Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
New Zealand withdraws millions in aid from Cook Islands
New Zealand has abruptly halted nearly $NZ20 million ($US11 million) in funding to the Cook Islands in retaliation for a partnership agreement the tiny Pacific Island nation concluded with China in February without consulting Wellington. NZ...

PAC flags concerns with Cook Islands Investment Corporation
Public Accounts Committee chair Teokotai Herman in Parliament last week. LOSIRENE LACANIVALU/25061623 The Public Accounts Committee in review of the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) annual and financial period for 2022-2023 has...

Trump’s Mineral Policy Offers Strategic Opportunity in the Pacific
Credit: FOX Sunday Morning Futures screenshot A seabed mining agreement with the island nation of Nauru would reduce China’s influence while establishing America as an industry authority This story originally was published by Real Clear Wire. By...

Jason Walls: Newstalk ZB political editor on the poll revealing less than a third of respondents support NZ giving Cook Islands services
Less than a third of respondents to a poll believe the Cook Islands should still get New Zealand services. Last week, the Government paused aid after the Cooks signed a partnership with China, without sharing any details with New Zealand. The...

Cook Islands’ leading business fuels Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade
CITC proudly supports the Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade. From left, fire brigade volunteer Gavin Steiner, fire chief Jason Moorfield, and CITC brands manager George George. CITC/25061601 Cook Islands Trading Corporation (CITC) has proudly...

Gold Medals for Brother and Sister Duo at Pacific Mini Games
Source: Samoa Swimming, Palau. Sister and Brother duo – Nafanua and Solomona Hamilton have each secured a Gold Medal for Samoa at the Pacific Mini Games in Palau. It was a special day for the Hamilton siblings when first, Solomona secured the...

Government revives ammunition supply
Prime Minister Mark Brown in Parliament on June 23, 2025. LOSIRENE LACANIVALU / 25062320 Prime Minister Mark Brown has announced several new initiatives aimed at enhancing firearm regulation and safety across the Pa Enua. This includes the...

Former New Zealand PM blames Cook Islands for creating a crisis
WELLINGTON: Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark believes the Cook Islands, a realm of New Zealand, caused a crisis for itself by not consulting Wellington before signing a deal with China. The New Zealand government has paused more than...

Analysis: Trump’s Mineral Policy Offers an Important Strategic Opportunity in the Pacific
by Wyatt J. Greco In an April 2025 executive order, President Trump affirmed that offshore critical minerals are key to creating supply chains that do not depend on adversaries like the People’s Republic of China. While US leadership on deep-sea...

Gate 7 partners with Clicktivated bringing interactive video technology to ANZ tourism market
Gate 7 has today announced an exclusive partnership with Clicktivated, the interactive video platform that enables viewers to engage directly with destinations, products, and experiences as they watch. The partnership sees Gate 7 named...

Pacific Workshop to Promote Sustainable Gastronomy Tourism
UN Tourism, in partnership with the Mountain Partnership Secretariat at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and in collaboration with the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), will officially launch the “Development of...

‘It’s like we want our language to die’: Low turnout for Reo Māori TikTok comp disappoints organisers
Tereora College student Esther Kamoe was stoked to win third place in the Epetoma o te Reo Māori, Te Tarere Tutu Ripine Teata (TikTok Video Clip Competition) taking home $400. She is pictured with Raemaki Karati, Poutoko Manava o te Reo Māori...

Regional Pacific Workshop Strengthens Link Between Agriculture and Tourism
UN Tourism, the Mountain Partnership Secretariat at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), concluded a successful three-day Regional Workshop on Sustainable Gastronomy...

Pacific Islands News Roundup – June 20 – June 26, 2025
Editor’s Note: We are undergoing a web host migration process and may need to make necessary modifications to our format and frequency over the next several weeks. Thank you in advance for your understanding. Political Leadership and Regionalism,...

Stars align for unity: Matariki unites NZ and Cook Islands amidst tensions
A little performance at the Matariki celebration based on the importance of Matariki. TEITIMOANA TAIRI/25061816 Despite ongoing diplomatic tensions, the New Zealand High Commission in Rarotonga hosted the annual Matariki celebration, emphasising...

Thomas Wynne: Cook Islands’ fourth pillar
Thomas Wynne. We have grown up with a national consciousness that tells us our nation stands on three distinct pillars: our Ekalesia (church), our Ui Ariki (traditional leaders), and our Kavamani (government). But has there been another pillar...

Former New Zealand PM Helen Clark blames Cook Islands for crisis
By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific presenter/producer Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark believes the Cook Islands, a realm of New Zealand, caused a crisis for itself by not consulting Wellington before signing a deal with China. The New...

Pacific Mini Games 2025
KOROR, Palau— Athletes, coaches, and officials from across the Pacific have begun arriving in Palau ahead of the 2025 Pacific Mini Games, scheduled to open in two days. Teams from Tahiti, the Cook Islands, Tonga, and Samoa arrived on June 25,...

Empire Theatre to screen Cook Islands’ first feature film for Matariki
A scene from “The Silent One” film, based on the children’s book by Joy Cowley. The film follows the heartwarming story of Jonasi, a deaf-mute boy, and his deep bond with a rare white turtle. SUPPLIED/25062006 To celebrate Matariki 2025, the New...

Christopher Luxon raises Cook Islands impasse with Chinese Premier, disagrees with Nato boss that China in league with Russia to undermine West
Those remarks appear to echo the words of Foreign Minister Winston Peters, who this month urged the Pacific to stand together and stressed the importance of the centrality of the Pacific Islands Forum in conducting Pacific affairs. “As we face...