Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
Scientists Discovered A New Chain Of Volcanoes Hidden In A Surprising Place
Something is awakening under the surface of the South Pacific Ocean. Scientists have found a chain of underwater volcanoes near the Cook Islands, which are situated in the sea between French Polynesia and American Samoa — a beautiful forgotten...
China deal ‘complements, not replaces’ NZ relationship, says Cook Islands PM
By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says the deal with China “complements, not replaces” the relationship with New Zealand after signing it yesterday. Brown said “The Action Plan for Comprehensive...
Hundreds march to Cook Islands’ parliament to oppose deal with China
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"Deal with China complements, not replaces, NZ relationship," Cook Islands PM
From left: Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown and Cook Islands Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Tukaka Ama meeting with China's Premier Li Qiang and China's Minister of Natural Resources Guan Zhi'ou in Beijing. Photo: Cook...
China, Cook Islands sign strategic partnership pact
TAIPEI, TAIWAN — China and the Cook Islands on Friday signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, but the lack of transparency around the details has alarmed New Zealand, the South Pacific state’s closest democratic ally. While details...
China seeks deeper trust with Cook Islands, Premier Li tells Prime Minister Mark Brown
China seeks to increase “political trust” and belt and road cooperation with the Cook Islands, Premier Li Qiang told his visiting counterpart Mark Brown as they met on Friday. Multiple cooperation agreements were signed during the meeting in the...
China: Cook Islands' relationship with Beijing 'should not be restrained'
Cook Islands PM Mark Brown with China's Ambassador to the Pacific Qian Bo at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Rarotonga last year. Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Lydia Lewis China and the Cook Islands' relationship "should not be disrupted or...
China to aid Cook Islands’ seabed mineral plans
Prime Minister Mark Brown and his delegation visit the National Deep Sea Centre in China. Cook Islands is collaborating with China on seabed minerals exploration following discussions led by Prime Minister Mark Brown during his state visit this...
First details of Cook Islands-China talks revealed
Mark Brown in China. Photo: Office of the Prime Minister, Cook Islands Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says he is aware of the strong interest in the outcomes of his visit to China. The New Zealand government said that the Cook Islands...
Visit of Cook Islands PM to deepen exchanges
China-Cook Islands relationship Photo: VCG At the invitation of China, Prime Minister Mark Brown of the Cook Islands will attend the Closing Ceremony of the Asian Winter Games in Harbin from February 10 to 16, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson...
Cook Islander completes prestigious research programme
Policy and research officer Mata Rakanui, second from left, was selected from over 400 applicants to participate in the Pacific Research Colloquium (PRC) held at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra from November 25 to December 6....
world Cook Islands prime minister discusses marine, climate and economics in China visit
WELLINGTON — Cook Islands' Prime Minister Mark Brown said on Thursday (Feb 13) he had held discussions with institutions on marine science, climate resilience and economic co-operation so far during a trip to China that has raised national...
China sees 'in-depth' Cook Islands talks, partnership deal expected
BEIJING (Reuters) - China acknowledged a visit by the Cook Islands leader for the first time on Thursday, amid exasperation in New Zealand that it was not consulted about expected agreements involving the South Pacific nation, with which...
China ready for ‘in-depth’ talks as Premier Li Qiang set to meet Cook Islands leader
China stood ready for “in-depth” talks with the Cook Islands, Beijing said on Thursday, a day before a meeting between Premier Li Qiang and visiting Prime Minister Mark Brown. According to the Chinese foreign ministry, Brown will attend the...
Cook Islands Great Wall of China 3-ounce silver coin
The Great Wall of China is large enough, it is said, to be seen from outer space. A true-to-scale, three-dimensional colorful representation of the famous Wonder of the World is now visible on a 2025 Proof .9999 fine silver $20 coin from Cook...
Cook Islands SBMA Announces Resignation of the Seabed Minerals Commissioner
The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) has announced the resignation of Alex Herman as Seabed Minerals Commissioner, marking the conclusion of an impactful chapter in SBMA’s history. Appointed in 2020, Ms. Herman has played a pivotal...
New Zealand urged not to overreact in Cook Islands dispute
Winston Peters, left, and Mark Brown. Photo: RNZ/Pacific Islands Forum/123RF New Zealand needs to ensure it does not become unhinged over the spat with the Cook Islands, says an international relations specialist at Victoria University of...
Letter: Cannabis research
With the announcement in the Cook Islands News that a freight hike is set to drive up Cook Islands prices possibly by 30 per cent, there has never been a better time to legalise the personal cultivation of medicinal pakalolo by patients in order...
New Zealand raises ‘concern’ as Cook Islands prepares to sign China deal
A diplomatic row has erupted between two tight-knit Pacific countries, after New Zealand said the Cook Islands failed to properly consult on its plans to deepen ties with China amid growing concerns over Beijing’s push for influence in the region....
Thomas Wynne: What does China want from Cook Islands?
Thomas Wynne. There is a question that rests heavily on my heart – one that goes beyond politics and economics, writes Thomas Tarurongo Wynne. We are a people who, in times of trouble, lashed and tied our vaka together to steady us through the...