Articles by Melina Etches

Getting ready for a Tropical Christmas

Saturday 28 November 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National

Despite Covid-19, the annual Tropical Christmas festive events will be going ahead this year.

An extra special day for Nukutere College prize giving

Saturday 28 November 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National

Layered in a tower of ei’s, Nukutere College Dux of the Year Zhera Moetaua had to be guided back to her seat by classmates at the school’s prize giving day. The annual awards held at the St Joseph’s Hall yesterday was no different from any other. Parents, families and friends who attended the special day […]

Stepping up their ‘floral game’

Saturday 28 November 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National

Nine schools participated in the Mire Tiare competition that wrapped up on Thursday.

Te Onu creation wows crowds

Friday 27 November 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National

Apii Avarua’s turtle masterpiece has been proudly showcased in the school’s classroom to mark Te Mire Tiare - Rarotonga's annual flower festival.

State funeral for a great son of Mangaia

Thursday 26 November 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National

Former Prime Minister the late Jim Marurai was a man of few words, but you could always count on those words being honest and straightforward. He will always be fondly remembered by a grateful nation.

Orange the world for White Ribbon

Thursday 26 November 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in

The White Ribbon campaign march moved swiftly through town on Wednesday, arriving at the Punanga Nui market in no time.

Covid-19 won't stop family reunion this holiday season

Wednesday 25 November 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National

For many years leading up to Christmas, family reunions were the norm, when hundreds of families would fly into Rarotonga from overseas. For one family, this year's event may be quieter but Covid-19 won't get in the way of their plans.

Tiare manea on full display

Wednesday 25 November 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National

The Airport Authority’s stunning Mire Tiare display portrays the innovation, time, work and commitment from the staff towards the government decorated properties competition.

An ocean of flowers - Rarotonga prepares for Mire Tiare week.

Tuesday 24 November 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National

Members of the Rarotonga Bowling Club created an impressive arrangement of flowers and plants to represent “the abundance of the ocean - te manea o te moana and marine life” for Mire Tiare week.

The secret to happier, healthier life

Saturday 21 November 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend

Henry Tupa is not afraid of death and when the fear of it beckons, he believes and trusts in his Catholic faith to guide him through.

The crowning of Makea Vakatini Phillip Ngamatoa Ariki

Saturday 21 November 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National

Hundreds gathered to witness the installation of Makea Vakatini Phillip Ngamatoa Ariki on Friday. Although the ceremony was met with a vocal protest who called the election process a “fraud”, it continued largely as planned.

Gifts arrive for new chief in advance of investiture

Friday 20 November 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National

Historic moment today as nation to witness the akamarokura’anga of Makea Vakatini Phillip Ngamatoa Ariki, which will be held at the Taurangamanu Vakatini Palace grounds at Tupapa on Friday.

From one generation to the next: Rarotonga prepares for a historic investiture

Thursday 19 November 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National

With preparations underway for a historic day, a protest is expected from the Te Ora Rangatira line during the investiture of Makea Vakatini Phillip Ngamatoa Ariki in Tupapa on Friday.

PM Brown says keep moving and eat sensibly

Thursday 19 November 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the biggest killers of our people, according to Prime Minister Mark Brown. He wants to encourage everyone to work together and put their efforts into combating NCDs. “We’ve had 67 people pass away from January to October, and 50 of those deaths were from NCDs,” Brown said. “For men there are […]

Changing the face of men’s health: Growing ‘mos’ to save bros

Thursday 19 November 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National

A significant increase in the number of men getting their health checked is a positive sign they are taking seriously the men’s health campaign message – “Get yourself checked”. George George, a driver of the “Movember” movement, says Dr Rangiau Fariu is striving to keep up with the appointments. “It is good to see and […]