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
Cook Islands Robotics team arrives in Athens
Tuesday 24 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National
After 28 hours of travel, including transit and flights from Auckland, New Zealand, the Cook Islands Robotics Team has arrived in Athens, Greece.
Puaikura Fire Brigade responds to eight urgent calls in six weeks
Tuesday 24 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Since the beginning of this year, the Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade has attended to 17 urgent calls. Eight of these urgent call outs have occurred within six weeks – from 1st August to date.
Rand claims second Round Rarotonga title
Monday 23 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Athletics, Sports
A beautiful breezy sunny morning accompanied by the symphony of drums welcomed runners to the finish line at the 47th Round Rarotonga Road Race (RRRR) on Saturday morning.
Celebrating 50 years of hospitality
Saturday 21 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National, Weekend
A leading Cook Islands resort, celebrating its 50th anniversary, is honouring its dedicated staff, particularly those who have served for over 20 years, and reflecting on its growth and impact on the community.
Atiu Enua calls for unity as new leadership takes office
Saturday 21 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
Atiu Enua celebrated the swearing-in of their new mayor and Island Council members on Wednesday at the CICC Sunday School Hall in Mapumai.
Cook Islands girls take on the world
Friday 20 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
An inspiring group of young women are making their way on an exciting journey to Athens, Greece, to participate in the prestigious FIRST Global Robotics Challenge.
‘Bribing my dogs’: Family seeks help to find stolen 21st birthday bike
Thursday 19 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Crime, Local, National
A concerned resident is asking the community to help locate her nephew’s XR 125 black and red clutch motorbike with licence plate #ABB936. The motorcycle was stolen from their home early yesterday morning.
Cook Islands students benefit from Rotary Rarotonga’s generosity
Wednesday 18 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Students across the nation are given a way with words thanks to the Rotary Club of Rarotonga 9920, who continue their legacy of providing dictionaries to every Year 9 student in the Cook Islands.
Punanga Tauturu women’s counselling centre announces new executive board
Wednesday 18 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The newly appointed executive board of the national women’s counselling centre is committed to strengthening relationships with key agencies to improve support for victims of gender-based violence in the country.
New Mangaia mayor Rani pledges service to community
Wednesday 18 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
Mangaia’s incoming Island Government members were sworn in during a special ceremony last week.
‘Netball is in our DNA’: Cook Islands hosts Netball World Youth Cup Qualifier
Tuesday 17 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Netball, Pacific Islands, Regional, Sports
Netball Cook Islands is proudly hosting the 2024 Netball World Youth Cup Oceania Qualifier from September 16-21 in collaboration with the Oceania Netball federation.
‘Golden ei’ buzzer puts four through to Cook Islands Has Talent Final
Tuesday 17 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
Four talented performing acts from the semi-finals of the Cook Islands Has Talent show have secured their spots in the grand finale, which will take place next Saturday, September 28.
Local butchers sharpen their skills
Monday 16 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, Local, National
Aspiring butchers at CITC are sharpening up their tools, “excited” to be the company’s first students in the Skills4Work New Zealand Trade Butchery Apprenticeship.
Leaks and wastage persist, says Rarotonga water authority
Monday 16 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Local, National
The issue of high-water leaks and wastage remain a pressing concern, despite the heavy downpour earlier this month that replenished the water intakes across the island.
‘He waka eke noa – We are all in this together’
Saturday 14 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, In Depth, Weekend
Cook Islands last week bid farewell to Tūī Dewes, the former Aotearoa New Zealand High Commissioner to the Cook Islands, who completed a four-year term on September 6, 2024. In an interview with senior journalist Melina Etches, Dewes reflects on her achievements and contributions, shared interests and enhancing Māori-to-Māori ties.
Over 500 trained in first aid
Saturday 14 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National
The World First Aid Day is observed on the second Saturday of September, today, to highlight the importance of first aid saving lives.
Cook Islands bolsters cyber defences
Saturday 14 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Technology
Minister Vaine “Mac” Mokoroa, Stephanie Crowe from the Australia Cyber Security Centre, and local stakeholders at the Pacific Cyber Security Operational Network (PaCSON) Annual General Meeting. MELINA ETCHES/24090912
‘Winds of change’ blow over Aitutaki as new mayor, council takes office
Friday 13 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
On Tuesday, the Aitutaki community proudly came together to witness the swearing-in ceremony for their recently elected Island Government Council members, including their new mayor.
Punanga Tauturu announces new coordinator and logo
Thursday 12 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The country’s women counselling centre is holding its annual general meeting to discuss the past year, future plans and announce a new coordinator and logo.
Clean up the Cook Islands Day
Thursday 12 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Local, National
Te Tu’anga Taporoporo National Environment Service (NES) will coordinate its annual ‘Clean Up the Cook Islands Day’ event this Friday, emphasising the importance of environmental action and also to inspire collective action against waste.
