More Top Stories
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
Police shortage leads to drop in checkpoints
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
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.
Small school, big dreams: Rutaki celebrates success at annual awards
Friday 15 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Apii Rutaki, the small school with a big heart out in the west, celebrated their school prize giving day with a vibrant occasion and a huge turnout of parents and family on Thursday.
Statistics attachment boosts Maritime’s data management
Friday 15 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
The Maritime Safety Authority databases will now be managed and used more effectively, thanks to upskilling attachment training within government agencies.
Tereora students gain valuable work experience
Thursday 14 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
April Mana, the Cook Islands Trading Corporation Ltd (CITC) training manager, is passionate about empowering youth, particularly school leavers, to find employment in the country.
Taane returns with ‘One Man Band’ show
Thursday 14 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
One of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most beloved musicians, Tiki Taane, is finally back in Rarotonga and ready to take the stage at Trios Garden Bar this Friday (tomorrow).
Mitchell scoops Dux, Athlete and Reo Māori awards
Wednesday 13 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
A pe’e by student Terry Peua led the formalities of Apii Te Uki Ou prize giving day last Friday, followed by the national anthem, the opening hymn ‘Aue Te Okotai’, a prayer by teacher Sareni Poila and the welcome speech by principal Kim Noovao.
Craft to cuisine: Penrhyn schools unite for Enterprise Day
Wednesday 13 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National, Outer Islands
The Penrhyn schools of Tetautua and Omoka united for their respective curriculum enterprise programme which were introduced in both schools last year.
Api Rutaki students gear up for exciting Parents’ Day celebration
Wednesday 13 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
The delightful Grade 1 and 2 students at Api Rutaki took a short break from their dance practice for their upcoming Parents’ Day celebration, which begins at 9am this morning.
Shark chase adds drama to Marsters’ winning catch in final fishing comp
Tuesday 12 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Fishing, Sports
Despite the rough weather conditions, fishermen set out to sea early Saturday morning for the last fishing competition of the year, the CITC Liquor Corona fishing competition, held in partnership with the Cook Islands Game Fishing Club (CIGFC).
Pope announces new leadership for Cook Islands Catholic Church
Tuesday 12 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National
Pope Francis has appointed Father Reynaldo Bunyi Getalado of the Mission Society of the Philippines (MSP) as new coadjutor bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Rarotonga, Cook Islands.
‘My word is my honour and I seal things with a handshake’
Monday 11 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Rugby Union, Sports
Gilbert Enoka has a long history of success as a mental skills coach with Aotearoa New Zealand’s corporate and sporting elite, and has great pride in his Cook Islands heritage.
The Castanie Centre: A tribute to founding father of Catholic faith
Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Church Talk, Features
Nestled behind Nukutere College, the country’s 126-year-old first Catholic Church cathedral has been restored, renamed, and blessed. The ‘sacred building’ will now serve as a library, an art centre and a place of gathering for Nukutere College student and the diocese.
