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Articles by Melina Etches
Girls outnumber boys in Apii Arorangi student leader’s group
Tuesday 1 March 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Girls have dominated the selection of prefects for Apii Arorangi with eight receiving the badges of distinction from 12 inducted into leadership roles.
Record participation at annual fishing comp
Monday 28 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
A record number of 41 boats registered and took part in the annual Gordon Murray Memorial Fishing Tournament that was held on Saturday.
Record rise in Covid cases
Monday 28 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National
Three schools – Te Uki Ou, Tereora College and Nikao Maori – will be closed today after ‘at least one new positive Covid-19 case each’ have been identified at these schools yesterday.
Setting example for others
Friday 25 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Newly-inducted Imanuela Akatemia prefect is looking forward to the responsibilities and challenges that comes with the role.
Apii Avarua inducts thirty student leaders
Friday 25 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
With the largest primary school roll of just under 400 students, Apii Avarua inducted their 30 prefects at the school’s Punanga o Matakura Dome on Thursday morning.
Passion for language and people
Friday 25 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Cook Islands broadcaster Tauraki Rongo is determined, and wants to ensure that young Cook Islanders know their identity and culture, take pride in their heritage, and how they connect to the land.
On a mission to preserve Cook Islands culture
Friday 25 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local
The Intangible Cultural Heritage workshop participants now feel “more confident” to train field workers in the collection and recording of living documentaries focusing on the Cook Islands peu karioi (performing arts).
‘Help us pick our golden apples’
Thursday 24 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands took a giant step in its bid to harvest valuable deep-ocean polymetallic nodules after formally handing out the nation’s first three seabed minerals exploration licences yesterday.
NZ radio waves deliver Reo Maori
Wednesday 23 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, National
At the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in New Zealand, Tauraki Rongo - the Pacific Media Network (PMN) Cook Islands Language Program producer in New Zealand understood the relevance of delivering the message to the Cook Islands communities in Reo Maori.
Gordon Murray Fishing Tournament
Wednesday 23 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The annual Gordon Murray memorial fishing tournament will be held this Saturday, for an opportunity to win $1000 cash.
‘Lost in translation’
Tuesday 22 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local
Vibrant and spirited, a New Zealand-born and raised Cook Islander is overcoming adversity in her quest to learn, embrace, grasp and be at harmony with the culture of the Cook Islands.
Pa Enua welcome border closure
Tuesday 22 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
The suspension of passenger travel to the Pa Enua, except Aitutaki, following Covid-19 cases on Rarotonga has been welcomed by the islands’ residents.
Keeping traditional Pukapukan culture alive
Saturday 19 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local
The island of Pukapuka is one of the few remaining places in the world that still practices ancient tradition. One such tradition is kavekave, an annual fishing competition held between two districts from a village on the northern group island.
Apii Takitumu ‘paddling with pride’
Saturday 19 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
A special ceremony was held yesterday to celebrate the investiture of Apii Takitumu’s first ever head boy and head girl.
Aitutaki border reopening brings smiles
Saturday 19 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
Aitutaki’s Tropicool Tours and Transfers owner Nane Herman Purea and happy tourists “smile with their eyes” at the reopening of the island’s border to passengers from Rarotonga on Thursday.
Responding to Covid-19 in the community
Friday 18 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health (TMO) has prioritised working with the 10 Puna on Rarotonga (including one Puna in Aitutaki), in an effort to provide health and work programmes aimed at responding to Covid-19.
Student leaders ready for challenge
Friday 18 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
St Joseph’s Primary head girl, Raya Pirangi and head boy, Henrymichael Williams were both “really happy” to be selected as the school’s new leaders for the 2022 academic year.
Pledge to promote inclusion
Thursday 17 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The Pride Pledge Cook Islands programme – an initiative for a safe and inclusive workplace for all – launched on Tuesday evening, was declared a “milestone moment” for the organisation.
‘Show the community you believe in equality’
Thursday 17 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Pride Cook Islands launched its Pride Pledge programme on Tuesday evening – a values-based commitment that organisations and individuals can take to implement a safe and inclusive culture and environment for LGBQTI+ employees and customers.
Mangaia serious about TMO protocols
Wednesday 16 February 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
Since the detection of the first community case of Covid-19 on Rarotonga two days ago, a Ministerial Order was issued suspending all passenger air and sea travel to the Pa Enua.
