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Articles by Melina Etches
Oe Vaka juniors brave the waves
Friday 1 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Paddling, Sports
In very testing conditions, local and Aotearoa New Zealand junior paddlers hit the water on Wednesday afternoon in the Vaka Eiva Junior 6km course which saw eight canoes head out from Avarua Harbour to the Club Raro buoy turnaround back towards the Avatiu Harbour, and back to the start.
Apii Takitumu dux: ‘Work hard’
Friday 1 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
The Apii Takitumu Primary School dux prize for the top 2023 academic student of the school this year was awarded to Vanessa Tua-Trood from Ngatangiia.
Love conquers the waves : Couples team paddles to victory in Vaka Eiva Mixed Race
Thursday 30 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Paddling, Sports
Due to challenging swell and wind conditions, the highly anticipated Vaka Eiva Mixed Round Rarotonga change-over course was modified to a 30-kilometre race from Avarua Harbour to the Matavera point turnaround, extending out to Arorangi and back.
Algae bloom in Takuvaine Stream: Agencies clear the waterway
Thursday 30 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
The National Environment Service (NES) and Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) are monitoring Takuvaine stream following an algae bloom that emerged due to elevated nutrient levels and limited water circulation.
NCDs the number one killer
Thursday 30 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have emerged as the leading cause of premature illness, death, and disability in the Cook Islands, according to Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health.
Young paddlers showcase their skills
Wednesday 29 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Paddling, Sports
Eager junior paddlers were thrilled to finally hit the water at Nikao Beach for the Vaka Eiva Junior Sprints yesterday, having missed their Saturday race due to unfavourable sea conditions.
Nukutere’s ‘superpower’ students raise $3505 through art auction
Wednesday 29 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Education, Features, National
A special silent auction exhibition showcasing the artwork of Nukutere College’s remarkable ‘superpower’ students raised an impressive $3505.
Raro gears up for a Tropical Christmas
Tuesday 28 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
A new Santa in a brand-new outfit will be appearing in the annual Tropical Christmas in Raro programme which aims to bring joy to the faces of the children and light up the island for Christmas.
Cultural advisor urges action to save Cook Islands Māori language
Tuesday 28 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
Cook Islands Māori language and traditions are gradually disappearing and must be addressed to ensure the foundations and the knowledge of ‘who we are’ thrives for future generations, says Cook Islands cultural advisor, Tumu Korero, Raemaki Temaeva Karati.
Paddlers battle tough conditions
Monday 27 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Paddling, Sports
The 2023 Vaka Eiva got off to a rough start with tough sea conditions prompting organisers to call off junior’s races over the weekend.
Breaking the generational cycle of violence in the Cook Islands
Monday 27 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, In Depth, Local, National
This year’s White Ribbon Day violence against women campaign also included the promotion of ‘A violence-free Cook Islands’, aiming to flip the script and change the narrative to celebrate peace, saying no to violence, domestic abuse, and child abuse and exploitation.
Inspiring the next generation of paddlers
Saturday 25 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Paddling, Sports
Over the past 23 years, the Ngakau Toa Vaka canoeing club of Rarotonga has continued to promote, train and encourage paddlers in the sport. The club is excited with the return of Vaka Eiva which starts this morning.
Parental involvement key to student success: Yaqona
Saturday 25 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Proud parents and families of Nukutere College turned out in full force with an abundance of ei tipani and tiare māori to reward their children’s academic and sporting achievements at the prize giving awards ceremony yesterday morning.
A colourful fundraising success for Autism Cook Islands
Saturday 25 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The 2023 Air New Zealand Te Kara Run in support of Autism Cook Islands drew a massive crowd of around 1000 families and children in the biggest, the most fun and colourful fundraising event of the year.
Celebrating 20 years of friendship
Friday 24 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Paddling, Sports
International paddling coach Vesna Radonich, a former Aotearoa New Zealand and world sprint champion, is back on Rarotonga for her eighth Vaka Eiva, with three crews of ladies she coaches.
Hawaiian paddlers bring Aloha spirit
Friday 24 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Paddling, Sports
A large contingent of Hawaiian paddlers will be gracing Rarotonga’s shores for Vaka Eiva, including some who participated in the inaugural event in 2004.
Serena’s on the hunt again
Friday 24 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Paddling, Sports
As the start of Vaka Eiva approaches, Serena Hunter, the Cook Islands very own world champion paddler, is “stoked” to see the popular event back on water again and eagerly awaits the start of the competition tomorrow.
Back in the paddle: Vaka Eiva returns after four-year pandemic pause
Friday 24 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Paddling, Sports
Tomorrow marks the beginning of the highly anticipated Vaka Eiva ‘oe vaka’ outrigger canoeing competition, the country’s biggest ocean sporting event which guarantees a display of world class skill and endurance.
1000 expected for Te Kara Run
Friday 24 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Athletics, Sports
In support of Autism Cook Islands’ biggest fundraising event, 1000 participants are expected to join the 2023 Air New Zealand Te Kara Run, kicking off this afternoon.
Cooks stand together to stamp out domestic violence
Friday 24 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Crime, Local, National
While an international campaign to end violence against women and girls is marked tomorrow, Saturday, November 25, Cook Islands Police concerns continue to focus on the sustained level of domestic violence incidents reported locally, each month.
