Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
New Zealand halts money to a Pacific nation over its China ties
Associated Press
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June 18, 2025
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand has halted millions of dollars in funding to the Cook Islands over the “breadth and content” of agreements the smaller Pacific nation made with China, officials from the New Zealand Foreign Minister’s...
Letter: NZ pauses funding support
Cook Island News
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June 19, 2025
Dear Editor, Aotearoa has closed the coin purse where Cook Islands politicians have had such free access for decades that they are no different than spoiled children when Mum and Dad finally reach the same point where misdeeds mean a cut in...
Mangaia seeks clarity on seabed mining, welcomes engagement
Cook Island News
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June 18, 2025
Three of the traditional leaders in Mangaia under the leadership of Mangaia’s Numangatini Ariki Tangitamaiti Tereapii during the consultation. TALAIA MIKA/ 25061713 Concerns over proposed seabed mining in the Cook Islands are beginning to ease in...
CISNOC secretary general Lewis resigns ‘due to personal reasons’
Cook Island News
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June 18, 2025
Keziah Lewis. CIB/24050805 The head of Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) Keziah Lewis has resigned. The CISNOC committee has confirmed this stating that Lewis made this decision due to personal reasons and an opportunity...
Are Pa Metua building to be relocated as part of market redevelopment
Cook Island News
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June 18, 2025
Subject to weather and subcontractor availability, the building is expected to be relocated from the market site beginning at 5am this Thursday. CIIC/25061740 The Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) has commenced the relocation of the Are...
Air Tahiti Unveils TERAIEFA: A New ATR 72-600 Honoring Tuamotu Heritage
FTN News
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June 27, 2025
Air Tahiti has introduced TERAIEFA, a new ATR 72-600 aircraft that embodies both technological advancement and deep cultural roots. With a name drawn from the Tuamotu archipelago’s Reo Mihiroa language meaning “the appearing sky” or “the skies...
Budget debate starts as PAC backs $336 million spending
Cook Island News
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June 17, 2025
Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chair Teokotai Herman in Parliament on June 16, 2025. LOSIRENE LACANIVALU/25061623 The 2025/26 Cook Islands National Budget, totalling $336,135,968, has been scrutinised and reviewed by the Public Accounts Committee...
Te Ipukarea Society: Questioning the concept of deep seabed mining
Cook Island News
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June 21, 2025
Dr Chris Fleming, an economist from Grifith University in Queensland, Australia, talking at the Deep Ocean Symposium in Rarotonga last year. TIS/25062020 In a recent Time Magazine article, explorer and investor Victor Vescovo asserts that the...
Pacific news in brief for 18 June
RNZ
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June 17, 2025
Last year, the late Kiingi Tuheitia and Cook Islands Kaumaiti Nui Toa Ariki signed a treaty that seeks to grant more protections for whales. Photo: Supplied: Operation Cetaces Tonga - whales Tonga's princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tuku'aho is...
New List of Countries you can Travel Visa-Free with Pakistani Passport in 2025
Daily Pakistan
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June 27, 2025
ISLAMABAD – Pakistani passport holders can now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 30 countries, marking a notable improvement in the country’s global travel standing. According to the latest data released by Henley & Partners,...
Pacific Workshop to Promote Sustainable Gastronomy Tourism
Pacific Tourism Organisation
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June 27, 2025
UN Tourism, in partnership with the Mountain Partnership Secretariat at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and in collaboration with the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), will officially launch the “Development of...
Ports works with MFEM and CIIC
Cook Island News
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June 16, 2025
Avatiu Harbour. LOSIRENE LACANIVALU / 25061219 Cook Islands Ports Authority (CIPA) has confirmed that they are working closely with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) and Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) on a solution...
China in the Pacific – Joint statement of the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
The Fiji Times
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June 26, 2025
FROM May 28 to 29, 2025, the People’s Republic of China and Pacific Island Countries having diplomatic relations with China (hereinafter referred to as “All parties”) held the third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The...
Verdict on tariffs kept off fast track
Arkansas Democrat Gazette
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June 21, 2025
Let us read it for you. Listen now. Your browser does not support the audio element. The Supreme Court on Friday rejected a push from an Illinois toy company asking for a quick decision on the legality of President Donald Trump's tariffs. Learning...
Global Tobacco Epidemic: WHO Warns of Rising Industry Interference
MedEdge MEA
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June 27, 2025
The World Health Organization (WHO) released its report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic 2025 at the World Conference on Tobacco Control in Dublin, warning that action is needed to maintain and accelerate progress in tobacco control as rising...
Asia New Zealand Foundation poll shows more Kiwis see China as threat, US trust hits new low
The New Zealand Herald
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June 16, 2025
New Zealanders’ perception of China as a threat rose from 28% in November 2024 to 40% in March 2025. The shift comes after developments in the Pacific region such as China’s naval exercises in the Tasman Sea and the signing of a strategic...
Pacific leaders call for peace amid Middle East tensions as Melanesia eyes regional solidarity
Pacific Media Network
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Pacific leaders have voiced their worries about the ongoing political unrest around the world, especially the conflicts involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. The concerns were shared during a meeting of the Melanesian Spearhead Group...
Pacific news in brief for 26 June
RNZ
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June 25, 2025
Photo: ppart/123RF Tonga - budget Tonga's current 17 Peoples' Representatives in parliament will each have TOP $100,000 (approx. NZ$69,000) in constituency funds to spend ahead of the November general election. This was approved in parliament on...
Students flock to 2025 Careers Expo to explore their futures
Cook Island News
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June 20, 2025
Ministry of Finance and Economic Management staff members with interested Tereora College students at the 2025 Careers Expo held at the National Auditorium yesterday. TEITIMOANA TAIRI/25061909 The 2025 Careers Expo welcomed many students from...
World Blood Donor Day strong community support
Cook Island News
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June 14, 2025
The Cook Islands Red Cross Society celebrated a successful World Blood Donor Day event in town this week, drawing strong support from donors and the local community. MELINA ETCHES/25061332 The Cook Islands Red Cross Society celebrated a successful...