More Top Stories
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27 April 2024
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4 May 2024
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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
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.
Airport Day provides runway for knowledge, collaboration
Thursday 2 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Airport Authority Cook Islands yesterday welcomed key international officials here for the inaugural ‘Airport Day’ workshop which gets underway today.
Taking accessibility to new heights: Cook Islands’ first passenger lift open to public
Thursday 2 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Access to the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) building now requires just the push of a button for the elderly, vulnerable, and persons with disabilities.
Piakura brings Broncos mates to experience the beauty of Cooks
Thursday 2 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in League, Sports
Brendan Piakura, a Cook Islands international rugby league footballer who plays as a second-row forward for the Brisbane Broncos in the National Rugby League (NRL), is currently enjoying a well-deserved vacation on Rarotonga with his family. He also attended the unveiling ceremony of his late grandfather, Piakura.
Nursing students and Red Cross host elderly group for health promotion project
Wednesday 1 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National
Giving back to the community, Bachelor of Nursing Pacific students and the Cook Islands Red Cross Society hosted Te Are Pa Metua elderly group last week.
Turama: A time to remember and honour departed loved ones
Wednesday 1 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Today marks Turama or All Souls Day, a significant occasion in the Cook Islands where families commemorate their departed loved ones by decorating their graves with fragrant flowers, candles, and lights to remember and honour those who have passed on.
A reel deal: Participants get hooked on fun at Annual Reef Fishing Competition
Tuesday 31 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Fishing, Sports, Weekend
Despite unfavourable weather conditions, 74 participants took part in the popular Mama Reef Annual Bamboo Rod Fishing Competition held a week ago on Saturday, October 21.
Growers collaborate with NZ company to develop business plan for farmers’ co-operative
Tuesday 31 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
The Kai Natura Taokotai (KNT) group is moving ahead in their co-operative mission to establish a Cook Islands growers’ company (Farmers Co-op) to support, upskill, manage risk, and innovate our primary producers’ farm businesses.
$1.7m Hyundai Ioniq EVs charge up for the Pacific Islands Forum
Tuesday 31 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in 52nd Pacific Islands Forum 2023, National
A motorcade of brand-new Hyundai Ioniq electric vehicles, valued at $1.7 million landed cost, purchased by the Cook Islands government for the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting next week, underwent its first drive trial around the island last week.
New pilot programme to provide in-homecare support to elderly and vulnerable in Rarotonga
Monday 30 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features
Rarotonga Home Healthcare ‘Toku Nei Ora’anga Ora – My Health, My Life’, a local privately owned health care service provider on the island is pleased to announce a recent new partnership with Pacific Homecare, a Charitable Trust organisation providing home-based health care and Whānau Ora services in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Nuku Day brings joy to attendees
Saturday 28 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features
More than 600 members from the six Ekalesia of the Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) on Rarotonga came together on Nuku Day (Gospel Day) celebrations to commemorate and celebrate the arrival of Christianity.
A century of grace: Whitta credits God for her long life
Saturday 28 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
One of the Cook Islands oldest living persons says there is no secret to long life, other than the ‘Amazing Grace of God’.
Whitta’s 100th birthday a Royal affair
Saturday 28 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
As a delightful surprise during her 100th birthday party on Wednesday, October 25, Tepaeru Whitta nee Araitia was presented with a special birthday card from both King Charles III and the Governor General of New Zealand, courtesy of the King’s Representative, Sir Tom Marsters.
Enhancing boating safety in Aitutaki
Friday 27 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
The Iceberg motor yacht and Flying Cloud sailing boat have both made generous donations to the Aitutaki Boating Education (ABE) while recently visiting the island.
Rarotonga celebrates Nuku Day with biblical dramas and joyous singing
Friday 27 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features
A good crowd of over 200 visitors and locals gathered at Teimurimotia Park in Titikaveka yesterday to witness the wonderful Nuku Day (Gospel Day) biblical drama presentations celebrating the arrival of Christianity to the Cook Islands.
