More Top Stories

National
League
Athletics
Economy
Rugby league

Moana target 2025 World Cup

11 November 2022

Articles by Melina Etches

Miracle: Early arrival for first Cook Islands baby of 2024

Friday 5 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend

Vincent David is the first 2024 baby born in the Cook Islands.


From farm to fashion: Ama creates island style clothing brand

Friday 5 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features, Go Local, Hot on the Rock

Rarotonga’s vibrant calendar of special events demands stylish, comfortable island attire for both men and women. A new fashion brand has launched, offering residents a fresh option for these occasions. Melina Etches reports.

Premium content


Passion drives Ma’uke ‘ginger king’

Friday 5 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands

On the island of Ma’uke, a local farmer is cultivating ginger with unwavering dedication and seeing the sweet reward of his labour.


Aitutaki’s heritage preserved in new anthology

Thursday 4 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, National, Outer Islands, Weekend

An anthology of books on the traditional and ancestry of Aitutaki offering a collection of stories and knowledge about the history and heritage of the island was unveiled last month. Melina Etches reports.


Angler reels in whopper marlin to start the season with a bang!

Thursday 4 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local, Local, National

The 2024 marlin season has launched a splendidly impressive start to the New Year with the landing of an awe-inspiring 215 kilogram (473 pounds) black marlin.


Downpour brings relief to parched Rarotonga

Thursday 4 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Weather

The deluge of rain in the early hours of Wednesday morning brought relief to many households, who were pleased to see their water tanks filled to the brim.


Festive spirit fills Ma’uke as families reunite for annual Teretere tradition

Saturday 30 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands

The Christmas and New Year’s season is a time when many Cook Islands families residing overseas return to Rarotonga and their home islands in the Pa Enua. They come to reconnect with their families and celebrate the festive season together. Cook Islands News senior journalist Melina Etches experienced this firsthand, travelling to Ma’uke for the Christmas break.


Motone Productions ends year with stunning Tiki Taane concert and collaborative spirit

Wednesday 27 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features

Motone Productions wrapped up their last concert for the year with Aotearoa New Zealand artist Tiki Taane’s “epic” show featuring stunning musicians and DJs at Trios Bar on December 15.


Walls come alive: Epic murals tell stories of land and sea

Sunday 24 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features

Two murals, one depicting the Cook Islands’ marine life and the other representing its societal pillars, were blessed in a ceremony this week.


TMO launches cervical cancer self-testing programme

Friday 22 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National

Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health has taken a step further into improving women’s health in the Cook Islands by launching the Cervical Cancer Self-Testing Programme that will commence in January 2024.


Rarotonga Airport gears up for 50th anniversary with water fountain blessing

Friday 22 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Local, National

In preparation for the Rarotonga International Airport’s 50th anniversary celebration on January 29, 2024, a small ceremony was held yesterday to bless the new and refreshing water fountain garden feature.


Star compass to guide navigation centre on Aitutaki

Thursday 21 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands

Construction of the outdoor star compass for the “Akairo Tuku Kaveinga Māori” project in Aitutaki, spearheaded by Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation, is expected to begin in January.


From grey to glory: Stunning seawall mural captures Cook Islands’ essence

Thursday 21 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National

Access through the Nikao seawall road was closed off yesterday as a refreshing light sun shower sprinkled down, marking the historic blessing and official unveiling ceremony of the stunning Te Marae Moana Ocean and cultural themed seawall mural, and the striking new “Te Pou Tūtoru” (Three Pillars) mural by Airport Authority.


Turanga Memeitaki funds to enhance wellbeing

Wednesday 20 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National

Forty applications from across the Cook Islands were received for the New Zealand High Commission (NZHC) fund which was focused on the kaupapa or theme of “Turanga Memeitaki” or “Wellbeing for All”.


Mental health support still falling short as corrective services seeks more assistance

Wednesday 20 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National

Corrective Services are still struggling with mental health support as their needs are ‘not being met’.


Thesis explores island rhythms: Research documents Cook Islands dance traditions and transformations

Tuesday 19 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Education, Local, National

Dance and music have long been cherished as a vital part of Cook Islands cultural expression. Now, a new thesis, “Cook Islands Dance Oral History – Embodied Expressive Culture of the Cook Islands: Encounters, Change and Artistic Mobility”, offers a comprehensive exploration of their creation and performance.


Extra goodies! $50 Christmas bonus sweetens the season for Cook Islands beneficiaries

Tuesday 19 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National

All beneficiaries of the Cook Islands Welfare Benefit, including the child benefit, old age pension, destitute, infirm and caregivers, will be receiving a $50 Christmas bonus payment on Thursday.


An Aitutakian’s guide for returning family

Monday 18 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local, National, Travel, Weekend

Aitutaki local Linda Ruamoana shares 10 tips for returning Cook Islanders/Aitutakian families visiting the island, urging them to be mindful of the island’s limited resources and customs.


Considering the 2023 Tainted Cryptocurrency : Recovery Bill Civil liberties, privacy and due process

Saturday 16 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Features, National, Weekend

This week the 2023 Tainted Cryptocurrency Recovery Bill was tabled in Parliament and referred to a select committee for consideration and report. Cook Islands crypto expert, Ano Tisam says the Bill, making its way through Parliament, raises some serious concerns about civil liberties, privacy and due process. Melina Etches reports.


New Aitutaki crane boosts cargo capacity

Saturday 16 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands

The Cook Islands Ports Authority’s new crane in Aitutaki will lift the current weight restriction of 20 tonne to 25 tonne, allowing importers and the people of the island to add more tonnage of goods to containers.


« Previous  1    3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11    139  Next »