Cook Islands

The country will extend seabed minerals exploration for a further five years, pushing the decision on whether to mine its polymetallic nodules-rich seafloor to at least 2032.

The Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council is demanding answers as the diplomatic dispute between the Cook Islands and New Zealand deepens.

A bushfire that broke out around midday Sunday (Monday NZT) in the tourism hotspot caused anxiety among residents and tourists as smoke drifted across homes and nearby resorts.

The Cook Islands government says it remains committed to free association with New Zealand despite recent disagreements and trust issues between the two governments. Audio

The fuel tanker Media, which is currently undergoing technical inspection and repair work in Fiji, was originally scheduled to reach Rarotonga last week.

The research/survey vessel Da Yang Hao is the second marine scientific research collaboration for Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority.

One of the two fuel suppliers in the Cook Islands is running out of diesel.

The Miss Cook Islands Association successfully revived the national pageant this year, since its previous staging in 2019.

This follows Air New Zealand's announcement of a new seasonal direct flight between Christchurch and Rarotonga from May to October 2026.

There is still not enough known about the seafloor to decide if deep sea mining can start in the Cook Islands, government scientist says.

The new head of Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority says public trust and open dialogue will be at the centre of the Cook Islands' seabed minerals journey.