Editor's Picks
Beddoes sets new national 800m record
31 July 2021
Climate change affecting Cooks’ tuna population
31 July 2021
Celebrating culture at Te Maeva Nui
31 July 2021
Daily diary from the crew of vaka Marumaru Atua
30 July 2021
Articles by Melina Etches
International night shows unity in diversity
Monday 2 August 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
Cultural diversity enhanced by vibrant colours, unusual costumes, dances and heartfelt performances, splashed across the National Auditorium stage on Saturday night.
NZ’s Ngā Tūmanako Kapa Haka wows local crowd
Monday 2 August 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
The visiting New Zealand Maori Ngā Tūmanako Kapa Haka group lived up to expectations, wowing the audience during Te Maeva Nui International Night at the National Auditorium on Saturday.
Let the show begin!
Saturday 31 July 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
After a lapse of a year due to Covid-19 pandemic, the annual Te Maeva Nui cultural festival returns this weekend. The five-day event got underway yesterday with an official opening ceremony and a float procession at the Constitution Park, participated by 26 teams who gave a glimpse of celebration expected in the coming days.
Celebrating culture at Te Maeva Nui
Saturday 31 July 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
Celebrating cultural diversity is an integral part of Te Maeva Nui festival. This evening at 7pm the International Night kicks off with performances from the local communities of Fiji, Indonesia, Kiribati, Chinese, Samoa, Tonga and the Philippines.
NZ Minister in Cooks on official visit
Friday 30 July 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
New Zealand Minister Munokoapoto (Poto) Williams, who is of Cook Islands descent, met Prime Minister Mark Brown on her first official visit to the country this week.
Te Maeva Nui festival commences
Friday 30 July 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
The official opening ceremony and float parade for Te Maeva Nui kicks off at Constitution Park Friday.
CINCW reps pay tribute
Thursday 29 July 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
In respect of their former patron, the late Rongomatane Ada Ariki also known as Ada Teaupurepure Tetupu Nicholls, Cook Islands National Council of Women (CINCW) representatives attended the investiture of her son Nicholas Nicholls as Rongomatane Nicholas Ariki in Atiu earlier this month.
Te Maeva Nui teams learning from experience
Thursday 29 July 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
Teams participating in this year’s Te Maeva Nui festival are putting the finishing touches on their preparations ahead of the annual event which starts this weekend, reports Melina Etches.
Maori King here for Te Maeva Nui celebrations
Thursday 29 July 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
Wednesday's rainy weather did not dampen the smiles of the New Zealand Maori King Tuheitia Potatau Te Wherowhero VII, his wife Makau Ariki Atawhai and family members who arrived in Rarotonga yesterday afternoon.
Impressive finish for Nicholas
Wednesday 28 July 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Paddling, Sports
From personal bests to semi-final finish, Team Cook Islands are off to a roaring start at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Palmerston aiming for ‘A grade’ performance at Te Maeva Nui
Wednesday 28 July 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
Caroline Marsters says she is proud to represent her home island of Palmerston for the first time at this week's Te Maeva Nui festival.
Support local, buy local at Trade Days
Tuesday 27 July 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Fifty-five vendors have been confirmed for next week’s Bank of the Cook Islands (BCI) Go Local Experience Trade Days.
Te Maeva Nui to kick start with float parade on Friday
Tuesday 27 July 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
A mix of marchers, performers and decorative floats will parade through town on Friday for the opening of Te Maeva Nui 2021 festival.
Honouring Cook Islanders in NZ
Saturday 24 July 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Te Maeva Nui o Aotearoa New Zealand Charitable Trust hosted the Tu Rangatira special Awards and Recognitions event on Thursday night to celebrate Cook Islanders who have made a significant mark in specific fields in a bid to bring recognition to their achievements.
History made as Atiu invests Ngamaru Ariki and Rongomatane Ariki
Friday 23 July 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, In Depth
Hundreds of people descended onto the island of Atiu to witness the historic akamarokura’anga (investiture) of Ngamaru Ariki and Rongomatane Ariki conducted three days apart. By Melina Etches.
Reason to smile
Friday 23 July 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Down Syndrome persons were excited to receive prescription glasses to see more clearly with and six iPads to improve their motivation and individual learning abilities – all made possible through the New Zealand High Commission Fund.
Cook Islands Olympic Team in Good Spirits
Thursday 22 July 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Other Sports, Sports
The Cook Islands Tokyo 2020 Olympic aquatic athletes Wesley Roberts and Kirsten Fisher-Marsters have the honour of carrying the nation’s flag at the opening ceremony in Japan, which is scheduled to get underway Thursday.
‘Nosey’ the fur seal sunning at Avarua harbour
Thursday 22 July 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Oblivious to the chatter and curious stares from onlookers, the visiting yearling Kekeno/New Zealand fur seal nicknamed “Nosey” appeared to be casually enjoying its “sunning holiday break” on Rarotonga yesterday.
Mangaia’s colonial building turns into community hub
Wednesday 21 July 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
The refurbished Mangaia Lodge Community Centre is now home to the Mangaia Red Cross, the Mangaia Elderbility Home Care Services and Te Kainga Pa Metua on the island.
Rare visit from New Zealand fur seal
Wednesday 21 July 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Since the travel bubble opened with New Zealand, a young Kekeno/New Zealand fur seal has also decided to pop in for a bit of a holiday to Rarotonga this week - travelling over 3000 kilometres from its home.
