Cook Islands: Mangaia residents turn to land and sea amidst shipping delays
The residents of a Southern Group Island continue to endure ongoing hardships due to inconsistent shipping, driving up costs and forcing reliance on subsistence living, while awaiting government-promised shipping
Cook Islands seeking New Zealand expertise for Sovereign Wealth Fund
The Cook Islands government has taken further steps towards establishing a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), with officials currently in New Zealand holding discussions with financial experts, Prime Minister Mark Brown told
Cook Islands PM’s challenges go beyond China
It’s a cold weekend in one of the coldest cities in Northeast China. Just before heading back to Rarotonga from a controversial mission to China, Prime Minister Mark Brown stepped outside to film one of his regular
Cook Islands secures $4 million ‘one off’ grant form China for future grants
Cook Islands will receive a “one off grant” of approximately $4 million (US$2.29 million) from China, following the signing of the Joint Action Plan for the 2025-2030 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last week.
Cook Islands signs partnership deal with China
The Cook Islands said on Saturday that it signed a comprehensive strategic partnership deal with China, a move expected to raise concerns in New Zealand with which it has constitutional ties. Reuters reports that Cook
Cook Islands dicusses deep-sea mining research with China
Cook Islands officials discussed seabed minerals research with China during last week’s mission to Beijing. Cook Islands has licensed three companies to explore the seabed for nodules rich in metals such as nickel
Cook Islands opposition files no-confidence motion against PM Mark Brown, Cook Islands-China deal details to be revealed ‘in the coming days’ – Mark Brown
A vote of no confidence motion has been filed against the Prime Minister and his Cabinet following the recent fiasco involving the now-abandoned Cook Islands passport proposal and the comprehensive strategic partnership
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. AFP reports that
Information and Empathy
Cook Islands was the first Pacific nation to pass laws relating to right to information, but Ombudsman Niki Rattle says it may be time to review it and “have a look and see how we can do things better”. The Freedom
Cook Islands government accused of misleading public on seabed mining
Cook Islands government is misleading the public into believing the country is undecided on whether to allow deep seabed mining, claims an advocate for ocean conservation and protection. Louisa Castledine’s
New Zealand rejects Cook Islands passport plan
New Zealand has rejected a proposal by the Cook Islands to allow the creation of its own passports and citizenship, but said it could discuss independence. A spokesperson for New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs
Cook Islands Immigration to launch new online visa and permit system
Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) has announced the upcoming launch of its new online visa and permit application system, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing modernisation of
Pacific expresses interest in Cook Island’s super deal
Cook Islanders moving back home will be able to easily transfer their superannuation funds to the Cook Islands National Superannuation Fund under an agreement with Australia. AAP reports that the agreement between the
Deep ocean groundings
Solomon Kahoʻohalahala opened Thursday’s Deep Ocean Symposium, an academic conference at the University of the South Pacific Cook Islands campus, with a
Green climate fund direct access accreditation a milestone: Bank of the Cook Islands
The Bank of the Cook Islands (BCI) has announced its formal accreditation as a Direct Access Entity by the Green Climate Fund (GCF). This accreditation highlights BCI’s alignment with GCF’s stringent fiduciary
Cook Islands’ Takairangi to create sporting history
Brad and Kiana Takairangi are set to create sporting history when they captain the Cook Islands Aitu and Moana in Saturday’s Pacific Championships double-header against Fiji at Suva’s HFC
Environmentalists slam ‘premature’ seabed minerals harvesting regulations
Cook Islands has enacted seabed minerals harvesting regulations despite concerns about the lack of 'meaningful
Tepaeru Herrmann reappointed Cook Islands Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Immigration
Tepaeru Herrmann has been reappointed as the Cook Islands Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
Poll: Cook Islanders oppose deep sea mining
A recent online opinion poll conducted in the Cook Islands revealed that 66 per cent of residents oppose deep sea mining, while 49 percent disapprove of exploration. The government regulator overseeing seabed minerals
Peaceful protest calls for moratorium on deep-sea mining in Cook Islands
Hundreds of Cook Islanders and tourists Wednesday joined a peaceful protest against seabed mining, calling for a moratorium on deep-sea activities. The rally held at the Avarua Harbour was organised by Cook Islands
Cook Islands Opposition welcomes regulations, warns against premature mining
The Cook Islands Opposition leader has welcomed the regulatory framework for deep-sea mining but maintains the stance against any mining activities until ‘environmentally friendly technology’ is available and Cook
Pacific ministers gather to discuss water and wastewater challenges
Twenty Pacific islands ministers have gathered in Rarotonga this week to discuss solutions and ideas to combat water and wastewater threats. Held at the National Auditorium, the 8th Pacific Water and Wastewater
Cook Islands PM urges Pacific unity on deep-sea mining as leaders gear up for crucial talks
Cook Islands Prime Minister and former chair of the Forum, Mark Brown is urging Pacific Island leaders to come together on a collective stance on deep-sea mining, ahead of a key talanoa session set for next month. The
