Articles by Melina Etches
Big Blueprint tivaevae – a blend of old and new
Saturday 8 May 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
The Big Blueprint tivaevae ta’orei – the patchwork style of tivaevae made from 1-inch squares of fabric sewn onto a solid backing – is one of a kind. Its captivating abstract design is intriguing.
Fix dengue, paramount chief says
Saturday 8 May 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Growing cases of dengue and a mystery virus casts doubt on Cook Islands health system’s ability to handle serious illnesses including Covid-19, Takitumu chief Pa Marie Ariki says.
Mother’s Day is every day
Friday 7 May 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local
Being a mum has taught Kopurei (Kopu) Anguna many life lessons. In an interview with senior journalist Melina Etches, she shares her experiences and some tips on how to be a good mother to your children.
Manihiki ‘wasn’t ready to let Henry go’
Friday 7 May 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Politics
The sound of drum beats accompanied the welcome back to Rarotonga yesterday afternoon of Manihiki’s newly elected Member of Parliament, Akaiti Puna.
One Cook Islands celebrates seven years
Thursday 6 May 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Politics
The One Cook Islands (OCI) political movement celebrated its seventh birthday on the island of Aitutaki last week.
Landowner passionate about land court publication
Thursday 6 May 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Justice Secretary Tamatoa Jonassen has apologised for the inconvenience caused by his decision to not publish the Land Court Panui list in the local newspaper.
Top line-up of Mire Ura Senior dancers
Thursday 6 May 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
Carlos Bond from the islands of Aitutaki and Penrhyn is “a little nervous but very excited” to participate in the Mire Ura Senior dance competition, which has been postponed until next Wednesday.
Failure to advertise postpones Rarotonga Land Court sittings
Wednesday 5 May 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Judge Wilson Isaac has adjourned until further notice the land court sittings that were scheduled to be heard this week and next, due to the lists not being published in accordance with the High Court’s Code Civil Procedure.
Smooth sailing on vaka Marumaru Atua
Wednesday 5 May 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Father Freddy Kaina conducted a blessing of Vaka Marumaru Atua before she was relaunched into the waters of Avatiu harbour yesterday.
Candidate says airport on voters’ minds in advance of Manihiki by-election
Tuesday 4 May 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
The Independent candidate in tomorrow’s by-election in Manihiki believes the sealing of the Northern Group island’s airport is foremost in the minds of voters, and not policies or manifestos.
The ocean welcomes back Vaka Marumaru Atua
Tuesday 4 May 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
After nearly five months on dry dock for safety throughout the cyclone season and maintenance tasks, Vaka Marumaru Atua is now planned to return to the water at Avatiu harbour this afternoon during high tide.
Youth course teaches life skills, builds confidence
Tuesday 4 May 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
Youth on Mangaia took up all 40 places in a course designed to provide them with skills to help them excel in a work environment and in a modern society, by building on their confidence, self-esteem and motivation.
Junior dancers dazzle at the domes
Saturday 1 May 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local
Eleven junior dancers beat stage fright to put on memorable performances in the opening National Dancer of the Year event.
Stage set for anticipated Manihiki by-election
Saturday 1 May 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Politics
One hundred and thirty voters are listed on the electoral roll for the Manihiki by-election to be held on Wednesday, May 5.
Kids ‘Learn to Swim’ in Aitutaki
Friday 30 April 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
Close to 80 children on the island of Aitutaki are learning important swimming and water care protection abilities this week.
Eleven junior dancers compete on stage tonight
Thursday 29 April 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in
For the first time, 11-year-old Nanny Aurupa from Arorangi will perform on stage tonight in the Mire Ura Juniors’ dance competition.
Data shows increase in gender-based violence
Thursday 29 April 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
More efficient data collection methods have revealed a disturbing increase in gender-based violence in the Cook Islands.
Te Mire Ura dance comp starts Thursday
Wednesday 28 April 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
The reigning 2020 Mire Ura junior boys champion Aporo William will return to the stage tomorrow night to defend his title.
Family unveils WWI soldier’s headstone
Tuesday 27 April 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Seventy-eight years after his death, the headstone unveiling ceremony for Private Namiro Mauore Service No. 60657 was held at the Nikao cemetery on Saturday morning.
Conference seeks a better life for women
Tuesday 27 April 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Local women are meeting to look for solutions on issues such as gender-based violence, the empowerment of women in business, and climate justice.
