New Zealand’s pointless ‘war’ with the Cook Islands must end – Richard Prebble

I was in Rarotonga last week. We are not winning. Tourism is booming. Our plane was so full that Air New Zealand offered another night’s accommodation for a passenger to offload. We know how this war started. The Cook Islands Government signed a...

Etched in history’: Moana win first trophy for Cook Islands

Jazmon Tupou-Witchman was torn between continuing to represent her mother’s Cook Islands heritage or joining the new look Tonga side but she chose to stay with the Moana and is now “etched in history”. Tupou-Witchman, whose father and the mother...

Cook Islands storm to 42-24 win over Tonga in Pacific Bowl

The Cook Islands Moana defeated Tonga XIII 42-24 in a packed encounter on Saturday as they claimed the women’s Pacific Bowl title. Tonga exploded out of the blocks with a 10-0 lead, thanks to a try by Emmanita Paki followed by a slick chip kick to...

Cook Islands Moana crowned 2025 Women’s Pacific Bowl Champions

The Cook Islands Moana have been crowned Women’s Pacific Bowl champions after defeating Tonga 42-24 in an entertaining final. Tonga opened the match with intensity, dominating the first 10 minutes, but the Moana quickly settled into their game and...

Cook Islands Moana Lead Early Against Tonga XIII in Pacific Championships Opener

​The opening match of the 2025 Women’s Pacific Championships is currently underway at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby, with the Cook Islands Moana taking an early lead over Tonga XIII. Under grueling hot conditions, both sides are...

Women’s Pacific Championships Highlights: Cook Islands Moana v Tonga XIII

Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia are on their way to New Zealand

Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia, as of Monday, were more than 600 miles out in the ocean since departing Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. The Polynesian voyaging canoes are sailing to New Zealand, or Aotearoa, as part of the Moananuiākea voyage, a...

Cook Islanders confront U.S-funded vessel over seabed mining threat

RAROTONGA (PMN) — Four Cook Islands activists in kayaks confronted a United States-funded exploration vessel as it returned to port in Rarotonga on Wednesday, holding a banner that read “Don’t Mine the Moana.” In a bold act of oceanic resistance,...

Fulltime: Cook Islands Moana Triumphs 42-24 Over Resilient Tonga

The Cook Islands Moana clinched a decisive victory over Tonga in a rollercoaster match at the Santos National Football Stadium, ultimately running out 42-24 winners in their opening clash of the 2025 Women's Pacific Championships. The game proved...

Seabed expedition called milestone in US-Cook Islands collaboration

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The United States research vessel E/V Nautilus was officially welcomed at Avatiu Wharf on Wednesday local time with a traditional ceremony celebrating a new era of ocean exploration and scientific partnership in the...

PNG Prime Minister Marape Applauds Brisbane Broncos’ Role in Empowering Youth

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has applauded the Brisbane Broncos for inspiring thousands of young people during their nationwide visit, calling their engagement a model of sports diplomacy and youth empowerment. Mr. Marape said the...

Pacific activists protest deep sea mining as U.S-owned exploration vessel docks in Cook Islands

RAROTONGA (GREENPEACE) — Holding a banner reading “Don’t Mine the Moana” Cook Islands activists confronted an exploration vessel as it returned to Rarotonga port today, peacefully protesting the emerging threat of deep-sea mining. Four activists...

PNG Prime Minister Praises Broncos for Inspiring Youth Through Sport

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has commended the Brisbane Broncos for their uplifting visit to the country, saying the team’s presence has reignited passion and hope among young people through sport. Mr. Marape expressed his...

Cook Islanders confront US-funded vessel over seabed mining threat

Four Cook Islands activists in kayaks confronted a United States-funded exploration vessel as it returned to port in Rarotonga on Wednesday, holding a banner that read “Don’t Mine the Moana.” In a bold act of oceanic resistance, the group targeted...

Fiji qualifies for its first-ever women's Rugby League World Cup

Photo: International Rugby League Facebook The Fiji Bulikula have qualified for the women's Rugby League World Cup for the first time. The Bulikula beat Nigeria 62-4 on Monday morning to earn the eight and final place at next year's tournament....

NCEA changes: Cook Islands education ministry submits official feedback

By Teitimoana Tairi, Cook Islands News Photo: RNZ The Cook Islands Education Ministry has submitted formal feedback to New Zealand regarding the proposed overhaul of the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) after consulting with...

Pacific activists protest deep sea mining as US-owned exploration vessel docks in Cook Islands

Avarua, Rarotonga, Holding a banner reading “Don’t Mine the Moana” Cook Islands activists confronted an exploration vessel as it returned to Rarotonga port today, peacefully protesting the emerging threat of deep sea mining. Four activists in...

Women break maritime barriers

Marshallese Lina Harry and Raelin T. Bing are in Busan, Republic of Korea to participate in the 2025 IMO-ITCP Global Onboard Training Program. Lina graduated with a Certificate of Completion Rating Forming Part of a Navigation Watch in May 2025...

Cook Islands Moana beat Orchids, in opening Pacific Bowl clash

Cook Islands Moana players celebrate their 34-6 win over PNG on Saturday, in Port Moresby. Photo: Cooks Islands Rugby League Kiwi Ferns v Fetu Samoa 3.35pm Sunday, 19 October Go Media Stadium, Auckland Live blog updates on RNZ Kiwis v Toa Samoa...

Cook Islands Moana crush PNG Orchids 34-6

The Cook Islands Moana held off the PNG Orchids in the second half to claim a convincing 34–6 victory in the 2025 Pacific Championships Women’s opening match at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. The Moana proved to be the stronger...