More Top Stories
Man found guilty of rape, burglary
24 September 2024
Tenants face water bill burden
8 October 2024
BRO CHECK campaign: ‘Reach out, you’re not alone’
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’s 12 sitting days sufficient for business: Clerk
24 September 2024
Parliament Clerk sparks outrage over deep sea mining statement
23 September 2024
Parliament’s 12 sitting days sufficient for business: Clerk
24 September 2024
Tapaitau and Charlie-Puna released to ‘family jobs’
21 September 2024
3000 companies at risk due to Act oversight: Browne
23 September 2024
Police apprehend four juveniles in connection with motorcycle thefts
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
Helmet safety concerns raised amid enforcement challenges
2 September 2024
MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
3 August 2024
STI cases on the rise
2 September 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
Diaspora dismayed over lack of Te Maeva Nui livestream
8 August 2024
Everyone is a winner, says Culture
7 August 2024
Local women outshine global peers in business leadership
8 August 2024
Housing crisis hits tourism industry
27 July 2024
MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
3 August 2024
Tapaitau appeal dismissed
17 July 2024
Challenging ‘rape culture’
8 July 2024
Articles by Melina Etches
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.
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.
Cook Islanders return home for family, culture and sport
Saturday 5 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Other Sports, Sports, Weekend
The appeal of reconnecting with family, learning more about genealogy and the culture while enjoying sport with island pride certainly does entice Cook Islanders overseas to return home to participate in the Cook Islands Games.
‘We have achieved a lot with the little we've'
Saturday 5 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Technology
The Cook Islands’ FIRST Global Robotics team, the Cocobots, achieved a historic gold medal in the 2024 Alliance category, despite facing limited resources and competing against teams with years of experience.
Education ‘got some problems’ but new initiatives offer hope
Saturday 5 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
The active participation and commitment of all stakeholders, from government, principals, teachers, parents and the community, is needed for the growth and advancement of education in the Cook Islands, says the Minister for Education.
Cook Islands celebrates unity and sportsmanship at Games opening
Saturday 5 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Athletics, Other Sports, Sports
Prime Minister Mark Brown officially opened the 2024 Cook Islands Games – “the event that truly unites our islands and our people” – at the National Stadium in Nikao last night.
Thousands to gather for Cook Islands Games opening
Friday 4 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Athletics, Sports
Thousands are expected to attend the vibrant opening ceremony for the third Cook Islands Games tonight, where over 3000 athletes will showcase their island pride in the biggest national sporting event in the country.
Puni and Crighton-Teau achieve personal bests at NZ competition
Thursday 3 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Other Sports, Sports
Cook Islands weightlifters Etoa Puni and Briseis Crighton-Teau achieved personal bests and placed in the top of their divisions at the 2024 New Zealand National Secondary School Weightlifting Championships.
Team Rarotonga ready for 2024 Cook Islands Games
Thursday 3 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Athletics, Sports
Team Rarotonga, with its massive 580 registered athletes, is set and ready to compete in the much-anticipated 2024 Cook Islands Games, which officially begin this Friday.
