Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.

Letter: PM ‘overstepping the Mark’
The people of the Cook Islands suffer from PM Brown’s arrogant bad behaviour. Yet again, our PM is a source of embarrassment to the nation by having our $18 million aid from New Zealand suspended, for his political flirtations with communist...

Victoria Park hosts Origin showdown
Mafu Kalas at the front training with his team. CIRL/25061342 Tupapa’s Victoria Park will host the final leg of the Cook Islands Rugby League State of the Origin Series between the Town Blues and the Country Maroons this Saturday. The Blues,...

Letter: Seabed consultation
All Cook Islanders should be very proud of the comments Helena Keenan-Williams made about one of the Australian DSM (deep sea mining) meetings reported in the Cook Islands News June 5th edition. She is clearly a woman of no fear, strong intellect...

Proposed permit limits ‘unfairly target’ Pacific and Asian migrants
The Cook Islands Immigration office in Avarua. PHOTO: ISTOCK The proposed mandatory breaks and permit limitations for expat workers ‘unfairly targets’ Pacific and Asian migrants, says the law firm that successfully challenged the Cook Islands’...

‘Partnership, not paternalism’- PM slams NZ aid pause as ‘patronising’ amid China deal row
Prime Minister Mark Brown in Parliament on June 16, 2025. LOSIRENE LACANIVALU / 25061621 Cook Islands engages with countries “who respect our sovereignty”, says Prime Minister Mark Brown, calling New Zealand’s decision to pause $18.2 million in...

China’s Xi tells NZ’s Luxon ‘no conflicts of interest’
BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Friday that Beijing had “no fundamental conflicts of interest” with New Zealand, as he welcomed Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on an official visit. Luxon’s trip comes at a time of tension with New...

Maori language at the heart of learning in Mauke’s only school
Apii Mauke, the only school on the island, is ensuring its students stay grounded in their identity and culture through the use of Maori language as the primary medium of instruction TALAIA MIKA/25061810/25061812 While the national spotlight...

Clean-up efforts underway as dengue cases rise to 33
One of the Health workers on duty conducting peri-focal and block spraying outside the residence of a confirmed dengue case earlier this month. TEITIMOANA TAIRI/25060918, 25060919, 25060920 Cook Islands has recorded 33 dengue cases since the...

Finding Home and Hope at USP
At just 20 years old, Ayen Mae Montagot is proving that determination, adaptability, and the power of education can transform even the most uncertain paths into stories of strength and purpose. A second-year Bachelor of Commerce student in...

Five Big Things That Happened Today: Thursday, June 19
NZ pauses funding to Cook Islands, Luxon leaves Shanghai for Beijing to meet Chinese Premier, and how to look after your car in winter. 1 NZ pauses nearly $20m in funding to Cook Islands after China dealings A spokesperson for Foreign Minister...
NZ’s furious act towards tiny island nation
New Zealand’s government halted aid to close partner the Cook Islands on Thursday because of a row over agreements the Pacific island nation struck with China. New Zealand “paused” the payments and would not resume them until the Cook Islands took...

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...

Letter: NZ pauses funding support
Dear Editor, Aotearoa has closed the coin purse where Cook Islands politicians have had such free access for decades that they are no different than spoiled children when Mum and Dad finally reach the same point where misdeeds mean a cut in...

Faith over fear: Pastor Bobby Matapo’s miraculous journey
Pastor Tevai “Bobby” Matapo was diagnosed with myeloma cancer. Since returning home in April 2023 from gruelling treatment in New Zealand he threw out his medication. He solely relies in his deep belief in receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and...

Tereora College students stone carving journey
Tereora College students with Master Carver Mike Tavioni in Nikao. LOISRENE LACANIVALU/25062711 Tereora College students are currently carving a stone at the gallery of Master Carver Mike Tavioni in Nikao. A concept of the design selected as the...

A name, a promise, a reunion: How a 1984 encounter led to a lasting bond
Karlena with her mum, Trish Nixon (middle), her husband and two children. TRISH NIXON/ 25062709 A New Zealand couple successfully reconnected with an Aitutaki family on social media, whom they befriended 40 years ago and whose baby inspired the...

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,...

Breast Cancer Foundation launches logo competition to Mark 60th Anniversary Year
Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation president, Jaewynn McKay, during the AGM in April. 25043011 The Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation (CIBCF) is inviting local artists and designers to create a bold new logo that will represent the...

New Zealand halts money to a Pacific nation over its China ties
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand has halted millions of dollars in funding to the Cook Islands over the “breadth and content” of agreements the smaller Pacific nation made with China, officials from the New Zealand Foreign Minister’s...

Mangaia seeks clarity on seabed mining, welcomes engagement
Three of the traditional leaders in Mangaia under the leadership of Mangaia’s Numangatini Ariki Tangitamaiti Tereapii during the consultation. TALAIA MIKA/ 25061713 Concerns over proposed seabed mining in the Cook Islands are beginning to ease in...