Stories by Caleb Fotheringham
News
Te Pāti Māori co-leader protest against 'aggressive' Cook Islands PM
Debbie Ngarewa-Packer joined more than 400 people in Rarotonga on Tuesday morning to protest against Prime Minister Mark Brown's government.
Watch: Cook Islanders protest against Mark Brown government
More than 400 people took to the streets a day after the prime minister returned from China, where he signed a strategic partnership deal.
'No areas of concern': Cook Islands PM returns home, addresses NZ's China deal fears
Mark Brown is hoping to have "an opportunity to talk" with the New Zealand government to "heal some of the rift"
'Deal with China complements, not replaces, NZ relationship' - Cook Islands PM
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says the deal with China "complements, not replaces" the relationship with New Zealand after signing it on Friday.
Cook Islands signs closely watched China deal
Official ratification of a "comprehensive strategic partnership" agreement is likely to cause consternation in Wellington.
Cook Islands seeks China's expertise in seabed mining
The island's Seabed Minerals Authority says it has held "high-level" discussions with several institutes to advance "sustainable" seabed exploration.
China confirms 'in-depth exchange' with Cook Islands
Beijing revealed details of its meeting with Prime Minister Mark Brown for the first time on Thursday, as New Zealand Foreign Minister faces criticism for bullying. Audio
China: Cook Islands' relationship with Beijing 'should not be restrained'
"The relationship between China and the Cook Islands does not target any third party," the Chinese Foreign Ministry says, as opposition leaders in Rarotonga plan protest.
“自由联合”现分歧,新西兰与库克群岛出现什么问题?
库克群岛的一系列举动让新西兰产生不满--最新分歧是库克群岛计划在协议内容未经与新西兰磋商的情况下与中国签署"全面战略伙伴关系"。
The stoush between NZ and the Cook Islands, explained
Diplomatic tension between the Cook Islands and New Zealand is growing. Here's what it's about, what China has to do with it, and why it matters.
Cook Islands police hit by 'realities of job market'
Police spokesperson Trevor Pitt told RNZ Pacific that they were in need of between 30 and 40 staff. Audio
Mark Brown on China deal: 'No need for NZ to sit in the room with us'
The Cook Islands prime minister says New Zealand is asking for too much oversight over its deal with Beijing which is expected to be signed next week.
NZ and Cook Islands at odds over diplomatic issues
"We can confirm that there are a number of issues on which New Zealand and the Cook Islands Government currently do not see eye to eye," the spokesperson for Deputy PM Winston Peters said.
Kokonut Cafe crocodiles to be rehomed in Solomon Islands
Two large saltwater crocodiles living in caged pits behind a café in Solomon Islands are set to be rehomed by a New Zealand animal charity.
Plea to Indonesia's President to stop human rights abuses
The international advocacy group, Human Rights Watch, has put out a plea to Indonesia's President to stop human rights abuses in West Papua.
Winston Peters' handling of Kiribati relations criticised by Pacific expert
Victoria University academic Dr Iati Iati says the New Zealand Foreign Minister needed "to be a bit more humble" in deadling with the situation. Audio
NZ-Kiribati fallout: 'Questionable precedent'
Ruth Cross Kwansing, a New Zealand-born Kiribati MP, has come to her president's defence in the diplomatic row between Wellington and Tarawa.
Safeguarding reefs: Marshall Islands establishes first marine protected area
The country is putting two of its most remote atolls, Bikar and Bokak, under protection from fishing, covering 48,000 square kilometres - about the size of Switzerland.
NZ-Kiribati fallout: Peters rejects excuse as Hipkins urges constructive diplomacy
The Foreign Minister has hit back at comments by a Kiribati government minister that the island nation's leader failed to receive him because of pre-planned commitments.
Samoa and NZ discuss compensation over Manawanui sinking
Samoa and New Zealand have been in discussions over Manawanui compensation, Samoa's CEO of Ministry of Works Transport and Infrastructure says.
Cook Islands police struggle to fill 40 vacancies
Cook Islands Police is short by about 40 staff and low remuneration rates are making it difficult to drum up new recruits.
Tourism in the Cook Islands bounces back from Covid
Total visitor numbers in the Cook Islands in 2024 could rival the pre-pandemic high set in 2019.