Cook Islands SBMA Announces Resignation of the Seabed Minerals Commissioner

The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) has announced the resignation of Alex Herman as Seabed Minerals Commissioner, marking the conclusion of an impactful chapter in SBMA’s history. Appointed in 2020, Ms. Herman has played a pivotal...

Cook Islands participate in inaugural ASEAN maritime and connectivity conference

Cook Islands, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) director of International and Trade Division, Mackenzi Wichman, participated in the inaugural Maritime Cooperation and Connectivity Conference, an implementation project...

National Environment Service appoints environmental specialist

Mike Bowie, second from left, welcomed by the National Environment Service (NES) staff. NES. Mike Bowie has been appointed as an environmental specialist by the National Environment Service (NES). NES states that this is a key move to support the...

Climate crisis erodes Cook Islands’ cultural identity, women's council head tells ICJ

The International Court of Justice hearings which began earlier this month. Photo: Screengrab / UN Web TV Cook Islands has highlighted the impact of climate change on cultural heritage, particularly for women, during its historic participation at...

Climate crisis erodes Cook Islands’ cultural identity, Wichman tells ICJ

Vaine Wichman, president of the Cook Islands National Council of Women, emphasised in a video presentation before the International Court of Justice that Cook Islanders are the custodians of many natural and cultural art forms and traditions....

Letter: Cook Islands-China agreement

Dear Editor, For clarity, these are my views of the potential aspects/concerns that come to my mind when an open dialog on such a significant move is not afforded to our people. The recent news regarding the (proposed) agreement between the Cook...

Protest rising over Cook Islands push for passport, pact with China

A public protest march is planned in Rarotonga as the Cook Islands makes further moves that locals fear is fracturing their country's relationship with New Zealand. Cook Islands United political party leader Teariki Heather told 1News the march...

New Zealand chides Cook Islands for ‘lack of transparency’

New Zealand criticised its close Pacific partner the Cook Islands on Wednesday for showing a “lack of transparency”, following reports that it is about to sign a cooperation deal with China. Wellington raised its concerns ahead of a reported state...

Cook Islands seeks ‘decolonisation’ of international law at ICJ

The Cook Islands has used its first-ever appearance at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to advocate for the “decolonisation” of international law. While making an oral statement for an advisory opinion on the obligations of states...

Cook Islands advocates for decolonisation of international law at ICJ

Fuimaono Dylan Asafo Photo: Supplied The Cook Islands has used its first-ever appearance at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to advocate for the decolonisation of international law. While making an oral statement for an advisory opinion on...

Trump’s move to fast-track deep-sea mining poses serious ecological, climate risks

Transnational companies, finding an ally in United States President Donald Trump and his extractivist agenda, are pushing to mine the seafloor for valuable minerals — despite widespread concerns about the potential ecological and climate impacts....

Environment groups in the Cook Islands demand proper public survey on seabed mining

By Talaia Mika, Cook Islands News Cook Islands nodule field - photo taken within Cook Islands EEZ. Photo: Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority Local environmental groups in the Cook Islands are urging the government to conduct a comprehensive...

Cook Islands at the International Court of Justice

The delegation, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) Director of the Treaties, Multilaterals and Oceans Division, Sandrina Thondoo, included Foreign Service Officer Peka Fisher and External Counsel Fuamaono Dylan Asafo....

Cook Islands strengthens maritime capacity at regional workshop

Representatives from government and private sector represented Cook Islands at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) SMART-C Leadership Programme: Regional Workshop in Nadi, Fiji, last month. MFAI/24120207 A multi-agency Cook Islands...

Letter: Cook Islands Christian Movement

Dear Editor, William Framhein is the interim secretary of Cook Islands Christian Movement Inc (CICMI) that wants to undo the legislation that decriminalised homosexuality. Now this writer is confused. Is there more than one person named William...

Battling Tides, Rising Waters, And Shifting Shores: Polynesia’s Determined Advance Toward Climate Resilience

Rising Tides undermine Resilience in Polynesia's Fight against Climate Change In the vast blue expanse of the Pacific, the Polynesian nations of the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, and Tokelau stand as some of the world’s most vulnerable frontlines in...

ADB dominates Cook Islands debt portfolio

In December last year, ADB Alternate Executive Director Llewellyn Roberts, on behalf of the Government of the Cook Islands, and ADB Director General for the Pacific Leah Gutierrez signed a $30 million loan agreement to support the Cook Islands in...

Asia-Pacific’s climate cash conundrum: Why funding remains elusive

Despite years of voicing concerns, vulnerable nations grapple with a maze of red tape and resource hurdles. By Subel Rai Bhandari The global climate adaptation week in South Korea ended not with a bang, but a whimper. September’s Incheon City...

Cook Islands pledges support for women’s empowerment and gender equality

The Cook Islands delegation led by Internal Affairs Minister Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on the Beijing+30 Review in Bangkok, Thailand, last week. They are pictured with an official, left, from another...

Children’s books teach traditional knowledge of natural disasters

Charles Carlson has launched his first series of children’s books written in both Māori and English. From left: Pastor Jonathan Cargill, Marianna Mataio, Charles Carlson, Mairi Mokoroa Heather, and EMCI director John Strickland. MELINA...