Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
Brisbane’s South Pacific network expands to Cook Islands
Asian Aviation
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August 6, 2025
Brisbane Airport has secured its 35th direct international connection with Jetstar to commence flights to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands from May 2026. The new service will operate three times a week, offering Queenslanders a low-cost, non-stop...
Cook Islanders worry over China amid anniversary party
Pacific Media Network
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As the Cook Islands marks the 60th anniversary of its free association with New Zealand, local residents are openly expressing their concerns about the government’s growing ties with China and public statements made by Prime Minister Mark Brown....
Travellers urged to be on alert for dengue, with soaring cases in the Pacific
New Zealand Doctor
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With dengue cases in the Pacific at their highest level in almost a decade, travellers are being urged to protect themselves from being bitten by mosquitoes that spread the sometimes deadly disease. There has also been a significant spike in...
Peters marks Cook Island anniversary with coded message: Don’t risk it all on China
Newstalk ZB
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August 4, 2025
Foreign Minister Winston Peters marked the 60th anniversary of the Cook Islands’ free association with New Zealand with a speech detailing the success and flexibility of the relationship. Though the speech was a positive one, tactfully focusing on...
Cook Islands celebrates 60 years of self-governance amid growing rift with NZ
RNZ
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July 30, 2025
The biggest event in the Cook Islands calendar is currently underway, marking 60 years of free association with New Zealand. It comes at a tense point in the relationship, or as New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters would put it, a...
Cook Islands, Fiji and Samoa name squad for Netball World Youth Cup
RNZ
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July 30, 2025
Fiji under-21 squad members competing in their trials in Suva. 8 July 2025 Photo: Netball Fiji Three of the Pasifika teams that will compete at the Netball World Youth Cup 2025 in Gibraltar have announced strong squads for the event. Cook Islands,...
From the archives: Era of self-government begins in the Cook Islands
Cook Island News
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August 2, 2025
Marguerite Story was the first Speaker from 1965-1979. It is believed that Mrs. Story became the first woman Speaker in the democratic world. RADIO COOK ISLANDS/25080188 This article by W. H. Percival on Rarotonga, published in the September 1965...
The Cook Islands is already experiencing climate effects
Pacific News Service
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Opinion by Mark Brown, Cook Islands Prime Minister It was my privilege to lead a delegation from the Cook Islands to Cop27, which was hosted by Egypt, at Sharm El Sheikh. Expectations of the delegation prior to leaving were of cautious optimism...
Henry Puna calls New Zealand's involvement in Cook Islands politics 'improper'
RNZ
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August 1, 2025
Former Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna Photo: Pacific Islands Forum Former Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna says he thinks it is "improper" for New Zealand to involve itself in the "domestic affairs" of the island nation and issues...
Outer islands' delicacies in hot demand at Cook Islands 60th anniversary celebrations
RNZ
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July 31, 2025
Penrhyn loads up the tray of the truck full of food to donate to the other groups from the Outer Islands. Photo: Caleb Fotheringham Unique island specialties are selling fast at the Cook Islands 60th Constitution celebrations trade days in...
Your Tropical Cook Islands Escape with Pacific Resort Hotel Group is Closer Than You Think
Infonews NZ
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As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, it’s only natural to yearn for sunshine, sea breezes, and the soothing sound of waves gently meeting the shore. What if that dream escape was waiting for you just beyond the horizon? Welcome to the...
Cook Islands Police Open Day aims to boost recruitment, foster community ties
Cook Island News
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July 24, 2025
Sergeant Joseph Napa with some of the first visitors onboard the police patrol vessel Te Kupapa II. 25072332 The Cook Islands Police Service opened its doors to the public this week, offering a rare, behind-the-scenes look at police work,...
Tourist from NZ flight detained in Cook Islands after bag of cannabis and white powder allegedly found
The New Zealand Herald
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July 24, 2025
NZ Herald 24 Jul, 2025 07:05 AMQuick Read Subscribe to listen Access to Herald Premium articles require a Premium subscription. Subscribe now to listen.Subscribe now Save Share Share this article Copy Link Email Facebook Twitter/X LinkedIn...
How the Cook Islands’ Proximity to China Stunned New Zealand
The Fletcher Forum of World Affairs
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By Mridul Jha Since 1997, China has funded various public infrastructure projects on the Cook Islands, which include the Court House, the Ministry of Education, Apii Nikao primary school, and the Rarotonga ring main water system, in addition to...
Cook Islander equals all-time Davis Cup doubles record
Cook Island News
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July 21, 2025
Cook Islands tennis veteran Brett Baudinet has equalled the all-time record for most doubles wins in the Davis Cup. ITF/25072037/ 25072038/ 25072039 Cook Islander Brett Baudinet has equalled the all-time record for most doubles wins in the Davis...
Cook Islanders flock from outer islands for 60th anniversary celebrations
RNZ
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July 20, 2025
The Cook Islands' outer islands, or Pa Enua, are emptying as people make the pilgrimage to Rarotonga for constitution celebrations. Photo: Dozier Marc / hemis.fr / Hemis via AFP The Cook Islands' outer islands, or Pa Enua, are emptying as people...
Hawaii reports 11th case of travel-related dengue this year
Honolulu Star-Advertiser - Hawaii
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August 7, 2025
COURTESY PHOTO This 2006 photograph depicted a female Aedes aegypti mosquito while she was in the process of acquiring a blood meal from her human host, who in this instance, was actually the biomedical photographer, James Gathany, here at the...
Visa-Free Entry: 44 Countries Lebanese Passport-Holders Can Travel To Hassle-Free
MENAFN
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August 5, 2025
(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Want to travel to the chilly mountains of Georgia or roam amongst Rwanda's impeccable wildlife? Lebanese passport-holders can do it all as citizens of the Middle Eastern country can now travel to 44 nations across the...
TOURISM TALANOA | Going beyond the postcard
The Fiji Times
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July 31, 2025
THERE’S no doubt that Fiji has long mastered the art of postcard perfection. Our aquamarine waters, swaying palms and warm, friendly smiles have graced countless brochures and screens, captivating the hearts of visitors from around the world. But...
‘If we can’t get help from NZ, we will go somewhere else’: Cook Islands PM
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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July 23, 2025
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown defended the nation’s new strategic partnership with China, citing the need for diverse international partners to fund a $650 million(US$389 million) infrastructure plan that New Zealand alone cannot support,...