News
Deep sea mining decision already made, Cook Islands opposition leader says
Tina Browne, who has called for a pause on deep sea mining, says she is fine with exploration and the actual mining if it is deemed environmentally safe.
NZ poll reveals nearly half of Kiwis oppose automatic citizenship for Cook Islands
Thirty percent of the 1000-person sample supported Cook Islanders retaining citizenship, 46 percent were opposed and 24 percent were unsure. Audio
Mark Brown slams NZ for its 'patronising approach' over China deal
The Cook Islands prime minister has suggested a double standard, after the New Zealand government cut its development assistance to the tune of nearly $20 million.
Why has NZ paused funding to the Cook Islands over China deal?
New Zealand has halted more than $18 million in development assistance to its realm country. But the island's prime minister said his government was "aware" it was coming. Audio
'What's going on': Norfolk Island emergency number down since May
A Norfolk Island local says people are outraged that the emergency or 000 number is still down.
Nauru says deep sea mining and ocean conservation can coexist
The island's climate change minister told leaders at the United Nations Ocean Conference that the extraction of metals from deep sea nodules is essential for energy transition.
Vanuatu citizenship commissioner 'expressed regret' over Tate passport
Dan McGarry said despite facing charges, because Tate has not been convicted, "none of that is disqualifying".
More deaths reported in West Papua clashes
Further reports of civilian casualties are coming out of West Papua, with clashes between Indonesia's military and the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement continuing.
Climate, travel, immunity all factors in dengue outbreaks, says expert
Greg Devine said mosquitos that carry the virus "hitchhike around the world" and the increased movement of people is increasing those infected by dengue.
000 emergency number down in Norfolk Island
Locals on Norfolk Island remain concerned that their emergency number - 000 - is still down after two weeks.
Removal notice issued for Fiji vessel which capsized - Maritime Authority
"Ports came in with a tug and pulled the vessel out; once the vessel was pulled out, it went down."
Pacific doctors coping with dengue cases, say health leaders
Samoa, Fiji, Tonga and the Cook Islands have all declared dengue outbreaks.
Flying high - Air Rarotonga founder knighted
Air Rarotonga chief executive officer and owner Ewan Francis Smith has been knighted for services to Cook Islands business and tourism.
Call for action against violence, not just condemning it with words, in Papua New Guinea
Another gruesome video is circulating social media from Enga Province, which has a recent history of tribal conflict.
Norfolk Island police say nothing untoward suspected after package washes ashore
Norfolk Island locals are shocked after a 40-kilogram package - believed to contain cocaine - washed up on one of their beaches.
Package believed to hold drugs washes up on Norfolk Island beach
A package believed to contain about 40 kilograms of cocaine has turned up on a Norfolk Island beach. A statement from the Australian Federal Police said the package, which is...
Dengue outbreak: Big clean up campaigns underway in Rarotonga
The Cook Islands declared a dengue fever outbreak on Thursday. Audio
'Poison': Villagers still fearful of contaminated fish near Manawanui wreck
The New Zealand Navy vessel ran aground on the reef off the south coast of Upolu in early October 2024 before catching fire and sinking. Audio
Cook Islands questions removal from global shipping database
Maritime Cook Islands was told in May that it was removed from the Registry Information Sharing Compact due to a "potential violation".
'Bugger-all': Pasifika react to Budget 2025
"When you've got so many things being cut, you can understand why our communities are so desperate that they'll go to loan sharks [and] pyramid schemes." Audio
Deep sea mining frontrunner set to sidestep UN oversight , pivots to US route
The Metals Company, which has been supported by Nauru and Tonga, has confirmed it won't apply for a mining licence through the International Seabed Authority. Audio
Rising military operations spark concerns about displacement of indigenous Papuans
The leader of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua says women and children are being forced to leave their villages because of escalating conflict.
Environmentalists question Henry Puna's role in deep sea mining firm
The former Cook Islands prime minister and Pacific Islands Forum head has joined the board of the deep sea mining company Cobalt Seabed Resources. Audio
Indigenous West Papuans claim Indonesian govt is 'land grabbing'
But Indonesia denies this, saying all land sales transactions are lawful and "there is no land grab without consent". Audio
Human rights researcher warns of escalating conflict
A spokesperson for Indonesia's Embassy in Wellington said they could not confirm if there was a military attack in Puncak Regency on Tuesday.