'Not now, nor ever': Brown rejects talk of shift in Cook Islands-NZ ties

Prime Minister Mark Brown says the New Zealand, Cook Islands relationship is too strong that disagreeing governments can not break it. Photo: Caleb Fotheringham The Cook Islands has no intention of leaving its special relationship with New...

Te Maeva Nui 2025 showcases the heart of the Cook Islands

Akatokamanava Enua/Mauke) delivered a ute honouring Papa Arapati (Premier Albert Henry), the guidance of the Almighty and the role of their MP Stephen Matapo. MELINA ETCHES/25080204 Te Maeva Nui 2025 delivered another unforgettable showcase of...

NZ Governor-General praises Cook Islands women for community leadership

New Zealand’s Governor General, Dame Cindy Kiro, praised the Cook Islands National Council of Women for their tireless work in uplifting women and families across the nation, during her heartfelt address at the special gathering held in her...

Australian think tank proposes 'Pacific-Eyes' intelligence alliance for regional security

The "Pacific-Eyes" concept draws "inspiration" from the Five Eyes intelligence alliance between the US, the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Photo: 123RF An Australian think tank has proposed an intelligence-sharing agreement between...

Greenpeace USA Condemns U.S.–Cook Islands Deep-Sea Mining Talks as Backdoor Push for Extraction

Greenpeace International activists peacefully confronted UK Royal Research Ship James Cook in the East Pacific waters as it returned from a seven-week long expedition to a section of the Pacific Ocean targeted for deep sea mining. An activist...

The real Cook Island questions Winston wont answer

Another brilliant column by Lloyd Burr… Winston Peters’ adviser tells media to ask ‘questions that aren’t about politics’ It’s not often reporters are told not to ask any political questions when they’re at a press conference with two politicians....

Tonga aids Cook Islands reunion with MV Taka‑i‑Pomana

The Cook Islands PM acknowledged Tonga for its vessel support uniting island communities via the MV Taka‑i‑Pomana. In Rarotonga last week, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown met Tonga’s PM Dr Aisake Eke to strengthen regional cooperation ahead...

Cook Islands backs bold plastic treaty push to support growing national efforts

Halatoa Fua, Secretary of the National Environment Service with NES staff at the Pacific Regional Preparatory Meeting – 25071816 The Cook Islands stands to gain significant international support to back up its growing national efforts to tackle...

Broken promises worsen climate crisis in Pacific islands

HONIARA, Solomon Islands >> Fred Conning pulled up Google Earth on his phone and zoomed in on the coastline that had been the backdrop of his childhood in a small village in the Solomon Islands. Here was the beach of white sands where he would...

Scaling up climate finance in the Pacific

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) aspires to be the Pacific’s Climate Partner of Choice. Here, I wish to outlines how the Fund is committed to partnering with the Pacific to achieve greater impact in the face of the climate crisis. As leaders gather in...

In the Pacific, unkept US promises on climate cut deep

HONIARA, Solomon Islands — Fred Conning pulled up Google Earth on his phone and zoomed in on the coastline that had been the backdrop of his childhood in a small village in the Solomon Islands. Here was the beach of white sands where he would...

PM Eke joins Cook Islands’ 60th Anniversary

Prime Minister Hon. Dr Aisake Eke met Cook Islands leader Hon. Mark Brown ahead of Monday’s constitution anniversary celebrations. The meeting took place today in Rarotonga, where the two leaders reaffirmed diplomatic ties and shared regional...

The Cook Islands is already experiencing climate effects

Opinion by Mark Brown, Cook Islands Prime Minister It was my privilege to lead a delegation from the Cook Islands to Cop27, which was hosted by Egypt, at Sharm El Sheikh. Expectations of the delegation prior to leaving were of cautious optimism...

Henry Puna calls New Zealand's involvement in Cook Islands politics 'improper'

Former Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna Photo: Pacific Islands Forum Former Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna says he thinks it is "improper" for New Zealand to involve itself in the "domestic affairs" of the island nation and issues...

'Not ambitious': Cook Islands deep sea mining faces cultural backlash

An environmental advocate urges the Cook Islands to halt deep sea mining, warning it endangers the environment and the nation's cultural identity. The Cook Islands government is exploring the extraction of seabed minerals, aiming to capitalise on...

The Referendum Cook Islanders Deserve

This month, the Cook Islands marks 60 years of self-governance in free association with Aotearoa New Zealand. It is a remarkable constitutional milestone for a proud Pacific nation that has long punched above its weight diplomatically and...

Showcasing unrivalled Cook Islands pride

Tapuahua Henua/Rakahanga dazzled the audience with a dynamic Kapa Rima performance. MELINA ETCHES/25073012 The energy, pride and artistry displayed at this year’s Te Maeva Nui festival have reached exhilarating new heights, with each night...

Your Tropical Cook Islands Escape with Pacific Resort Hotel Group is Closer Than You Think

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, it’s only natural to yearn for sunshine, sea breezes, and the soothing sound of waves gently meeting the shore. What if that dream escape was waiting for you just beyond the horizon? Welcome to the...

Henry Puna's strategic return: A steady hand for the Cook Islands Party amid challenges

The recent appointment of Henry Puna as President of the Cook Islands Party (CIP) marks not just a homecoming, but a strategic move by the Party at a time of considerable diplomatic, political, and electoral importance. As the former CIP Leader,...

How the Cook Islands’ Proximity to China Stunned New Zealand

By Mridul Jha Since 1997, China has funded various public infrastructure projects on the Cook Islands, which include the Court House, the Ministry of Education, Apii Nikao primary school, and the Rarotonga ring main water system, in addition to...