More Top Stories
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
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’
8 July 2024
Articles by Melina Etches
Ink for a cause: Movember Cook Islands tattoo event draws a crowd
Tuesday 26 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Health, National
Movember is more than just a month for growing mustaches. It is a global movement aimed at raising awareness of and funds for men’s health issues, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide.
Dry conditions fuel uncontrolled fires
Tuesday 26 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Weather
An increase in uncontrolled rubbish fires, which pose a significant risk to public safety and the environment, is being exacerbated by the dry spell with windy conditions experienced in Rarotonga.
National dialogue on Cook Islands well-being
Monday 25 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Agriculture, National
Secretary for Agriculture Temarama Anguna-Kamana says there is a decline in agriculture and local fisheries due to limited land, labour constraints and tourism competition as well as climate change.
Nukutere art up for silent auction
Friday 22 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National
An inspiring collection of artwork by the Nukutere College inclusive education “superpower” art students is now on display.
Slow Down in Town - 30 km/h speed signs in town zone
Friday 22 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Thirteen days after the Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) public notice to notify the community about the new 30 km/h speed zone along the main road at the St Joseph’s Cathedral, the road signs has finally been erected.
Fires continue despite warnings
Friday 22 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Crime, Local, National
Regardless of repeated warnings and the clear dangers associated with lighting rubbish heap fires in extended periods of dry weather, many people continue to disregard safety guidelines, especially during windy conditions.
Cooks diaspora consultations in New Zealand
Thursday 21 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
This week’s Cook Islands diaspora consultations in New Zealand have amounted to a shotgun approach to current affairs covering a variety of topics of national importance.
USP Student body represents 14,000 students
Thursday 21 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
The University of the South Pacific Students’ Association (USPSA) from 14 campuses spanning 12 member countries convened in Rarotonga yesterday representing the voice of 14,000 students.
Aitutaki Liftoff 2024 Draws almost 100 athletes
Wednesday 20 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Athletics, Sports
The Aitutaki Liftoff (7 – 10 November) functional fitness sports event drew a record number of almost 100 local and international athletes.
Nukutere’s “superpower” kids auction art pieces
Wednesday 20 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
To celebrate the creativity and talent of the inclusive education “superpower” class at Nukutere College, a silent auction will be held this week.
Nauru Assembly of God visit Rarotonga
Wednesday 20 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features
Thirty-five members of the Assembly of God youth ministry from Nauru are visiting Rarotonga for two weeks. The worship delegation came to celebrate the 21st birthday celebration of Tinka Marsters, a Nauruan girl who was raised by CICC Reverend Tere Marsters and his wife in the Cook Islands. Reverend Evi Agir, leader of the group […]
Hundreds march to support Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand
Tuesday 19 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in New Zealand, Regional
It was as much a celebration of Maori unity as a demonstration, according to marchers in yesterday’s Rarotonga hikoi.
French Ambassador offers support for women’s centre
Monday 18 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Punanga Turuturu Itivaine (PTI), the women’s support centre, has strengthened its partnership with the Ambassador of France with both parties optimistic about advancing shared goals of community resilience and support for women in the Cook Islands.
Three bush fires in 48-hours
Monday 18 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Volunteer firefighters had a busy weekend as they attended to uncontrollable fires within a 48-hour period started by people burning rubbish in Rarotonga.
Treaty hikoi march in Rarotonga
Saturday 16 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, New Zealand, Regional
On Wednesday in Aotearoa New Zealand thousands of marchers descended upon the city of Auckland as part of the Hīkoi mō te Tiriti (March for the Treaty of Waitangi) to call for Māori unity, and protest a law that seeks to alter the country’s constitutional foundations.
Promoting health and creativity for Children’s Week
Saturday 16 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Next week children around the globe will come together to celebrate International Children’s Week, a time dedicated to honouring the rights, well-being, and voice of children everywhere.
Children’s Choir for Christmas
Saturday 16 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Entertainment, Features
As the Christmas season approaches, a special opportunity is presented for children to come together and spread joy through music.
Pauro Arnold lands giant marlin
Friday 15 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
In an epic battle between man and beast, local fisherman Pauro Arnold on Thursday captured a giant 506kg blue marlin (1115.54 pounds) – a “grander” weighing over 1000 pounds after playing it for two and a half hours.
Cook Islands diaspora embrace digital innovation to preserve Te Reo Māori
Friday 15 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, New Zealand, Regional, Technology
Two passionate Cook Islanders living in New Zealand have embarked on an ambitious project aimed at protecting and revitalising the Cook Islands language for future generations.
Resetting the focus of culture
Friday 15 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
Te Maeva Nui, the Cook Islands elite and biggest performing arts festival has seen a shift in traditional performing arts risking the very authenticity that makes our traditions special.
