The Latest Breaking News from Cook Islands

Tensions rise as New Zealand freezes millions of dollars in aid to Cook Islands over China deals

New Zealand says funding won’t resume until Pacific nation takes ‘concrete steps to repair relationship and restore trust’

The Independent UK · Jun 19, 2025

New Zealand, the Cook Islands' biggest funder, halts money to the Pacific nation over its China ties

New Zealand has halted millions of dollars in funding to the Cook Islands over agreements the smaller Pacific nation made with China, officials in Wellington said Thursday

The Independent UK · Jun 18, 2025

Never-before-seen chain of volcanoes discovered hiding near the Cook Islands

After suspecting the presence of a series of underwater volcanoes near the Cook Islands, researchers have now mapped out the newly discovered structures.

LiveScience · Mar 26, 2025

Cook Islands gives some detail of its China deal that has upset close partner New Zealand

The South Pacific country of Cook Islands has unveiled the details of a deal with China to boost cooperation after the pact provoked a rare diplomatic clash with the nation’s chief benefactor, New Zealand, and protests at home

The Independent UK · Feb 18, 2025

Hundreds march to Cook Islands’ parliament to oppose deal with China

Protests erupt over Cook Islands’ new strategic partnership with China, raising concerns about ties with New Zealand

The Independent UK · Feb 18, 2025

Cook Islands releases China pact amid pro-NZ protests

Hundreds of Cook Islanders have rallied in favour of keeping their association with New Zealand as details of a new pact with China were released.

AAP · Feb 18, 2025

Cook Islands releases terms of deal with China amid protests about lack of transparency

Agreement includes sections on deep-sea mining and education, document shows, as opposition accuses PM of risking relationship with New Zealand

The Guardian - AU · Feb 18, 2025

Cook Islands PM defends signing of wide-ranging deal with China

Mark Brown says Beijing deal that covers trade, investment, oceans, infrastructure and transport complements ties with New Zealand

The Guardian - AU · Feb 17, 2025

Pacific pitch: new bid's grand plans for NRL expansion

A bid team based out of Auckland have told the NRL they want to play games in Tonga, Samoa and Cook Islands each year, representing the people of the Pacific.

AAP · Feb 14, 2025

Backlash grows to Cook Islands PM's plan for China pact

Mark Brown is facing calls to apologise or quit as Cook Islands Prime Minister over his secretive plans to grow ties with China.

AAP · Feb 13, 2025