Cook Islands high commissioner to Fiji concludes tenure

The outgoing Cook Islands High Commissioner to Fiji Jim Armistead with Prime Minister Mark Brown. MFAI/25041080 The Government of the Cook Islands acknowledges the completion of High Commissioner Jim Armistead’s tenure in Fiji, marking the end of...

Palmerston Island in the Cook Islands facing critical power shortage

By Melina Etches, Cook Islands News The solar power station on Palmerston Island. Photo: Cook Islands / Stella Neale Palmerston Island is currently facing a critical power shortage due to the failure of its ageing diesel generator. The generator...

PM Sitiveni Rabuka meets with the PM of the Cook Islands, Mark Brown

Cook Islands group fears its Christian state push ‘watered-down’

A Christian movement advocating for a constitutional amendment to declare the Cook Islands a Christian state is concerned its push will fall short, as the Special Select Committee reviewing the proposal confirms the finalisation of its report. The...

Tonga princess calls for legal rights for whales

Photo: konart/123RF Tonga's Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho is calling for whales to have legal rights. "The time has come to recognise whales not merely as resources but as sentient beings with inherent rights," Princess Angelika told the...

Circle Cook Islands leads the way in upcycling

Circle-Cook-Islands. 25042808 Circle Cook Islands evolved out of Sabine Janneck’s unwavering commitment to protecting the environment. A self-described eco-warrior, Janneck turned to upcycling during the COVID-19 pandemic when tourism dried up,...

Pacific Tourism Organisation and FSM Yap Visitors Bureau Release Key Insights from International Visitor Survey

The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), in partnership with the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)Yap Visitors Bureau (YVB) through the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative (PTDI), has released its latest International Visitor Survey (IVS) report...

PM Brown clarifies Cook Islands’ stance on New Zealand relationship

Prime Minister Mark Brown. OPM/24122313 The Government has criticised recent reporting by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) regarding the relationship between the Cook Islands and New Zealand, calling it ‘inaccurate and inflammatory’....

Cook Islands and French Polynesia look to strengthen cooperation

RAROTONGA (COOK ISLANDS GOVT) — Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, met virtually with Moetai Brotherson, President of French Polynesia, last week reaffirming the historical ties between their peoples and to discuss opportunities for enhanced...

Cook Islands residents celebrate New Zealand citizenship milestone

Anthony “Tonga” Faafiatonga McBride (right) received his New Zealand citizenship on Wednesday last week, presented by New Zealand High Commissioner Catherine Graham (left). He is pictured with his partner Cook Islander Shanya Sahay, and their baby...

Cook Islands braces for economic ripple effects from US tariff increases

Despite limited direct trade, the Cook Islands fears US tariff increases could indirectly impact the local economy through global supply chain disruptions and increased costs, particularly in tourism and imports. Cook Islands has been hit with a...

A brief history of Governance in the Cook Islands

Clerk of Parliament, Tangata Vainerere after proudly presenting the History of Governance in the Cook Islands. TEITIMOANA TAIRI/ 25041510 As part of the Cook Islands 60th Legacy Programme, Cook Islands Parliament recently hosted a history...

Cook Islands prime minister wants to rework ties to NZ to…

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 Wellington. Brown has been caught up in a...

Digital and Financial Literacy:  Keeping every Cook Islander empowered and connected

Sitting: Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) secretary Garth Henderson (3rd from left) with Minister Vaine ‘Mac’ Mokoroa (6th) and Office of the Prime Minister’s chief of staff Karopaerangi Ngatoko (7th) with other government and...

Letter: Taxing Shell exports from the Cook Islands

Dear Editor, a proposal to someone in government that is in-charge of maintaining marine life. Each year, thousands of visitors come to our beautiful shores and collect seashells as souvenirs, seemingly harmless tokens of their island experience....

Cook Islands, French Polynesia strengthen bilateral relations,eye key agreements

Prime Minister Mark Brown and the President of French Polynesia, Moetai Brotherson, pictured in 2023 during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Rarotonga. LOSIRENE LACANIVALU/23116062 The Cook Islands has strengthened its relations with...

Cook Islands joins regional competition

Cook Islands U18 beach volleyball team left for Honiara, Solomon Islands, on Tuesday for the Oceania U18 Beach Volleyball Championships. SUPPLIED/25040115 The Cook Islands under-18 beach volleyball team left Rarotonga on Tuesday with head coach...

Cook Islands wants more independence, causing unease in New Zealand

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 Wellington. Mr Brown has been caught up in...

Cook Islands prime minister wants to rework ties to NZ to be more independent

By Stephen Dziedzic and Johnson Raela, ABC Winston Peters (left) and Mark Brown. Photo: RNZ/Pacific Islands Forum/123RF Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says he will only re-work constitutional ties with New Zealand if the new agreement...

Wale slams Government’s plan to send health workers to Cook Islands

LEADER of Opposition Matthew Wale has slammed the government’s intention to explore a labour mobility scheme that would see Solomon Islands nurses and doctors sent to the Cook Islands, describing it as short sighted and reckless. In a statement...