Political Divide Deepens Over Seabed Mining in the Cook Islands

The Cook Islands should be allowed to “make their own choices” and “have a right to their own future development” in terms of seabed mining, according to former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Deep-sea mining was a subject at a panel...

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...

League stars inspire city students

THE Santos National Football Stadium was filled with energy and excitement on Tuesday as students from four Port Moresby schools took part in the Pacific Championships school clinic – an event that used the power of rugby league to promote...

E/V Nautilus arrives in the Cook Islands

On Friday, the exploration vessel (E/V) Nautilus arrives in the Cook Islands for the first time. Owned and operated by the U.S-based non-profit organisation Ocean Exploration Trust (OET), the 68-meter vessel specialises in scientific exploration...

New Zealand Is Pulling Aid From the Cook Islands

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, United Kingdom — The relationship between the Pacific Island nation of the Cook Islands and New Zealand has historically been strong. Cook Islanders are entitled to New Zealand passports and residency, with the model of “free...

PNG and Pacific rugby league stars pass on skills and life lessons to schoolkids

The National Football Stadium in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea was filled with excitement earlier this week as 100 students from four Port Moresby schools took part in the Pacific Championships School Clinic - an event that used rugby league to...

News The Guardian ‘Humanitarian’ visa must be created for Pacific Islanders displaced by climate crisis, experts say

Climate and migration experts are calling for urgent action to create legal pathways for people displaced by the climate crisis, as a new report highlights the scale of the problem across the Pacific. Research by Amnesty International released on...

Controversial Cook Islands seabed mining plan gets backing from former Australia PM Scott Morrison

Speaking on a panel discussion on the Pacific Islands at the Impact Week conference in Singapore last Friday, the conservative politician acknowledged that deep-sea mining was controversial but said Cook Islands should be allowed to “make their...

Pacific protesters against deep sea mining challenge US exploration ship

Greenpeace Cook Islanders holding a banner reading “Don’t Mine the Moana” have confronted an exploration vessel as it returned to Rarotonga port today, protesting the emerging threat of seabed mining. Four activists in kayaks paddled alongside the...

Pacific activists protest deep sea mining as U.S exploration vessel enters port

Greenpeace Australia Pacific RAROTONGA, Wednesday 22 October 2025 — Cook Islanders holding a banner reading “Don’t Mine the Moana” have confronted an exploration vessel as it returned to Rarotonga port today, protesting the emerging threat of...

Pacific health leaders call for stronger alcohol and tobacco policies

WHO says alcohol use is the world's leading risk factor for illness, disability and death. Photo: 123rf Pacific health leaders say alcohol and tobacco control are key to combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Health ministers from 38...

Farmers in Rarotonga adapt to climate change, Regional Research Agenda's research reveals

Farmers in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, are already taking steps to adapt to the changing climate, according to a recent study titled Aka’tika Uira (Realign the Wheel): An analysis of the climate adaptation methods adopted by farmers in Rarotonga,...

Pacific islands bound by climate change, divided by deep-sea mining: Nauru…

“The climate crisis is not up for debate,” Micronesian President Wesley Simina said. “The only question is whether we will act with the urgency it demands.” Pacific island leaders agreed. At the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly...

Pacific islands bound by climate change, divided by deep-sea mining: Nauru swimming against the tide

Deep-sea mining equipment. Photo courtesy of Impossible Metals “The climate crisis is not up for debate,” Micronesian President Wesley Simina said. “The only question is whether we will act with the urgency it demands.” Pacific island leaders...

Pacific Islands focus: health and gender inequities, climate updates, and some hope for marine biodiversity

Introduction by Croakey: In breaking news on Thursday, Papua New Guinea’s cabinet has approved a landmark defence agreement with Australia. PNG’s Prime Minister James Marape said the agreement, known as the PukPuk treaty, “will elevate the two...

Paul Gauguin Cruises Announces 2027 Family Program Voyages

Paul Gauguin Cruises is building upon its Moana Explorer Program with 12 voyages scheduled for 2027 on m/s Paul Gauguin. The complimentary program, developed in partnership with Te mana o te moana, the South Pacific’s leading marine education and...

Team chemistry key, says Kamikamica

VODAFONE Fiji Bati captain Tui Kamikamica has emphasised the importance of team chemistry in helping younger players adjust to the international rugby league environment. With several new faces in the squad, Kamikamica and the leadership group...

Sink or swim: Can island states survive the climate crisis?

Small island nations across the world are bearing the brunt of the climate crisis, and their problems have been accentuated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has severely affected their economies, and their capacity to protect themselves from...

Māori ocean rights under threat: Why Pasifika should be paying attention

A controversial move by the New Zealand Government to tighten laws around customary marine title is sparking growing concern among Māori, and Pacific communities are being urged to pay close attention. The coalition government’s proposed changes...

Paul Gauguin Cruises Reveals Dates for 2027 Family-Friendly Moana Explorer Sailings

Paul Gauguin Cruises will offer 12 voyages in 2027 featuring its Moana Explorer program, which offers complimentary “edutainment” experiences for kids. Created in partnership with Te Mana o Te Moana, the South Pacific’s leading marine education...