Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
Greenpeace USA Condemns U.S.–Cook Islands Deep-Sea Mining Talks as Backdoor Push for Extraction
Greenpeace International
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August 7, 2025
Greenpeace International activists peacefully confronted UK Royal Research Ship James Cook in the East Pacific waters as it returned from a seven-week long expedition to a section of the Pacific Ocean targeted for deep sea mining. An activist...
Cook Islands at a crossroads: Calls for honesty and renewed Pacific partnership
Pacific Media Network
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Tuesday, New Zealand time, marks 60 years since the establishment of the Cook Islands as a self-governing nation in free association with New Zealand. The relationship is now caught between legacy and ambition, sovereignty and partnership. Aupito...
US says it has started seabed mining talks with the Cook Islands
ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
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August 7, 2025
As the Cook Islands mark 60 years of self-governance, the United States has begun talks with the island nation about researching seabed mineral exploration and development. According to a joint statement, the two governments have begun discussions...
US woos Cook Islands on deep-sea mining
E&E News
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August 6, 2025
Trump administration officials say they’re in talks with the Cook Islands government to develop minerals in the South Pacific Ocean mere months after the island nation signed a similar agreement with China. The State Department on Monday said the...
US Begins Talks With Cook Islands Over Seabed Minerals
Asia Financial
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August 6, 2025
US officials have begun talks with the Cook Islands for research on seabed mineral exploration and development, the US State Department said on Tuesday. The Cook Islands lie halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii and are made up of 15 islands and...
US and Cook Islands Partner on Seabed Minerals Exploration
The Assay
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August 7, 2025
The United States and the Cook Islands have commenced discussions aimed at jointly exploring and developing seabed mineral resources within the Cook Islands’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), according to an official joint statement released on 5...
Mark Brown rejects talk of ‘strategic shift’ in Cook Islands-New Zealand relationship
Asia Pacific Report
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August 6, 2025
By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist in Rarotonga The Cook Islands has no intention of leaving its special relationship with New Zealand, says Prime Minister Mark Brown. The Cook Islands marked 60 years of self-governance in free...
Christopher Luxon: Prime Minister talks unemployment, Cook Islands, Road User Charges
Newstalk ZB
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August 6, 2025
The Prime Minister's blaming New Zealand's rising unemployment on the last Government's economic management. The rate's hit a five-year high of 5.2%, just shy of Treasury’s predicted 5.4%. Christopher Luxon told Kerre Woodham when inflation rises,...
US Begins Talks With Cook Islands On Seabed Mineral Research Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Arise News
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August 6, 2025
The United States has officially commenced discussions with the Cook Islands on supporting research into seabed mineral exploration and development within the Pacific nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the US State Department announced on...
US begins talks with Cook Islands on seabed mining, gears up to compete with China
The Pacific Island Times
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August 6, 2025
The U.S. has begun discussions with the Cook Islands on the exploration of seabed minerals within its waters, in a bid to catch up with China, which has previously clinched a similar deal with the island nation. “Together, we commit to advancing...
TMC Chief Gerard Barron Warns Cook Islands Seafloor Resources Will Fall Into China’s Hands If US Fails To ‘Show Some Love'
Asianet Newsable
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August 6, 2025
The Metals Company (TMC) CEO Gerard Barron praised the U.S. move to initiate talks with the Cook Islands over seabed resources, but warned that China could take advantage if Washington, D.C., does not step in. “The Cooks have an abundant seafloor...
French Polynesia, Cook Islands sign air services agreement
RNZ
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August 5, 2025
Cook Islands and French Polynesia leaders Mark Brown and Moetai Brotherson have signed an agreement on airlinks. 5 August 2025. Photo: Présidence de la Polynésie French Polynesia and the Cook Islands have signed an air services agreement (ASA)...
‘Strong as steel and unbreakable’- Cook Islands celebrates 60th anniversary
Pacific Media Network
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As the morning sun rose over Rarotonga yesterday, the national flag of the Cook Islands fluttered proudly once again, marking not only the 60th anniversary of the nation’s self-governance in free association with New Zealand, but also the enduring...
Winston Peters delivers reminders to Cook Islands Government
Pacific News Service
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New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister says NZ “had a duty to act” if the Cook Islands Government passed laws or took actions that “were offensive to New Zealand’s governing norms” or “injurious to Cook Islanders”. At an event celebrating 60 years...
Will’s Word: A moment of pride and unity for the Cook Islands
Pacific Media Network
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I’ve criticised Mark Brown before and I still believe in holding him, and any government frankly, to account. But as I stood in Rarotonga yesterday and listened to his speech marking 60 years since the Cook Islands became self-governing, I felt...
US says it has started seabed mineral talks with Cook Islands
The Straits Times
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August 6, 2025
WASHINGTON – The US has begun talks with the Cook Islands for research on seabed minerals exploration and development, the State Department said on Aug 5. The Cook Islands, which had a population of 15,040 in 2021, lies halfway between New Zealand...
Cook Islands and Tonga strengthen bilateral ties ahead of celebrations
Cook Island News
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August 2, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Brown yesterday welcomed the Prime Minister of Tonga and current Pacific Islands Forum Chair, Dr. Aisake Eke, to Rarotonga to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Cook Islands self-governance. OPM/25080195 Cook Islands Prime...
NZ Governor-General praises Cook Islands women for community leadership
Cook Island News
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August 5, 2025
New Zealand’s Governor General, Dame Cindy Kiro, praised the Cook Islands National Council of Women for their tireless work in uplifting women and families across the nation, during her heartfelt address at the special gathering held in her...
‘Strong as steel and unbreakable’- Cook Islands celebrates 60 years of self-governance
Cook Island News
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August 5, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Brown, alongside others who celebrated their 60th birthday yesterday, cut the cake at the National Auditorium to mark the Cook Islands’ 60th anniversary of self-governance in free association with New Zealand. OPM/25080422 As...
US, Cook Islands Begin Talks On Seabed Mining
StratNews Global
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August 6, 2025
Home North America US, Cook Islands Begin Talks On Seabed Mining The Cook Islands was within the New Zealand borders from 1901. In 1965, it became self governing but in free association with New Zealand. The United States has started discussions...