Melina Etches – Cook Islands News https://www.cookislandsnews.com Mon, 30 Dec 2024 19:02:41 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 Mother and sons reunited for Christmas after a decade https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/national/local/mother-and-sons-reunited-for-christmas-after-a-decade/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=mother-and-sons-reunited-for-christmas-after-a-decade https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/national/local/mother-and-sons-reunited-for-christmas-after-a-decade/#respond Mon, 30 Dec 2024 19:02:40 +0000 https://www.cookislandsnews.com/?p=275721 Family reunions hold a special place in our hearts, serving as a poignant reminder of the bonds that tie us together, no matter the distance.

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]]> https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/national/local/mother-and-sons-reunited-for-christmas-after-a-decade/feed/ 0 SIF grants address critical social needs across the Cook Islands https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/features/sif-grants-address-critical-social-needs-across-the-cook-islands/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sif-grants-address-critical-social-needs-across-the-cook-islands https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/features/sif-grants-address-critical-social-needs-across-the-cook-islands/#respond Mon, 30 Dec 2024 18:59:08 +0000 https://www.cookislandsnews.com/?p=275712 The Cook Islands Social Impact Fund distributed $199,825.20 to 14 successful applicants, including organisations focused on child welfare, education, youth development, women’s empowerment and community health, to support their vital work in addressing social issues and improving the well-being of Cook Islanders.

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]]> https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/features/sif-grants-address-critical-social-needs-across-the-cook-islands/feed/ 0 ‘Toughy’ bids farewell to 45-year banking career https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/features/weekend/toughy-bids-farewell-to-45-year-banking-career/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=toughy-bids-farewell-to-45-year-banking-career https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/features/weekend/toughy-bids-farewell-to-45-year-banking-career/#respond Sat, 28 Dec 2024 19:30:00 +0000 https://www.cookislandsnews.com/?p=275689 After a remarkable 45-year career spanning four different banks in the same building, a respected bank employee has retired, leaving a legacy of dedication and service to the community.

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]]> https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/features/weekend/toughy-bids-farewell-to-45-year-banking-career/feed/ 0 Tracing Polynesian roots https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/features/art/tracing-polynesian-roots/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tracing-polynesian-roots https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/features/art/tracing-polynesian-roots/#respond Sat, 28 Dec 2024 19:30:00 +0000 https://www.cookislandsnews.com/?p=275702 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.

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]]> https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/features/art/tracing-polynesian-roots/feed/ 0 Walking for ‘Dear Love’: A journey of reflection and love https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/features/weekend/walking-for-dear-love-a-journey-of-reflection-and-love/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=walking-for-dear-love-a-journey-of-reflection-and-love https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/features/weekend/walking-for-dear-love-a-journey-of-reflection-and-love/#respond Sat, 28 Dec 2024 19:30:00 +0000 https://www.cookislandsnews.com/?p=275693 A Cook Islands businesswoman walked the Camino de Santiago in memory of her late husband, finding solace and healing on the ancient pilgrimage route while honouring their shared love and dreams.

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]]> https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/features/weekend/walking-for-dear-love-a-journey-of-reflection-and-love/feed/ 0 Children bring joy to Christmas service with handcrafted gifts https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/national/local/culture/children-bring-joy-to-christmas-service-with-handcrafted-gifts/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=children-bring-joy-to-christmas-service-with-handcrafted-gifts https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/national/local/culture/children-bring-joy-to-christmas-service-with-handcrafted-gifts/#respond Fri, 27 Dec 2024 19:20:44 +0000 https://www.cookislandsnews.com/?p=275647 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.

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]]> https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/national/local/culture/children-bring-joy-to-christmas-service-with-handcrafted-gifts/feed/ 0 Boaza family connects with heritage and future generations https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/national/local/outer-islands/boaza-family-connects-with-heritage-and-future-generations/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=boaza-family-connects-with-heritage-and-future-generations https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/national/local/outer-islands/boaza-family-connects-with-heritage-and-future-generations/#respond Fri, 27 Dec 2024 19:19:07 +0000 https://www.cookislandsnews.com/?p=275644 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.

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]]> https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/national/local/outer-islands/boaza-family-connects-with-heritage-and-future-generations/feed/ 0 Cook Islands Badminton celebrates successes at annual prizegiving https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/sport/badminton/cook-islands-badminton-celebrates-successes-at-annual-prizegiving/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cook-islands-badminton-celebrates-successes-at-annual-prizegiving https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/sport/badminton/cook-islands-badminton-celebrates-successes-at-annual-prizegiving/#respond Tue, 24 Dec 2024 20:10:01 +0000 https://www.cookislandsnews.com/?p=275632 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.

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]]> https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/sport/badminton/cook-islands-badminton-celebrates-successes-at-annual-prizegiving/feed/ 0 Met Service staff on duty through Christmas https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/national/weather/met-service-staff-on-duty-through-christmas/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=met-service-staff-on-duty-through-christmas https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/national/weather/met-service-staff-on-duty-through-christmas/#respond Tue, 24 Dec 2024 19:45:48 +0000 https://www.cookislandsnews.com/?p=275613 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.

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]]> https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/national/weather/met-service-staff-on-duty-through-christmas/feed/ 0 Christmas stock lost in devastating Mangaia fire https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/national/outer-islands/business/christmas-stock-lost-in-devastating-mangaia-fire/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=christmas-stock-lost-in-devastating-mangaia-fire https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/national/outer-islands/business/christmas-stock-lost-in-devastating-mangaia-fire/#respond Tue, 24 Dec 2024 19:24:11 +0000 https://www.cookislandsnews.com/?p=275606 Over the weekend, a blazing fire in Oneroa, Mangaia, originating from faulty electrical wiring destroyed a shop, a storage building and the neighbouring home.

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