Te Maeva Nui unites Cook Islanders in Aotearoa

In a vibrant display of cultural pride, Cook Islanders gave their all on stage at the Te Maeva Nui New Zealand. Thousands of performers making up ten teams have been preparing for months on end, culminating in two days of energetic performances....

Stefano's eligibility sealed as international squads named

Stefano Utoikamanu's international allegiance has been confirmed after he was named in Tonga's squad for the Pacific Championships. Utoikamanu has previously represented Samoa, was born in Auckland and is eligible for Australia as well but has...

PNG name Prime Minister’s XIII squads to face Australia

Papua New Guinea have confirmed the men's and women's squads for the Prime Minister's XIII matches that will take place this Sunday against Australia in Port Moresby. The now annual clash grants the opportunity for the Papua New Guinea players to...

Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi: Samoa's longest-serving leader reflects on political career

Samoa's longest-serving leader Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi says his time in parliament is drawing to a close after more than four decades in politics. "This is my last term, to the end of this term, not necessarily the leadership, but to...

Pacific rivalries

WITH just 10 days to go before the opening round of the Pacific Championships at the Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby, the PNG Kumuls and Orchids lineups remain unknown. Fiji (men and women), Cook Islands (men and women), and Tonga...

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...

What space ambitions does the Pacific have?

Space travel and space exploration are not generally associated with the Pacific, but a small delegation from the islands was present at the recent International Astronautical Congress in Sydney. It's classed as the world's premier global space...

Pacific atoll nations receive NZD13m boost for critical water security

Representatives from seven Pacific atoll nations gathered in Nadi, Fiji, this June with an urgent message. Rising seas and prolonged droughts are pushing their communities toward a water crisis that threatens tens of thousands of lives. These...

Hawaiian Airlines’ Longest Nonstop Routes With The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner In 2025

Honolulu-based Hawaiian Airlines is the heartbeat of Hawaiian aviation, connecting the state archipelago to the rest of the world. The airline, which is now part of the Alaska Air Group, has proactively been replacing its aging Airbus A330...

Stat of the week: the Cook Islands’ trade balance

In December 2024, the Cook Islands recorded a trade deficit of USD -14,954,000, meaning the value of imports far exceeded exports. The biggest import category was prepared foodstuffs, beverages, spirits and tobacco, totalling USD...

Pacific Resort Hotel Group Wins Multiple Prestigious Titles at 2025 Cook Islands People's Choice and Air New Zealand Tourism Awards

Rarotonga, Cook Islands – [30 September 2025] – Pacific Resort Hotel Group (PRHG) is proud announce a series of significant wins at the 2025 Cook Islands People’s Choice and Air New Zealand Cook Islands Tourism Awards, reaffirming its position as...

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...

Palestine and the Pacific

Why have island nations been so prominent among supporters of Israel? By Nic Maclellan Standing beside Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on 17 September, Fijian prime minister Sitiveni Rabuka declared that “the people of Fiji share a very close...

Katoa aims to represent Cook Islands

Cook Islands Rugby League has welcomed the interest from Dolphins star halfback Isaiya Katoa, who has shared his intention to one day line up for the Cook Islands. Katoa, who has maternal links to the Cook Islands, is a New Zealand born Tonga...

CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER READERS NAME PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES 'BEST SMALL CRUISE' FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR

NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2025 -- For the second year in a row, Paul Gauguin Cruises has been voted Best Small Cruise in Condé Nast Traveler's2025 Readers' Choice Awards. French Polynesia's destination expert received the top honor based on more than...

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...

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...

RNZAF Cook Islands Aviator Returns Home

Press Release – New Zealand Defence Force Sergeant Mata, a logistics specialist, is flying on the bulk of the C-130J Hercules flights into Mauke this month and next, as the aircraft delivers personnel and materials for island upgrades as part of...

On Road to Belem, Pacific countries raise their voice on 1.5…

Pacific countries at the forefront of the climate crisis, described as a “ticking time bomb”, have vowed that their One Pacific Voice on keeping 1.5 alive, is heard loud and clear at the Thirtieth Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework...

Cook Islands, PNG reaffirm friendship at Independence golden jubilee

Prime Minister of the Cook Islands Mark Brown met with Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape on the margins of PNG’s 50th Independence celebrations on 16 September, reaffirming the strong friendship between the two nations. Prime Minister...