More Top Stories
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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
MV Lady Moana fire investigation underway: Ministry of Transport
Thursday 16 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
An investigation into the fire that broke out onboard cargo vessel MV Lady Moana about 60 nautical miles off Penrhyn over a week ago is underway, says the Ministry of Transport.
MMA mania hits Rarotonga: Ultimate Rage Fight Night promises thrilling encounters
Wednesday 15 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Other Sports, Sports
Mixed martial arts (MMA) fans are in for a thrilling treat with the Cook Islands 682 Ultimate Rage Fight Night – an adrenaline-fueled display of combat sports – set to take place this Friday in Rarotonga.
Dedicated to their faith: Rasmussen and Jessie ordained as CICC Reverends
Wednesday 15 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features
Driven by their unwavering faith and a calling from God, Saungaki Rasmussen and James Jessie were ordained as Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) Reverends (Orometuas) earlier this month.
Climate change a major threat to children’s rights in Pacific region: UNCRC
Wednesday 15 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National
The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) are returning to the Pacific Island Countries to take stock of their efforts to advance children’s rights.
Suwarrow guardians return to Rarotonga after six-month mission
Wednesday 15 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
After six months away to carry out necessary monitoring of sailing vessels to the Cook Islands Suwarrow National Park, veteran park ranger Harry Papa’i and assistant park ranger Maarateina Vakapora have safely returned home to Rarotonga on MV Lady Moana.
Vaka Paikea takes a dry dock vacation in preparation for cyclone season
Tuesday 14 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
In preparation for the upcoming cyclone season, which runs from November to April, Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation’s Vaka Paikea was lifted out of Avatiu Port and onto dry dock at the Punanga Nui Market seaside grounds yesterday.
Familiar faces honour those who fought
Monday 13 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The Last Post played on a bugle by John Hinton, followed by a minute of silence, signaled the start of the poignant Remembrance Day parade.
Forum brings economic boom to Aitutaki
Saturday 11 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in 52nd Pacific Islands Forum 2023, Features, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
The stunning island of Aitutaki co-hosted the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting for the second time, their first being in 2012, welcoming regional leaders this week for their retreat in the island’s picturesque lagoon.
Cook Islands to commemorate Armistice Day
Saturday 11 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
At 11am on November 11, 1918, the Armistice treaty was officially signed, marking the end of the First World War.
Aitutaki receives Pacific leaders with warm welcome
Thursday 9 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in 52nd Pacific Islands Forum 2023, National, Outer Islands
Aitutaki received the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders in heart-warming island style, gifting each of them with a unique Cook Islands hand stitched tivaivai during their welcoming ceremony.
PM Brown calls for unity and partnership at Forum opening ceremony
Wednesday 8 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in 52nd Pacific Islands Forum 2023, National
The unique sound of traditional drums thundered through Te Are Karioi, marking the opening ceremony of the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting on Monday night.
Cook Islands, PM Brown put on a show for Pacific Leaders
Wednesday 8 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in 52nd Pacific Islands Forum 2023, National
The 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting got off to a colourful start with a proud display of vibrant Cook Islands culture and tradition at the National Auditorium on Monday night.
Polynesian bloc calls for halt to Fukushima wastewater release
Tuesday 7 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in 52nd Pacific Islands Forum 2023, National
The Polynesian bloc will call for a pause in the discharge of treated radioactive water by Japan from its damaged Fukushima power plant at the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting this week.
Te Marae Moana’s ocean-themed mural project nears completion
Monday 6 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Te Marae Moana mural project, which features hundreds of vibrant characters on the Nikao seawall, is nearing completion. The last 30 metres of the 562m wall are expected to be finished this week.
PM Brown holds bilateral talks with Pacific leaders
Monday 6 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in 52nd Pacific Islands Forum 2023, National
More Pacific leaders have arrived in the Cook Islands to participate in the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM52), which begins today with the Pacific subregional meetings followed by the official opening tonight.
Don’t hold grudges, be kind: Miitungane, 95, shares secrets to long and happy life
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Te Maeu O Te Rangi Teikamata Ariki of Mitiaro, Mii Tungane Upokoati O’Bryan, embodies a vibrant and humorous spirit as she gracefully passes through her incredible journey at the age of 95. She is one of the few Cook Islands nonagenarians who bring a lively, no-nonsense, and cherished presence to our community.
Pacific region is not a region of competition but of collaboration: PM Brown
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in 52nd Pacific Islands Forum 2023, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown has called for the need to respect and acknowledge Pacific Island countries’ decisions as they mature and assert their independent sovereignty.
A taste of Cook Islands at Pacific Partnerships for Prosperity Pavilion
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in 52nd Pacific Islands Forum 2023, Entertainment, Features, National
The pride and flavour of Cook Islands will be on show at the Pacific Partnerships for Prosperity (PPfP) Pavilion, showcasing the work of 55 registered food and crafts vendors and exhibitors, at the Punanga Nui Market next week.
Pacific leaders welcomed in traditional Cook Islands style
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in 52nd Pacific Islands Forum 2023, Art, Features, National
Pacific leaders arriving for the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting hosted by the Cook Islands are being welcomed at the Rarotonga International Airport in traditional Cook Islands style, with a traditional chant, riveting drum beats, and enchanting dancers.
Seamstresses sew up a storm for Forum Meeting volunteers
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in 52nd Pacific Islands Forum 2023, Art, Features, Go Local, National
The 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting has brought a flurry of activity to the island’s seamstresses as they sew up a storm to diligently produce uniforms for the workers engaged in organising the Forum.
