The Pacific’s united front on climate action is splintering over deep-sea mining

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In recent years, Pacific island nations have earned global credibility as champions of climate action. Pacific leaders view sea level rise as an existential threat. But this united front is now under strain as some...

Pacific voyagers deliver strong Ocean and Climate call in Honiara

By Pita Ligaiula in Honiara, Solomon Islands Pacific voyagers arriving in Honiara after a 15-day journey from Suva have called for urgent climate action, ocean protection, and a fossil fuel–free Pacific. Speaking on behalf of Uto ni Yalo and the...

Pacific Islands leaders meet with climate change, security on agenda

Pacific Island leaders have kicked off their annual summit in the Solomon Islands, with climate change and security expected to take centre stage amid the battle for influence in the region between China and the United States. The weeklong...

Cook Islands engages in regional dialogue on social impacts of labour mobility

Cook Islands participated in the Regional Workshop on the Social Impacts of Labour Mobility, held in Apia, Samoa, last week from June 23-26. MFAI/25063025 Cook Islands, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, participated in a...

‘If we can’t get help from NZ, we will go somewhere else’: Cook Islands PM

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown defended the nation’s new strategic partnership with China, citing the need for diverse international partners to fund a $650 million(US$389 million) infrastructure plan that New Zealand alone cannot support,...

The Pacific island nation that wants to mine the ocean floor: Cook Islands explores US$4b mineral trove amid rising environmental concerns

RAROTONGA (Cook Islands), July 23 — A 1,000-tonne ship is exploring the far-flung South Pacific for riches buried beneath the waves, spearheading efforts to dredge the tropical waters for industrial deep-sea mining. Fringed by sparkling lagoons...

Cook Islands launches first-ever National Awards system: Te Tango Raumaire o Avaiki   

Prime Minister Mark Brown. SUPPLIED. The Office of the Prime Minister is proud to announce the establishment of Te Tango Raumaire o Avaiki: The Cook Islands National Awards, an historic milestone to recognise and honour outstanding service,...

Trump’s support boosts deep-sea mining in Cook Islands by 2030

RAROTONGA: A leading deep-sea mining firm in the Cook Islands is targeting commercial production by 2030, buoyed by former US President Donald Trump’s endorsement of the controversial industry. Moana Minerals plans to extract polymetallic...

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...

Sustainably Sourced Tvati Pet Mobility & Joint Massage Oil Offers Revolutionary Relief

With a commitment to blending time-honored medicinal practices and modern scientific knowledge, Tvati Pet has introduced its natural mobility and joint support massage oil that is sustainably sourced from the Cook Islands and made in the U.S.A....

From Guam to Honiara: Aviles strengthens Pacific fight for sustainable fisheries

SANTA RITA, Guam — Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathalie Aviles from U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam played a pivotal role in the success of Operation Island Chief 2025 (OPIC25), a multinational maritime surveillance operation conducted...

Climate crisis driving rise in dengue fever outbreaks across Pacific

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — As dengue fever infections hit their highest level in a decade and several countries declare emergencies, the climate crisis is driving a sharp rise in dengue fever cases across the Pacific islands, experts say. Pacific...

Cook Islands unveils historic National Awards system

Prime Minister Mark Brown in Parliament this week. LOSIRENE LACANIVALU/25062316 Cook Islands has established its own national awards system, Te Tango Raumaire o Avaiki, to recognise outstanding service and achievement across all sectors of...

Divers from the environmental group Korero O Te Orau preparing their gear before collecting crown-of-thorns starfish from a reef off Rarotonga in the Cook Islands

Marine biologist Teina Rongo (C) and divers from the environmental group Korero O Te Orau holding crown-of-thorns starfish collected from a reef off Rarotonga in the Cook Islands

The Cook Islands is waging a war against crown-of-thorns starfish, a coral-munching species eating through tropical reefs already weakened by climate change

The Cook Islands is waging a war against crown-of-thorns starfish, a coral-munching species eating through tropical reefs already weakened by climate change

Barron, WI (54812) Today Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm this evening, then some lingering showers still possible overnight. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm...

Cook Islands hosts Green Climate Fund regional dialogue

The Government of the Cook Islands welcomed delegates from across the Pacific and Asia for the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Regional Dialogue. OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER/25050703 Cook Islands welcomed delegates from across the Pacific and Asia to...

NZ Leaders Skip Cook Islands Anniversary Over Deepening Beijing Ties

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Stephen Brown delivers a statement during the high level segment on day three of the UNFCCC COP29 Climate Conference at Baku, Azerbaijan on Nov. 13, 2024. Sean Gallup/Getty Images When the Cook Islands celebrated...

Cook Islands Prime Minister slams NZ aid freeze as ‘patronising’

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says New Zealand’s decision to pause development aid is patronising and will harm the country’s most vulnerable citizens. In a ministerial statement to Parliament on Thursday (Cook Islands time), Brown...