More Top Stories
Alleged rapist in remand
27 April 2024
Rarotonga residents push back on water tariff plan
12 April 2024
High hopes for chronic patients
4 May 2024
Solar power battery repairs ‘could take up to 12 months’
15 April 2024
Cook Islands poised for highest Pacific growth
29 April 2024
Ex-DPM appeals ‘excessive sentence’, hearing date set
26 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
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.
‘Superpower’ students unleash their creativity in silent auction
Thursday 23 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Education, Features, National
Vivid art pieces created by special needs “superpower” students at Nukutere College are set to go up in a two-day “silent” auction which starts today.
Sewing tells a story
Wednesday 22 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, Local, National
Te Are Pa Metua, Rarotonga’s elderly centre for senior citizens, has acquired a valuable creative tool for its members - a brand new sewing machine.
Allan is home safe
Wednesday 22 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Allan Murare returned to his home safe and sound on Monday, after 12 days of being reported missing.
Storyteller battles language loss with children’s novel
Tuesday 21 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National
Storytelling has long been a cherished practice for preserving culture, celebrating heritage, and sharing diverse perspectives.
Te Tau Papa o Avarua: A 20-year masterplan to revitalise Avarua township unveiled
Monday 20 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Local, National
Dignitaries unveiled the Phase 1 Te Tau Papa o Avarua project signboards, marking the official start of the plan which includes infrastructure and landscaping activities to be carried out in Rarotonga’s main central business district.
Initiative to preserve Muri Lagoon
Monday 20 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Local, National
An enthusiastic effort is being undertaken by a whole-hearted community group whose passion is to preserve and protect the popular and beautiful Muri Lagoon in Ngatangiia.
Pacific financial intelligence units unite to combat financial crime
Monday 20 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
The Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) from the Pacific convened in Rarotonga last week to bolster regional partnerships in the fight against serious financial crimes.
Hard work pays off for Montagot
Saturday 18 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Features, National, Weekend
The Tereora College Princess Anne Hall was filled to capacity with proud parents and families as they gathered for the school’s senior prize-giving event yesterday.
Tupapa blaze sparks warning
Saturday 18 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
A shed has been gutted by a blaze following an out of control rubbish fire, prompting a warning from emergency staff, as high winds and dry conditions persist on Rarotonga.
Kickboxers ready to rumble
Friday 17 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Other Sports, Sports
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) athletes will be showcasing their skills at the inaugural Cook Islands 682 Ultimate Rage Fight Night this evening at Te Are Karioi (National Auditorium).
Colourful mural bids farewell to Cook Islands departures
Friday 17 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
Passengers departing from the Cook Islands can now enjoy a magnificent mural adorned with bold and vibrant colours in the airport’s departure terminal.
Ngāti Maoate tribe honours Samoan heritage with land gift
Thursday 16 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
The Ngāti Maoate tribe, who have close blood ties to the Mata’afa line of Samoa, have gifted land to the Samoan community on Rarotonga.
