‘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
New Zealand Treaty protests continue
New Zealand’s Maori Queen will join a generationally significant protest to support the Treaty of Waitangi as it reaches a climax in Wellington. Opposition to the nation-dividing Treaty Principles Bill has already
Slavery ship masts reminder of horrors of slavery in the Pacific
The installation, Cry of the Stolen People, tells part of the little-known history of “blackbirding”, of how Peruvian slave ships kidnapped more than 250
Where does climate change finance go?
IN 2020, the New Zealand government pledged NZ$150 million for Pacific-focused climate change
Protecting the children left behind
A report looking at the impact of labour mobility schemes on children in four Pacific nations has found that while the remittances they generate are critical in supporting families, the schemes are placing physical and
Pacific Championships Standings & Judiciary
The Kangaroos can secure a place in the Pacific Cup final by avenging last year's loss to New Zealand next
‘We could’ve had 75 body bags’: HMNZS Manawanui sinking
An investigation into the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui will “get to the nub” of what happened when the ship
HMNZS Manawanui crew and passengers rescued after ship runs aground in Samoa
A power outage may have caused a Royal New Zealand Navy ship to run aground on a reef off the coast of
Condemnation grows after China fires test rocket into central Pacific
Regional defence leaders are continuing to meet in Auckland as the Pacific faces increased geopolitical
Indonesia, New Zealand deny paying Papuan rebels to free pilot
Jakarta and Wellington on Monday denied claims by a Papuan rebel spokesman that Indonesian authorities had paid a guerrilla commander to free a New Zealand pilot from 19 months of captivity. Egianus Kogoya, who
New Zealand pilot freed after 19 months in Papua rebel captivity
A New Zealand pilot held hostage for 19 months by separatist rebels in Indonesia’s Papua region was freed on Saturday, Indonesian authorities said, bringing an end to a standoff that had drawn international
Air New Zealand announces a significant increase in their flight capacity to the Pacific Islands
Air New Zealand has announced a significant increase in their flight capacity to the Pacific Islands. From November 2024 to March 2025, adding tens of thousands of seats to the Pacific destinations, marking a 9
New Zealand’s army chief: Pacific nations need tailored military training
As the U.S, China and other powers vie for strategic influence in Pacific Island militaries, the army chief of New Zealand told The Associated Press that not all of the larger nations bidding to offer support are
Maori King Tuheitia dies after heart surgery
New Zealand’s Maori King, Kiingi Tuheitia, has died aged 69, just days after the celebration of his 18th year on the throne. The death was confirmed by the Kiingitanga’s social media early on Friday.