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Articles by Melina Etches
New instruments for Pukapuka brigades
Thursday 16 September 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
The Boys and Girls Brigade groups on the island of Pukapuka have ordered new musical instruments that will strengthen and help keep up the interest and involvement of the island’s youth.
Tereora College students ready to rock the stage
Thursday 16 September 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment
After six weeks of rehearsals, Tereora College students are geared up to present a genre of performances on stage at the National Auditorium this evening for Turanga Vaevae, starting at 6.30pm.
Colourful and eye-catching
Thursday 16 September 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Stepping into the Apii Nikao Library, a cool Disney character ‘Maui’ stares right at you, airbrushed in a bold, colourful and eye-catching mural. This brilliant piece is work of a local artist who picked up his tools to support his family during the border closure.
Government stands by Alert Level 2 decision
Wednesday 15 September 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Government is standing by its decision to keep the Cook Islands at Alert Level 2.
Marumaru Atua departs for Tāua e Moana voyage
Wednesday 15 September 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Under clear skies with beaming rays of sunshine and an unexpected sudden sprinkle of rain - that many murmured was a sign of a blessing, Vaka Marumaru Atua departed Avarua Harbour at 3pm yesterday for the second leg of the Tāua e Moana voyage 2021.
Our young show interest in first aid
Monday 13 September 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Young people made the effort to visit the Cook Islands Red Cross Society’s World First Aid Day, an annual campaign to promote the importance of first aid training in preventing injuries and saving lives.
More Fish Aggregating Devices deployed
Monday 13 September 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Rarotonga now has six deep (1200 metres) and four shallow (400 metres) Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) following the successful deployment of a deep FADs on Friday.
Aitutaki fundraiser raises $30k
Saturday 11 September 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
The Aitutaki community of Rarotonga have raised a whopping $30,000 from a daylong fundraiser to support the island’s 200th Bi-Centennial Anniversary that will be held next month.
Te Ulu o te Watu launches new net service
Saturday 11 September 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
Yesterday was a memorable day for the people of Pukapuka as the Island Government switched on its own internet service provided by Kuk i Net and powered by Kacific Satellites.
Vainetini Ekalesia to exhibit tivaevae
Saturday 11 September 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
An exhibition will be held next week of intricately hand sewn tivaevae, pillows, cushions and other handicrafts made by the Rarotonga Vainetini Ekalesia of the Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC).
Fundraiser for Aitutaki’s 200th Bi-Centennial
Friday 10 September 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National
Tasty fresh barbequed fish direct from Aitutaki will be on sale on Friday at Constitution Park to raise funds for the island’s historic 200th Bi-Centennial Anniversary of Christianity’s arrival, next month.
Red Cross marks World First Aid Day
Friday 10 September 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands Red Cross Society will today join the rest of the world in celebrating the World First Aid Day.
Answering the ‘call of duty’
Thursday 9 September 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
A Cook Islander stranded in New Zealand due to suspension of inward travels has joined the country’s health team in an effort to contain the dangerous Delta variant.
Toa logs to help school
Thursday 9 September 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Expressions of interest are being sought for the logs of toa (ironwood) trees that have been gifted to Apii Takitumu by the Matavera community, to benefit the school.
Candidates line up for CINSF member representative role
Wednesday 8 September 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands National Superannuation Fund (CINSF) is seeking a contributors representative on the Board for a new three-year appointment. Melina Etches reports.
Penrhyn students get into the spirit of Literacy Week
Tuesday 7 September 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National, Outer Islands
The Tetautua and Omoka school students of Penrhyn (or Tongareva island), the northernmost island of the Cook Islands group, yesterday celebrated the start of the ‘Literacy Week’.
Techie says she does it for the love of engineering
Monday 6 September 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Technology
The opportunity to perform a variety of work attracted systems engineer Tania Apera to Avaroa Cable Ltd. Her job is to ensure Cook Islanders enjoy uninterrupted and reliable internet service.
Plant Whispers celebrate success
Saturday 4 September 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
In a colourful gathering, Rarotonga women who love plants donned island style dresses and scented ei katu to celebrate the ‘Plant Whispers’ first year anniversary on Tuesday.
New Tararo Ariki of Mauke invested
Saturday 4 September 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
Hundreds celebrated the investiture of Ngamata Tapoki Tararo with the title of Tararo Ariki – Tararo Ngamata Ariki, yesterday at Marae O Rongo on the island of Mauke.
CICC General Assembly cancelled
Friday 3 September 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands
The Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) 34th Bi-Centennial General Assembly scheduled for next month has been cancelled and will take place in 2023 to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity on Rarotonga and other islands of the Pa Enua.
