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11 November 2022

Articles by Melina Etches

Aussie artist reconnects with Cook Islands roots

Thursday 28 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features

A Cook Islands Australian female artist is learning first-hand about Cook Islands cultural practices while working with one of the country’s cultural icons.


Rarotonga families sprout new skills at vegetable planting workshop

Thursday 28 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Local, National

Families were delighted to take home a large number of pinapi (bok choy) seedling plants from the Ministry of Agriculture vegetable planting workshop initiated by the Cook Islands Child Welfare Association (CICWA).


New clerk pledges to learn and serve

Wednesday 27 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National

Dr Tuaine Unuia has hit the ground running in his new role as the O-Tari-Kura o te Are Ariki (Clerk of the House of Ariki) earlier this week, welcomed by members of Te Are Ariki.


Atupare Marae welcomes new shelter, Maori King for ocean initiative

Wednesday 27 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Environment, National

Tui Dewes, Aotearoa New Zealand High Commissioner to the Cook Islands, had the honour of opening the new Taupare for Atupare Marae, alongside the Minister for Tauranga Vananga Ministry of Cultural Development, George “Maggie” Angene, last week.


Aitutaki’s Ngatamariki ready for Te Mire Atu debut

Wednesday 27 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, National

Corina Mose Ngatamariki from Aitutaki is “excited” to be competing in tonight’s Te Mire Atu composer’s competition at The Edgewater Resort for the first time.


Farmers divided over domestic consumption, export potentials

Tuesday 26 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Local, National

Former Agriculture minister, Kiriau Turepu, sparked debate recently by suggesting that exporting produce should not be a priority for Cook Islands growers.


Students champion sustainability at annual Te Tateni Korero Māori

Saturday 23 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Education, Features, National

Titikaveka College held its annual Te Tateni Korero Māori, Māori Speech Competition, centered around the theme of “Mana Tiaki – Tiaki e te akono i to tatou Matakeinanga (Regenerative Tourism – Guardians of our Environment, Culture & Ways)”.


Preserving paradise: Cook Islands shares ra’ui knowledge in Hawai’i

Saturday 23 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Environment, Features, Local, National

Representatives from the Cook Islands are participating in the University of Hawai’i Rāhui (Ra’ui) Workshop to learn more about traditional ra’ui management systems for marine resources.


Kermode soars towards dream

Saturday 23 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend

Fuelled by a passion for aviation and a relentless drive to conquer the skies, a determined 18-year-old Kanoa Kermode has set his sights on joining the Australian Defence Force (ADF) next month, with the ultimate goal of becoming a pilot.


Cook Islands celebrates World Water Day despite ongoing shortages

Friday 22 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Local, National

Cook Islands joins the world in celebrating World Water Day today, despite recent challenges with water shortages in homes, especially those living in the Pa Enua.


Fertiliser shortage threatens crops, says former Agriculture minister

Friday 22 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Local, National

Cook Islands growers face a crisis as fertiliser and spray shortages threaten crops across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua islands.

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Schools ban fizzy drinks in bid to improve children’s health

Thursday 21 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Health, Local, National

As of today, fizzy drinks will be banned in the primary schools who have signed an agreement with Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health.


Aussie nursing students get a tropical dose of healthcare

Wednesday 20 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Australia, Health, National, Regional

Eight University of South Australia Bachelor of Nursing third-year students are visiting Rarotonga for a two-week study programme, immersing themselves in a different culture, a different health setting, and acquiring unique experiences.

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12 compete for Te Mire Atu Composer of the Year

Wednesday 20 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features

In celebration of original Cook Islands compositions, 12 upcoming and experienced song writers will be battling in the esteemed Tauranga Vananga Ministry of Cultural Development Te Mire Atu Composer of the Year competition next week.


Cook Islands cracks down on junk cars

Wednesday 20 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National

“Te Titā ki te Titā kore – Legacy Waste Collection” campaign towards a cleaner, more sustainable future continues to take action with its end-of-life vehicle (ELV) collection beginning next month.


Preschool encourages healthy habits with daily fruit breaks

Wednesday 20 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National

The adorable Imanuela Akatemia pre-school children enjoy a refreshing, healthy fruit break every morning at 10am, embracing good eating habits.


Takitumu Conservation Area set to become first OECM in Pacific

Tuesday 19 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Local, National

In a first for the Cook Islands as well as the rest of the Pacific, the Takitumu Conservation Area (TCA) will be submitted to be internationally recognised as an Other Effective area-based Conservation Measure (OECM).


Dr Tuaine Unuia appointed new Clerk of the House of Ariki

Tuesday 19 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Crime, Local, National

Dr Tuaine Unuia, clinical manager of Te Marae Ora Dental Clinic, has been appointed the new O-Tari-Kura o te Are Ariki (Clerk of the House of Ariki).


Cook Islanders cast line in world’s biggest fishing tourney

Monday 18 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Fishing, Sports

In amongst the 2000 fishers in the world’s largest fishing competition in terms of the number of boats participating, the Kubota Classic Billfish Tournament in Whitianga, Aotearoa New Zealand, were Cook Islands very own fishermen Junior Ioapa and Poe Poila from Rarotonga.


Retired judge shares expertise with Cook Islands Justices of the Peace

Monday 18 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Court, Local, National

Retired judge John Adams from Aotearoa New Zealand is facilitating this week’s orientation workshop for three Justices of the Peace (JPs) from the Pa Enua (one from Aitutaki and two from Atiu).


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