Pacific governments monitoring Israel-Hamas conflict

The Hamas attacks took place on Israeli soil, but the “unprecedented invasion” has impacted families around the world, including the Pacific. The Islamist militant group launched a surprise military operation against Israel last weekend, killing...

Leigh trio among 9 Super League stars on show in Papua New Guinea-Cook Islands clash

No fewer than nine Super League stars will be on show in this weekend’s Pacific Bowl clash between Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands, including a trio from Leigh Leopards. All three of the Leigh stars involved are, perhaps unsurprisingly,...

Hull FC and Hull KR players feature on international stage as France secure World Cup place

Hull FC hooker Denive Balmforth. England may have suffered disappointment on the international stage on Saturday, losing 26-6 to Australia in the first Ashes Test at Wembley, but there were better fortunes elsewhere for both Hull FC and Hull KR...

Brendan Piakura embraces Cook Islands return after premiership glory

Brendan Piakuru in training session with the Cook Islands Aitu in Port Moresby (Image: Supplied) Fresh off a historic NRL Premiership win with the Brisbane Broncos, Brendan Piakura is set to pull on the Cook Islands jersey once again in an...

Cook Islands PM Brown welcomes United States’ increasing engagements in the Pacific

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has welcomed the United States’ increasing involvement in the Pacific. Brown, who is also the chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, made the comments in the U.S-Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Dialogue in Port...

Cook Islands marks historic debut at 2025 Virtus World Athletics

The Cook Islands is marking a momentous milestone in inclusive sport, with its first-ever team to compete at the 2025 Virtus World Athletics Championships in Brisbane, Australia. The moment represents more than just athletic achievement; it is a...

Premiership winner Brendan Piakura ready for Cook Islands return in PNG

Brisbane Broncos premiership-winning forward Brendan Piakura has arrived in Papua New Guinea, switching his focus from NRL glory to international duty with the Cook Islands team for the Pacific Championships. Fresh off the back of the Broncos'...

Pacific Islands News Roundup – October 24 – 30, 2025

Political Leadership and Regionalism, Peace and Security ‘Real Action’: Pacific voices growing louder over West Papua’s escalating crisis (PMN) China backs Fiji’s Ocean of Peace vision (Fiji Sun) Cook Islanders confront US-funded vessel over...

Wigan Warriors star scores first international try for Papua New Guinea in Pacific Championships defeat

Wigan Warriors star Emily Veivers scored her first international try for her beloved Papua New Guinea, who went down to a 34-6 defeat to the Cook Islands in the Pacific Championships on Saturday. Veivers started at hooker for PNG Orchids at Santos...

Super League stars past and present named in Cook Islands squad for Pacific Championships

Former Hull KR man Brad Takairangi will captain the Cook Islands in this autumn’s Pacific Championships, with Salford Red Devils star Esan Marsters also included in Karmichael Hunt’s 20-man squad. Now 36, Takairangi made his debut for the Kuki’s...

2050 strategy to be endorsed in the Cook Islands, Tonga to be the next host for PIF Leaders Meeting

The implementation plan for the 2050 strategy is being finalised and will be endorsed by Forum leaders during their convening in the Cook Islands next month. Pacific Islands Forum Director of Governance and Engagement, Sione Tekiteki said the 52nd...

Pacific region remains ‘a theatre of peace’: Cook Islands PM

As major geopolitical powers in the world look to strengthen and militarise parts of the Pacific, leaders of the Pacific have urged that ‘this part of the world remain a theatre of peace,’ not a theatre of conflict, says Prime Minister Mark Brown....

Political Divide Deepens Over Seabed Mining in the Cook Islands

The Cook Islands should be allowed to “make their own choices” and “have a right to their own future development” in terms of seabed mining, according to former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Deep-sea mining was a subject at a panel...

New Zealand enforcer Marata Niukore returns to play for the Cook Islands after missing out on Kiwi selection

One New Zealand Warriors powerhouse Marata Niukore is set to reignite his international career with the Cook Islands, returning to represent the island nation for the first time since 2019. The 29-year-old second rower has been named in the Cook...

PNG NRL academy talents shine in PM’s XIII matches

A RECORD number of players from the Australian government-supported PNG NRL Academy programme were included in the recent Prime Minister’s XIII rugby league matches against Australia. Their participation highlighted the success of the pathway in...

Te Maeva Nui unites Cook Islanders in Aotearoa

In a vibrant display of cultural pride, Cook Islanders gave their all on stage at the Te Maeva Nui New Zealand. Thousands of performers making up ten teams have been preparing for months on end, culminating in two days of energetic performances....

International Travel 13 October

International travel covers the number and characteristics of overseas visitors and New Zealand resident travellers (short-term movements) entering or leaving New Zealand. Key facts Monthly arrivals – overseas visitors Monthly arrivals – New...

PM XIII impressive as Otago edge Waikato in epic NPC quarter-final

Execution off the tee will be the key focus for the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII after their 28-10 victory over Papua New Guinea at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. Despite the wet conditions, the poor kicking performance...

Fair Recruitment At The Heart Of Sustainable Reintegration

Press Release – PACER Plus Solomon Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Peter Shanel Agovaka said his government is honoured to host the regional meeting. Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting 2025 To Convene In Honiara...

Moses rushed in as duo ruled out of PM’s XIII vs PNG — Full teams for four-game blockbuster

Mitchell Moses has been rushed into the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII team for their clash with Papua New Guinea after two players were ruled out due to injury. Code Sports reported Moses, who was picked for the Kangaroos Ashes squad, will come...