Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
PNG women told to bring back OFC Nations Cup
THE Papua New Guinea women’s football team departs tomorrow for Fiji to defend their OFC Nations Cup title, with PNGFA president John Kapi Natto challenging them to “bring back the Cup”. Few days’ shy of their tournament opener on Friday against...

Pasifika in Nelson Tasman safe but alert as more rain looms, says community leader
Pacific communities in the Nelson-Tasman region were spared from the severe impacts of torrential rain last week, despite forecasts of more bad weather on the horizon. Robert Blake, Director of the Nelson-Tasman Pasifika Community Trust, says most...
New Oceania Netball president is optimistic despite challenges
New Oceania Netball president Salote Sisifa. Photo: OCN The new Oceania Netball Federation president says there is a lot of work to be done to ensure that the sport's growth and development continue to align with and be in step with international...

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...

Here's a list of countries where Pakistanis can now travel without visa
Pakistani passport holders can now travel to 32 countries either visa-free or with visa-on-arrival following an improvement in the country's passport ranking. According to the latest figures released by Henley & Partners, an international...

Pakistanis can travel to 32 countries without visa
Pakistani passport holders can now visit 32 countries without a visa or with visa-on-arrival following an improvement in the country's position on the Henley passport index. The latest data from Henley & Partners, a global citizenship advisory...
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...

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...

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...

19-million-year-old bird fossil identified as ancient relative of Australian magpie
In a significant discovery that reveals New Zealand’s epic biodiversity, researchers identified a 19-million-year-old relative of the Australian magpie. Published in the journal PalZ, paleontologists have recently identified a large passerine bird...

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...

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...

Dearlove and Hunter crowned CICA singles champions
Serena Hunter, the only female undertaking the 16km course, ended a consistent season, worked hard chasing the men, and completed in a good time of 1.28.08 hour. Seed Creative Co/25061608 Masters paddlers Reuben Dearlove and Serena Hunter wrapped...

CISNOC secretary general Lewis resigns ‘due to personal reasons’
Keziah Lewis. CIB/24050805 The head of Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) Keziah Lewis has resigned. The CISNOC committee has confirmed this stating that Lewis made this decision due to personal reasons and an opportunity...

Pet Talk: Gratitude for ‘Movember’
Dr Rose Hasegawa, medical director Te Are Manu Vet Clinic, with Reikorangi Ellison of Movember Cook Islands. SUPPLIED/25061701 On behalf of Te Are Manu Veterinary Clinic, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to 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...

Are Pa Metua building to be relocated as part of market redevelopment
Subject to weather and subcontractor availability, the building is expected to be relocated from the market site beginning at 5am this Thursday. CIIC/25061740 The Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) has commenced the relocation of the Are...

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...