 tests carried out at the Terevete Park testing station yesterday.
Pa Enua schools ready to ‘ride the waves’
Saturday 12 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
The 2022 academic year started this week with a cloud of uncertainty hovering over the future of the school term from the threat of Covid-19 making its way into the country.
‘Listen, listen, and hush up’
Friday 11 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
A veteran Cook Islands documentary producer shares her interviewing skills and experience with participants of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Project workshop at the National Auditorium.
Seabed exploration applicants receive panel’s endorsements
Friday 11 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National
All three applicants seeking seabed minerals exploration licences have received approval of the Licensing Panel, with the final decision now resting with Prime Minister Mark Brown's chaired Cabinet.
