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Articles by Melina Etches
Returning home to serve her people
Friday 25 June 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
In the Cook Islands, the continuing battle between families for a suitable candidate to succeed an Ariki title is an ongoing issue that can shred families apart for generations.
MP Akaiti Puna makes intentions clear
Friday 25 June 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands, Politics
The newest Member of the Parliament says she’s not in the House to make up numbers but for a greater cause to serve the people of this country.
$1.4m approved for Crown Law
Thursday 24 June 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Politics
Leader of the Opposition Tina Browne supported the $1,405,029 allocated for the Crown Law office in Parliament on Tuesday.
Tupuna Ngamaru the new Ngamaru Ariki
Wednesday 23 June 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Twenty five-year-old Tupuna Moeroa Ngamaru arrived from New Zealand this week to assume the Ngamaru Ariki title of Atiu.
Rubbish fire alarms public
Wednesday 23 June 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Two of Rarotonga’s volunteer fire brigades responded to a reported fire on Monday with three trucks and two tankers, only to find a burning heap of rubbish.
Avatiu intake ‘has larger storage capacity’
Tuesday 22 June 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
A crisp clear morning and beaming rays of sunshine welcomed attendees at Te Mato Vai landowners recognition ceremony for the Avatiu water treatment plant, held yesterday
Koutu Nui elects new president
Monday 21 June 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
The Koutu Nui has elected as its new president Paroro Mataiapo Rongo Preston. Her election was made during the traditional sub-chiefs’ annual general meeting held last week.
A sweet scent of success
Friday 18 June 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Lafala Turepu set up Turepu Vanilla with an aim to produce a viable export product. Five years on, she says it was an ambitious and difficult goal but one that is not impossible. By Melina Etches.
Plotting a path to success
Friday 18 June 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Students from the three colleges on Rarotonga and Apii Enuamanu yesterday attended the Careers Expo exhibitions at the National Auditorium, taking advantage of the opportunity to see a variety of career opportunities available in the Cook Islands.
‘I am the river and the river is me’
Thursday 17 June 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Just over a quarter of the $90 million spent in Rarotonga’s water project was borrowed from overseas lender, Prime Minister Mark Brown reiterated to Takuvaine landowners who gathered at the intake recognition ceremony
Vaka sets sail on maiden voyage to the North
Thursday 17 June 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
The traditional sound of the pu (conch shell), a double rainbow and a light soothing shower complimented the departure of vaka Marumaru Atua from Avarua wharf Wednesday morning.
Wesley Roberts breaks national record, heads to Olympics
Wednesday 16 June 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Other Sports, Sports
Cook Islands swimmer Wesley Roberts has broken a national record and qualified for the Tokyo Olympics.
Smiles All Around at Ability Olympic Games
Wednesday 16 June 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
The National Stadium field was alive with colour and smiles at the first “Ability” Olympics on Tuesday.
Disinfecting water next step: PM
Tuesday 15 June 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Government will seek advice from traditional leaders and health experts in disinfecting Rarotonga’s drinking water.
‘Successful results’ from chemical trials at water intake
Monday 14 June 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
“We want safe, reliable and free water into our homes,” said Kiriparu Mataiapo Margaret Matenga at Te Mato Vai’s (TMV) landowners recognition ceremony last week.
Huge world market for vanilla, an ‘export lifeline’
Monday 14 June 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
Vanilla farming was introduced to the Cook Islands some nine years ago; back then there were 20 individual growers on Rarotonga, and some on the Pa Enua. Today there are less than 10 growers. Melina Etches investigates the future of vanilla farming in the Cook Islands.
Music will remain Lindsay’s greatest love
Monday 14 June 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Pascale Garnier-Cowan and Fred Betham performed two Tahitian songs in tribute to the late Cook Islands music legend Jon Lindsay on Saturday night.
Love, patience and care earns Queen’s Birthday Honour
Saturday 12 June 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Four outstanding Cook Islanders received their medals a year after they were announced in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
Landowners recognised at water intake ceremony
Friday 11 June 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Te Mato Vai’s (TMV) official landowners’ recognition ceremony for the Turangi water treatment intake – one of the islands biggest distributors of water – was held without much of a ripple last week.
Students full of words after dictionary donation
Friday 11 June 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Each Year 9 and 10 student – close to 600 – in the schools around the Cook Islands, will receive a colourful Usborne Illustrated English Dictionary to keep, courtesy of the Rotary Club of Rarotonga.
