More Top Stories
Solar power battery repairs ‘could take up to 12 months’
15 April 2024
Cook Islands poised for highest Pacific growth
29 April 2024
Alleged rapist in remand
27 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
Cook Islander receives Medal of the Order of Australia
Wednesday 17 November 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islander Ngatuaine (Nga) Hosking’s hard work, community spirit and generosity have been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia.
Aitutaki One Cook Islands/Demo announce candidates for 2022 Elections
Wednesday 17 November 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands, Politics
One Cook Islands Party president George Turia has announced confirmation of their candidates for the nation’s 2022 General Elections.
Te Vaerua organises caregivers’ workshop
Tuesday 16 November 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National
A practical and theory workshop targeted for caregivers and family members looking after the elderly and disabled starts today, hosted by the Te Vaerua Community Rehabilitation Inc.
Rarotonga prepares with prayer for upcoming cyclone season
Tuesday 16 November 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Close to 1000 people flocked to the National Auditorium on Sunday evening for the Cyclone Season National Thanksgiving Service.
Sailing with the mana of Ui Tupuna
Saturday 13 November 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features
As a young child Arerau Maao Jr, now in his 30s, had visions of sailing on a vaka. Last week he accomplished just that, sailing on the Vaka Marumaru Atua for the first time from his home island of Aitutaki to Rarotonga.
‘Strong Mums’ encourage others to kick-start their own health and fitness journey
Saturday 13 November 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features
Four mothers, Myland Lane, Tai Cummings, Kathy Numanga Wearing and Shona Kirikava, have committed to their Strong Mums Journey – an intense fitness and health programme that has improved and transformed their lifestyles for the better. They share their health journey on social media hoping it would inspire others to follow suit.
‘Majority’ backed harbour dredging
Friday 12 November 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
The ‘majority’ of the Aitutaki Environment Authority board members agreed to grant consent for dredging works that are currently underway in the Arutanga harbour basin in Aitutaki.
Kurāmo’o flies away with Bird of the Year title
Friday 12 November 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
Aitutaki’s Kurāmo’o (Blue Lorikeet or Nunbird) has won the Manu o te Mataiti 2021 (Bird of the Year) award having collected about 4500 votes with the 'Ī'oi (Rarotonga Starling) coming in runner up with nearly 3500.
Teeing off for men’s health
Thursday 11 November 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Golf, Sports
In appreciation of the essential services the frontline workers worldwide have provided to the general public in the current Covid-19 pandemic, the Rotary Club of Rarotonga have chosen ‘Frontline workers’ as their dress theme for the annual Bob Boyd Memorial Golf Ambrose Day.
Live-streaming brings overseas Cook Islanders closer to home
Thursday 11 November 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
Up to 30,000 to 40,000 viewers followed each event of the Aitutaki Bi-centennial celebrations live feeds during the 10-day commemorations that concluded earlier this month.
Penrhyn schools receive free breakfasts
Wednesday 10 November 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
With the view of a clear blue lagoon nearby, Omoka School students of Penrhyn delightfully tucked into their special breakfast meals at school with big smiles on Tuesday morning.
Rainforest Men’s Club ‘pay’ their part at celebrations as focus grows on sustainability
Wednesday 10 November 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National, Outer Islands
One of Aitutaki’s renowned establishments locally known as the “Rainforest” or “Gentlemen’s Club” got into the spirit of the island’s Bi-centennial celebrations by contributing six bags of tarutarua root crops to the island of Palmerston.
Former Cook Islands international sevens rugby player in coma following brutal assault
Wednesday 10 November 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Australia, Regional
Former Cook Islands international sevens rugby union player Kairan Mahia, 29, is in an induced coma in ICU at Royal Perth Hospital after he was allegedly hit from behind in a brutal assault on Sunday morning in Australia.
Church plans 2023 bicentennial events
Tuesday 9 November 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
A week after the conclusion of the Aitutaki Bi-centennial Arrival of Christianity celebrations, participants from Rarotonga are still raving about it as they look forward to more 200-year celebrations in 2023.
Wichman named on prestigious 40 Under 40 list
Tuesday 9 November 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Valery Wichman, a barrister and solicitor working as the director of Cook Islands Central Policy and Planning, is among 40 Pacific role models who have been selected by the University of Auckland for its 40 Under 40 list for 2021.
Last of 4 Aitutaki time capsules to be opened in 2221
Saturday 6 November 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
In remembrance of the 200th Bi-centennial celebrations of the arrival of Christianity to Aitutaki in 1821, four ‘time capsules’ were buried in an emotional ceremony in front of the memorial stone at Orongo Park.
Border reopening receives support from Are Ariki
Saturday 6 November 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
The House of Ariki fully support Government’s decision to re-open the borders with New Zealand on January 13 next year.
Stunning designs at mu’umu’u pageant
Friday 5 November 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
Thirty-five contestants gracefully showcased ‘missionary’ and ‘pareu’ designed dresses for the Aitutaki Bi-centennial Mu’umu’u Pageant that was held on Thursday, October 28.
Govt body defends dredging works at Arutanga harbour
Friday 5 November 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National, Outer Islands
Any suggestion that work being undertaken at the Arutanga harbour in Aitutaki is being done without environmental approval, and contrary to the law, is incorrect, says Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC).
Family reunion in Aitutaki ends on a high
Thursday 4 November 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
Members of the Matauia Family Reunion who travelled to Aitutaki for the Bi-Centennial celebrations have returned to Rarotonga exhilarated and with many precious memories.
