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
Te Kukupa legacy lives on
Thursday 21 July 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The crew of Te Kukupa II, who spent four months away from their families and friends, reunited with their loved ones yesterday after bringing home safely the newly gifted police patrol boat from Cairns, Australia.
Te Kukupa II welcomed home
Thursday 21 July 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The sleek and stealthy Te Kukupa II patrol boat glided into Avatiu harbour yesterday morning fittingly welcomed by a rainbow, light showers, family, friends and dignitaries who made up the hundreds waiting patiently for the vessel to berth.
Police patrol boat Te Kukupa II arrives today
Wednesday 20 July 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Te Kukupa II is expected to arrive this morning at 10am at Avatiu harbour where she and the crew will be officially welcomed by Prime minister Mark Brown, the Queen’s Representative Sir Tom Marsters and Cook Islands Police personnel.
Promoting Cook Islands language and culture
Wednesday 20 July 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
Determined to keep the language and traditions of Reo Maori thriving, Pa Tepaeru Teariki Upokotini Marie Ariki has welcomed the start of Te Vānanga Are Tapere O Takitumu (Takitumu Performing Arts School), which has a first cohort of 10 students.
'Acting for change’
Tuesday 19 July 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Nearly 40 years ago Atina Sawtell raced around the Tereora National Stadium winning the 1985 South Pacific Mini Games gold medals for the nation in the 800 metres and 1500m races.
CIGT wins tender for removal of barge
Saturday 16 July 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
Cook Islands General Transport Ltd (CIGT) has been awarded the successful tender to remove the decommissioned Pa Ariki barge (pictured) in Aitutaki after receiving the Ports Authority Board approval.
Isamaela gunning for third term
Saturday 16 July 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Politics
A former parliamentarian who lost his seat in the last election is making a comeback with a new party, determined to regain his place in Parliament.
King tides hit Penrhyn and Manihiki
Friday 15 July 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
Mama Jemima Tekena of Penrhyn is well and safe having already moved to another home to the middle of the island the night before exceptionally high king tides washed through, damaging her home.
Sally Hosking: 'A resilient and industrious woman'
Wednesday 13 July 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local
Teremoana Sally Hosking (nee Papera) better known as ‘Mama Sally’ was a resilient and industrious woman and well-known in the village of Matavera/Rangiatea.
Floating like a butterfly, stinging like a bee
Tuesday 12 July 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Boxing, Sports
Stinging like a bee, Cook Islander Tiana Baker-Echegaray is making her mark in Australia’s amateur boxing circle.
Draft Population Policy open for public comment
Monday 11 July 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
The first Cook Islands draft Population Policy is now open for public comment, to ensure population trends and dynamics are considered when government planning is underway.
Standing to make a change
Monday 11 July 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Politics
At the age of seven, Piltz Tetevano Napa dreamed of becoming a pilot flying high in the skies.
Locals meet former All Black skipper ‘Buck’ Shelford
Saturday 9 July 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
All Black great Sir Wayne “Buck” Shelford KNZM MBE has conquered the rugby field and while holidaying in Rarotonga yesterday, he hit the Rarotonga Golf Club green with Lieutenant Commander Mark Te Kani.
Discovering the art and joy of writing
Saturday 9 July 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Artist Nanette Lela’ulu authored and published her very first book – a little book with a big message titled “Can you see what I see?”, sharing her inspiration and journey navigating through the uncharted waters of writing and publishing.
Manihiki sharpens up for Darts Ambrose fundraiser
Friday 8 July 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
Dart players in Rarotonga are being asked to sharpen up and prepare for an afternoon of wonderful things all rolled into one this Saturday for the first Manihiki Darts Ambrose tournament.
Traditional healers share knowledge
Friday 8 July 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The production and natural healing qualities of Vairākau Māori traditional remedies, body scrubs and oils, appealed to a small audience who attended the Te Rēo ō te vairākau programme yesterday.
Akararangiʻanga i te 'Epetoma ō te Rēo Māori: ‘Te Rēo ō te Vairākau’
Thursday 7 July 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
Tumū Tāpura: Te rēo ō te Vairākau, Monite Rā 4 – Varaire Rā 8 no Tiurai 2022.
Avarua Ekalesia undergoing major renovation works
Wednesday 6 July 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
One of the oldest churches in the Cook Islands is undergoing major renovations in preparation for next year’s Bi-Centennial Celebrations in Rarotonga.
Vaka Marumaru Atua back home from Suwarrow trip
Wednesday 6 July 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Vaka Marumaru Atua and her crew arrived home in Rarotonga late Thursday night after 23 days away on a voyage to Suwarrow.
Rookie focuses on land, family welfare
Monday 4 July 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands Party’s newest candidate Doreen Tuainekore Boggs (nee Kavana) says stepping into the political arena ‘has been a long time coming’.
