More Top Stories
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15 April 2024
Police shortage leads to drop in checkpoints
9 April 2024
Sarakura declared new Penrhyn MP
16 March 2024
Govt says $1.3m invested in Lady Samoa charter
22 February 2024
Mass milkfish die-off in Penrhyn raises concerns
3 April 2024
Regulator defends Starlink users
9 April 2024
Aitutaki’s heritage preserved in new anthology
4 January 2024
Avatiu Eels retain Nines title
8 January 2024
Beddoes crowned top athlete
8 January 2024
NRL player Dargan dies in Aitutaki motorcycle crash
24 December 2023
‘Please heed the signs’: resident makes plea to tourists
20 December 2023
Cook Islands set to play in new World Series
10 October 2023
Corruption report exposes ‘bribe and sexual favours’
17 January 2023
Corruption in the Cook Islands?
21 January 2023
Moana target 2025 World Cup
11 November 2022
Articles by Melina Etches
Pope announces new leadership for Cook Islands Catholic Church
Tuesday 12 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National
Pope Francis has appointed Father Reynaldo Bunyi Getalado of the Mission Society of the Philippines (MSP) as new coadjutor bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Rarotonga, Cook Islands.
‘My word is my honour and I seal things with a handshake’
Monday 11 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Rugby Union, Sports
Gilbert Enoka has a long history of success as a mental skills coach with Aotearoa New Zealand’s corporate and sporting elite, and has great pride in his Cook Islands heritage.
The Castanie Centre: A tribute to founding father of Catholic faith
Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Church Talk, Features
Nestled behind Nukutere College, the country’s 126-year-old first Catholic Church cathedral has been restored, renamed, and blessed. The ‘sacred building’ will now serve as a library, an art centre and a place of gathering for Nukutere College student and the diocese.
Dreams fulfilled: Rarotonga students celebrate academic achievements
Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Features, National, Weekend
This week saw more school prizegiving ceremonies held across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Today, Cook Islands News presents the senior awards list for Apii Avarua, Apii Nikao, and Papaaroa Adventist School.
Spreading festive cheer on Rarotonga
Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
The Tropical Christmas Committee is pleased with the activities of the festive period which continues today with the Santa on Tour from 8.30am to 11.30am, starting at CITC Supermarket to the Punanga Nui Market and through town.
Rarotonga’s first cathedral reopens as Monsignor Bernadin Castanie Centre
Friday 8 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Bishop Paul Donoghue, the head of the Cook Islands Catholic Church, led a joyous celebration yesterday alongside members of the diocese as they marked the restoration of the country’s first cathedral.
Proud parents witness sons’ success at Apii Nikao prize giving
Friday 8 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Apii Nikao held their junior prize-giving awards event yesterday morning, followed by the senior awards later in the evening.
Mousing around town: Mickey and Minnie jingle all the way in Rarotonga
Friday 8 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Local, National
Disney’s beloved characters, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, brought cheer to the annual Tropical Christmas float parade yesterday, drawing a respectable crowd to the festive event.
Government agencies partner to address traffic congestion and improve safety
Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Police, Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) will be taking actions to better manage traffic in the Avarua town centre to reduce risks, improve pedestrian safety and experience as well as measures for public transport.
Arrest made in fatal accident of beloved Cook Islands pilot
Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Regional, Samoa, Solomon Islands
The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) has arrested a 20-year-old male suspect in connection with the fatal accident involving a Cook Islands national in Honiara on December 3rd.
From Manchester to Rarotonga: Global grooves unite in feel-good December concert
Wednesday 6 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
The amazing cello and accordion duo will be gracing the stage tonight, bringing a delightful blend of folk, pop, and even some stripped-back pop punk tunes to a ‘feel-good’ December concert at Tamarind House in Tupapa.
Pacific police unite to build networks and capability for a safer region
Wednesday 6 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
Fifteen Pacific police agencies are attending the three-day Pacific Community for Law Enforcement Cooperation (PCLEC) meeting to discuss the ongoing development and strengthening of its network.
Strong winds ravage Penrhyn: Island calls for urgent weather alert upgrade
Wednesday 6 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands, Weather
Penrhyn residents are reeling after strong winds ripped through their homes early yesterday morning, causing significant damage and raising concerns about the lack of timely warnings.
Climate change, overfishing: Pacific tuna faces ‘unprecedented challenges’
Tuesday 5 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National, Regional
The annual regional fisheries meeting to discuss and address crucial matters concerning tuna fisheries and the marine ecosystems they inhabit began yesterday with a traditional welcome and official opening ceremony at the National Auditorium.
Tupapa legacy waste collection dates released
Tuesday 5 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
In an effort to rid the island of legacy waste, the ‘Titā ki te Titā kore’ collection project will continue this week in the district of Tupapa, starting tomorrow through to Friday.
Pacific tuna at stake: Global leaders gather for sustainable solution
Tuesday 5 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National, Regional
Cook Islands is hosting the 20th regular session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC20), which oversees the world’s largest tuna fisheries, this week.
Year 13 students tackle work experience
Monday 4 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Year 13 students from Tereora College, are participating in a five-day work experience programme across several divisions of the Cook Islands Trading Corporation (CITC).
Cops to converge on Raro for conference
Monday 4 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National
Pacific Islands chiefs of Police are invested in key areas to improve policing and outcomes across the region.
Pa Enua schools turn trash into treasure in Sanitarium Creative Art Competition
Saturday 2 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National, Outer Islands
Students in the Pa Enua demonstrated their artistic prowess by designing sculptures from recycled Sanitarium product packaging in the Sanitarium Creative Art Schools Competition, facilitated by the Cook Islands Trading Corporation (CITC).
Apii Takitumu honours dedicated teachers and academic achievers
Saturday 2 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Early Childhood Education (ECE) students from Titikaveka participated in the Apii Takitumu prize-giving event held on Thursday morning at the Revival Church in Matavera.
