News
ISA launches inquiry into deep sea mining firm
The International Seabed Authority Council has launched an inquiry into "non-compliance" by deep sea mining front-runner The Metals Company.
Cook Islanders flock from outer islands for 60th anniversary celebrations
Cook Islands secretary of culture says, "For the first time in a long time, we are able to bring all our people together for a long-awaited reunion." Audio
'Building deterrence': PNG to host part of Australia's largest military exercise
Exercise Talisman Sabre, which began its eleventh iteration on 13 July, has over 30,000 personnel from 19 countries taking part, including the Pacific. Audio
Cook Islands' 60th anniversary: 'Who New Zealand sends, sends a message'
Aotearoa has an opportunity to "show maturity" as Cook Islands celebrates six decades of self-governance, a Cook Islands political analyst says. Audio
Luxon and Peters to miss Cook Islands' 60th Constitution Day celebrations
Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro will represent Aotearoa in Rarotonga.
NZDF not considering recruiting from Pacific nations
The New Zealand Defence Force is not considering recruiting from across the Pacific as talk continues of Australia doing so. Audio
Radiation survivors 'heartbroken' after being excluded from compensation bill
The president of the Pacific Association for Radiation Survivors (PARS) says the US Congress "seems to not understand that we are no different than any state".
Norfolk Island Council defends waste management amid asbestos fears
It says the illegal dumping of asbestos-contaminated material is creating health risks for those who dump the material and potentially to others.
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