Cook Islands prime minister wants to rework ties to NZ to be more independent
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says he will only re-work constitutional ties with New Zealand if the new agreement makes it clear his country is now “more independent” — risking a fresh brawl with
New Zealand’s concerns over Cook Islands’ shadow fleet revealed in OIA request
New Zealand is concerned about Cook Islands’ shipping registry following a link to Russia’s shadow fleet and has offered experts to help improve its standard, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
Kiribati dodges aid cuts in NZ review
The New Zealand Government has decided against cutting its current foreign aid to Kiribati, following a review sparked by a diplomatic stoush between Foreign Minister Winston Peters and the island nation’s
Wellington eyes strategic denial in the Cook Islands
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ row with the Cook Islands government in February was every bit as odd as his January quarrel with the President of Kiribati. It arose after the Cook Islands Prime Minister,
Tokelau sets sight on a potential third referendum
A special committee is being set up in Tokelau to make sure everyone is well informed ahead of a potential third referendum. “A special committee, to collect all the information, the details on the type of choice that
David v Goliath: Fiji’s amateurs to battle All Whites’ professionals in World Cup qualifier
The Fiji men’s senior football team faces a ‘David vs Goliath’ test when they meet New Zealand for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Oceania Qualifiers in Wellington next weekend. The Bula Boys will be up
Manawanui wreck to become dive attraction
It has been revealed that the HMNZS Manawanui wreckage would not be removed from its resting place outside Tafitoala on the South Coast of Upolu in Samoa. The New Zealand navy ship sank on the morning of 6 October 2024,
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
847 Samoans receive New Zealand citizenship in three months
New Zealand Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says 847 Samoans have been granted New Zealand citizenship since the Citizenship [Western Samoa – Restoration] Amendment Bill passed into law three months
New Zealand’s strange diplomatic stoush with Kiribati
The squabbles between New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, Winston Peters and heads of government in Kiribati and the Cook Islands have been denounced by some as neo-colonial grandstanding but welcomed by others as
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
New Zealand rethinks opposition to deep-sea mining
New Zealand is considering withdrawing its support for an international ban on deep-sea mining, the country’s resources minister told AFP on Tuesday. Resources Minister Shane Jones said opposition to the fledgling
‘Significant concern’: NZ, Cook Islands relationship worsens
The relationship between New Zealand and the Cook Islands has worsened significantly this week, report New Zealand media outlets. A statement from Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ office said the Cook Islands had
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
NZ Government cuts Pacific language funding by over 50%
A review of investments supporting Pacific education priorities has resulted in a major reduction in funding. Information obtained by PMN News through an Official Information Act (OIA) request reveals that funding for
Kiribati rejects claims of diplomatic rift over NZ deputy PM’s cancelled visit
Government of Kiribati has pushed back against claims of a diplomatic fallout with New Zealand following the cancellation of deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters’ planned visit, insisting that the matter was still
Winston Peters regrets publicity surrounding cancelled Kiribati visit
New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister regrets the publicity surrounding his cancelled diplomatic meeting in Kiribati but insists they made strong efforts to ensure it took place. Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign
Fuel removed from Manawanui as government declares no backup for stricken ship
The initial phase of fuel removal from the Royal New Zealand Navy vessel Manawanui, which sank off the southwestern coast of Upolu in Sāmoa in October, has been completed. The HMNZS Manawanui (A09) ran aground on the
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
Kiribati Court of Appeal hears deported Judge Lambourne’s appeal
The Kiribati Court of Appeal on Friday heard an appeal from High Court Judge David Lambourne, who was forced out of the country earlier this year following a dispute with the government. RNZ Pacific reports that
New Zealand navy ship sank off Samoa because autopilot was left on, inquiry finds
A series of human errors caused a New Zealand navy ship HMNZS Manawanui to plough into a reef off the coast of Samoa, where it caught fire and sank, according to the preliminary findings of a military court of inquiry
NZ citizenship: Samoans flock to NZ High Commission
Beach Road, Apia transformed into a bustling hive of anticipation on Tuesday with an estimated 300 people visiting the New Zealand High Commission Office for the application for NZ Citizenship for Samoans born before
