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Articles by Melina Etches

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).


The monumental task of fixing our land laws

Sunday 17 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Court, Features, Local, National, Parliament, Weekend

The Cook Islands Ministry of Justice is reforming land laws to deal with issues like absentee landowners and fragmented ownership, but the proposals are facing criticism for not being clear and for not respecting traditional customs.

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Rarotonga gears up for St. Patrick’s Day

Sunday 17 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National

The members of the Irish community in Rarotonga and their supporters will celebrate the St. Patrick’s Day to be observed tomorrow.


Fish, feast, and fun: Traditional event brings Pukapuka together

Saturday 16 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands

A two-day traditional fishing competition on Pukapuka island saw villagers compete and celebrate with a community feast.


Training boosts Cook Islands’ access to justice

Friday 15 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Court, Education, Local, National

The Pacific Justice Sector Programme is providing training and resources to the Cook Islands to improve access to justice, including a new Bench Book for JPs, a Case Tracking System, and a Land Court Bench Book in development.


Clean up day at Apii Nikao

Friday 15 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National

Parents and guardians of Apii Nikao are kindly asked to pack their grass cutters, blowers, rakes, sponges, rags, brooms, and cleaning products, ready for tomorrow’s (Saturday) deep clean working bee.


Public up in arms over proposed expansion of Cabinet, proxy voting

Thursday 14 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Parliament

Parliament is holding public meetings to discuss proposed amendments to the Constitution, with Rarotonga residents strongly opposing an increase in Cabinet Ministers and a measure allowing MPs to vote by proxy.

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Fishing vessel Zambucca hauled out of water for inspection

Wednesday 13 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands

Curious onlookers gathered at Avatiu Harbour yesterday to watch the precarious operation of fishing vessel FV Zambucca being lifted out of the water by two cranes.


JPs enhance skills in decision- making and judgment writing

Wednesday 13 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Court, Local, National

Justices of the Peace (JPs) practicing in Cook Islands Court are undertaking training in a workshop focused on decision-making and judgment writing.


Katuke takes top prize at Mama’s Reef Fishing Competition

Tuesday 12 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Fishing, Sports

The Cook Islands Game Fishing Club’s Mama’s Reef Fishing Bamboo Rod Competition on Saturday drew a respectable number of 27 enthusiastic women.


Ashton brothers facilitate return of heirlooms, seek to build museum on Aitutaki

Tuesday 12 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features

Priceless stone pre-European artefacts will be returned to the Cook Islands later this year.


Seizing opportunities and daring to dream big

Monday 11 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National

A young Cook Islands entrepreneur, overcame challenges to build a successful fitness business that empowers women and celebrates Cook Islands culture.


Celebrating progress: Cook Islands women share stories of success

Saturday 9 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend

The International Day of Women was celebrated across Rarotonga including workplaces celebrating the theme of ‘Te Vaine kia turu’ia: Tupu’anga kia Tere – Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress and Inspire Inclusion’.


Cook Islander returns home to bridge tech gap and empower youth

Saturday 9 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National

Vaipunu Ian Tairea, a software developer on the island of Mauke, is excited with the prospect of computer technology becoming the biggest employment opportunity for the Cook Islands, especially the Pa Enua.


Cook Islands celebrates International Women’s Day with ‘Inspire Inclusion’ talks

Friday 8 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National

Today is International Women’s Day and the Cook Islands is celebrating with events featuring prominent women speakers.


$10 million project aims to reduce single-use plastics

Friday 8 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National

A project to reduce the number of plastics entering the country, focused on the food and beverage sector, was discussed during a workshop in Rarotonga this week.


Rarotonga sailors shine at Nationals, youngsters set for NZ challenge

Thursday 7 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Sailing, Sports

The Rarotonga Sailing Club (RSC) has had a great start to the year, hitting the ground running with several activities.


Pensioner donates ‘Back to School’ promo winnings to families in need

Thursday 7 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National

Recognising the increase in cost of living and the families who are struggling to make ends meet, a kind-hearted pensioner has returned his CITC Back to School Anchor competition $500 cash winnings.


‘Vegetable Planting Evenings’ programme empowers families to grow their own food

Thursday 7 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National

The Cook Islands Child Welfare Association (CICWA) has launched a new programme to promote healthy living and self-sufficiency among young families.


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