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Articles by Melina Etches
Sponsorship nets trip for young fishermen
Wednesday 11 August 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Two aspiring fishermen will attend the 24th Gary Parlour (wahoo) and fourth Goldie Goldie (mahi mahi) fishing competition in Aitutaki this weekend thanks to the generosity of others.
Ministry tracking taro and fresh food items at airport
Wednesday 11 August 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
For the first time, the Ministry of Agriculture has begun weighing fresh and cooked food items that are accompanying passengers flying to New Zealand.
Aitutaki relies on ‘goodwill’ of the people
Tuesday 10 August 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National, Outer Islands
Aitutaki mayor Tekura Bishop and a small delegation from the island visited New Zealand recently to deliver the “kura” or message of invitation to the Aitutaki communities for major celebrations commencing in October this year.
Aitutaki gears up for major events in October
Monday 9 August 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
Aitutaki is gearing up for the biggest celebration in its history, the 200th bi-centennial anniversary year commemoration of the arrival of Christianity to the island, from October 21 to November 1, 2021.
New shoes bring joy to children with Down syndrome
Monday 9 August 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Members of the Cook Islands Down Syndrome Association (CIDSA) received new pairs of sneakers last week.
Young entrepreneurs steal the show at Trade Days
Saturday 7 August 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The Constitution Park was a hive of activity this week for the BCI Trade Days that featured 57 vibrant stalls, string band entertainment and cultural shows.
Te Maeva Nui ends on a high
Friday 6 August 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
The last night of Te Maeva Nui on Tuesday ended on a high on Tuesday with Vaka Puaikura’s impressive ura pau (drum dance).
PM Brown hits back at critics of migration
Friday 6 August 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Politics
The migration of Cook Islanders mainly to Australia and New Zealand has been happening for decade, since the end of WW II, said Prime Minister Mark Brown in his address to the nation at the Constitution Day ceremony on Wednesday.
Spirit of unity and pride
Thursday 5 August 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
Te Maeva Nui meaning ‘The Great Celebration’ is the pinnacle of Cook Islands culture that shows the true spirit of unity and pride. This was attested by the performances on the opening night on Monday.
A tribute to the people
Thursday 5 August 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
Cook Islands proudly celebrated the Constitution Day yesterday, marking the country’s 56 years of self-governance in true island style with drums, songs and dance.
Culture winner at Te Maeva Nui
Thursday 5 August 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
The 2021 Te Maeva Nui cultural awards were presented to deserving winners during the Constitution Day celebrations at the National Auditorium yesterday.
Young and old rejoice in gospel songs
Tuesday 3 August 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
Each of the participating Te Maeva Nui teams performed lively Tu’Anga Evangelia gospel songs on Sunday night, with some of the teams leading the way with female conductors.
Marumaru Atua returns from 48-day Taua e Moana voyage
Tuesday 3 August 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
Sailing through good wind, rain and rough seas, Vaka Marumaru Atua returned safely to Rarotonga early yesterday morning, having successfully completed a 48-day Taua e Moana voyage to the Northern group islands.
International night shows unity in diversity
Monday 2 August 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
Cultural diversity enhanced by vibrant colours, unusual costumes, dances and heartfelt performances, splashed across the National Auditorium stage on Saturday night.
NZ’s Ngā Tūmanako Kapa Haka wows local crowd
Monday 2 August 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
The visiting New Zealand Maori Ngā Tūmanako Kapa Haka group lived up to expectations, wowing the audience during Te Maeva Nui International Night at the National Auditorium on Saturday.
Let the show begin!
Saturday 31 July 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
After a lapse of a year due to Covid-19 pandemic, the annual Te Maeva Nui cultural festival returns this weekend. The five-day event got underway yesterday with an official opening ceremony and a float procession at the Constitution Park, participated by 26 teams who gave a glimpse of celebration expected in the coming days.
Celebrating culture at Te Maeva Nui
Saturday 31 July 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
Celebrating cultural diversity is an integral part of Te Maeva Nui festival. This evening at 7pm the International Night kicks off with performances from the local communities of Fiji, Indonesia, Kiribati, Chinese, Samoa, Tonga and the Philippines.
NZ Minister in Cooks on official visit
Friday 30 July 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
New Zealand Minister Munokoapoto (Poto) Williams, who is of Cook Islands descent, met Prime Minister Mark Brown on her first official visit to the country this week.
Te Maeva Nui festival commences
Friday 30 July 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
The official opening ceremony and float parade for Te Maeva Nui kicks off at Constitution Park Friday.
CINCW reps pay tribute
Thursday 29 July 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
In respect of their former patron, the late Rongomatane Ada Ariki also known as Ada Teaupurepure Tetupu Nicholls, Cook Islands National Council of Women (CINCW) representatives attended the investiture of her son Nicholas Nicholls as Rongomatane Nicholas Ariki in Atiu earlier this month.
