Thomas Wynne: Land, legacy and the future of the Cook Islands

Thomas Wynne. A piece of land can sit idle – grass overgrown, with empty tombstones slowly sinking back into the earth – vacant for generations, until one member of the kopu tangata or matakeinanga decides to awaken it and potentially build upon...

Cook Islands queen champions climate action

Miss Cook Islands Ngatepaeru Marie Maoate. PASIFIKA: SOLOMON HOST / CROWN & SASHES /25020501/25020502 “Let us use our voices to tell the world, the Pacific is not just a dot on the map, it is a lifeline for millions and it must be protected.” This...

Cook Islands government defends Eagle S case, reaffirms commitment to maritime compliance

The Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and Prime Minister of Tonga, Dr ‘Aisake Eke, is ramping up high-level advocacy in Washington this week, pushing for funding commitments to the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF). Joined by Forum...

Your Dream Cook Islands Holiday Starts Here: Plan the Perfect Itinerary with Pacific Resort Hotel Group

Still think there’s “nothing to do” in the Cook Islands? It’s time to think again. Beneath the surface of this South Pacific paradise lies a vibrant tapestry of adventure, culture, and natural beauty just waiting to be explored. From serene...

Pacific Islands focus: community-driven solutions, climate in the courts and celebrating independence

Introduction by Croakey: Local solutions to public health issues are showcased in this month’s edition of the Pacific Islands focus column. Isabelle Zhu-Maguire, PhD candidate at the Coral Bell School of Asia and Pacific Affairs, Department of...

Youth ambassador connects culture to climate action

Charlene Akaruru at the first Pacific Youth Dialogue on Climate Loss and Damage in Apia, Samoa. LISA WILLIAMS/25080715 For a national youth ambassador on climate based in the Office of the Prime Minister, coming straight from the drumbeats and...

Cook Islands and Fiji reaffirm commitment to strengthen bilateral relations

From left: SFSO Edwin Naidu (Senior Foreign Service Officer), CDA Antonina Browne (Chargé d’Affaires, Cook Islands High Commission), and Dr Raijeli Taga (Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Fiji). FIJI GOVT / 25041515 The Chargé d’Affaires of...

NZ early learning centre partners with Ko’anga Reo to boost Cook Islands Māori

From left, Frankie Everest, Courtney Everest (co-owner of Future Focus), Britney Tulafono, Pa Marie Ariki and Ray Everest (co-owner of Future Focus). TEITIMOANA TAIRI/25052208 “Early learning is the most important education sector in the world.”...

Cook Islands welcomes global mandatory climate provision in maritime transport

This first-ever global mandatory climate provision in maritime transport is embraced by the Cook Islands, given the sustained and increasing impacts of climate change on the Pacific region. For the first time, a global multilateral organisation...

Cook Islands PM Brown takes over ‘suspended’ deputy’s ministerial portfolios

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown will take on all of suspended Deputy PM Robert Tapaitau’s portfolios for the foreseeable future while a high-profile trial is ongoing. Tapaitau is currently on trial for one count of conspiracy to defraud and...

Cook Islands high commissioner to Fiji concludes tenure

The outgoing Cook Islands High Commissioner to Fiji Jim Armistead with Prime Minister Mark Brown. MFAI/25041080 The Government of the Cook Islands acknowledges the completion of High Commissioner Jim Armistead’s tenure in Fiji, marking the end of...

World Health Organization recognises Cook Islands for anti-smoking efforts

Secretary of Health Bob Williams and Minister of Health Vainetutai Rose Toki Brown with the award from World Health Organization in Geneva this week. TMO/25052224 Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health received an award from the World Health Organization...

Cook Islands joins Pacific nations to enhance tuna fisheries surveillance

Cook Islands delegation to the Forum Fisheries Agency Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Working Group. From left, Tuariki Henry, Bermy Ariihee and Epeli Maisema. MMR/25040714 Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) continues to play a vital...

League standards rise in Cook Islands domestic competition

Tupapa Panthers finished the 13s competition unbeaten, claiming the Minor Premiership for finishing top after the round-robin competition and the premiership title after beating the Arorangi Bears 32-12 in the final at the National Stadium in...

Cook Islands and French Polynesia look to strengthen cooperation

RAROTONGA (COOK ISLANDS GOVT) — Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, met virtually with Moetai Brotherson, President of French Polynesia, last week reaffirming the historical ties between their peoples and to discuss opportunities for enhanced...

UN report: Five charts showing how global deforestation is declining

The amount of forest lost around the world has reduced by millions of hectares each year in recent decades, but countries are still off track to meet “important” deforestation targets. These are the findings of the Global Forest Resources...

Cook Islands, French Polynesia strengthen bilateral relations,eye key agreements

Prime Minister Mark Brown and the President of French Polynesia, Moetai Brotherson, pictured in 2023 during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Rarotonga. LOSIRENE LACANIVALU/23116062 The Cook Islands has strengthened its relations with...

Papa Turtle: Popular Cook Islands tour owner Tuhe Piho accused of putting lives at risk

Local police have issued a warning to Piho after Yu laid a complaint against him. Her story follows more than a dozen allegations against Piho, either shared with the Herald directly or made to the country’s tourism board, police or online. Other...

Pacific Islands News Roundup – October 17 – 23, 2025

Political Leadership and Regionalism, Peace and Security Outspoken Former Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani Passes Away (In-depth Solomons) New Caledonia: FLNKS concerned about the postponement of provincial elections, “satisfied” with the green...

Cook Islands and Czech Republic commit to strengthening collaboration

Left - right: His Excellency Sir Tom John Marsters, KBE, King’s Representative of the Cook Islands, receives the letter of credence from Her Excellency Jana Tyrer, Ambassador of the Czech Republic. MFAI/25032605 Ambassador Jana Tyrer of the Czech...