Asia-Pacific regulators release world’s first guidelines for commercial operation of air taxis, drones

[SINGAPORE] Asia-Pacific aviation regulators have published the world’s first set of guidelines on air taxis and drones, anticipating future commercial operation of these vehicles in the region. Regulators can voluntarily adopt the guidelines,...

New Zealand pauses Cook Islands funding over China deal stoush

By Adam Pearse Deputy Political Editor·NZ Herald· 18 Jun, 2025 07:51 PM2 mins to read Subscribe to listen Access to Herald Premium articles require a Premium subscription. Subscribe now to listen.Subscribe now ‌ Save Share Share this article Copy...

USCGC Harriet Lane Conducts Maritime Law Enforcement Operations With Cook Islands Partners 

From Coast Guard 14th District External Affairs, June 16, 2025 RAROTONGA, Cook Islands – The U.S. Coast Guard concluded bilateral maritime law enforcement operations alongside Cook Islands law enforcement partners offshore Rarotonga Friday. The...

New Zealand has suspended millions in funding to the Cook Islands over its growing China ties

New Zealand halts millions of funds to Cook Islands over its China ties

New Zealand halts Cook Islands funding over China row

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

Kiwi travellers urged to prioritise health insurance as dengue outbreaks surge across the Pacific

Travellers from New Zealand planning a getaway to tropical destinations are being urged to grab comprehensive travel insurance, as dengue fever cases continue to climb in certain Pacific countries. Fiji has been particularly hit hard, reporting...

PNG women’s football team ready for OFC Nations Cup semifinal against Fiji

Team PNG during the OFC Women's Nations Cup 2025 final group stage against Cook Islands at Churchill Park, Lautoka, Fiji, last week (Image: Kirk Corrie) Papua New Guinea is geared up for a challenging encounter with Fiji when the two teams meet...

Letter: ‘People have the right to their money’

Dear Editor, And there we have it. In black and white. From the horses’ mouth. Unsaid since the Cook Islands Superannuation fund was established. But now the tide has gone out and guess who is swimming naked? Messieurs Beddoes and George confirm...

Te Maeva Nui sponsors honoured

Te Are Ariki, Tauranga Vananga and Te Maeva Nui sponsors gather at Atupare Marae. MELINA ETCHES/25071510 A special function was held at Atupare Marae in Arorangi on Monday night to honour and thank the long-standing sponsors of Te Maeva Nui, the...

VIDEO: Iranian women's team support armed forces

TEHRAN, Jul. 13 (MNA) – Before their match against the Cook Islands at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup China 2025, Iran’s women’s national basketball team gave a military salute in a show of support for the Iranian armed forces.

Tradition in Tanzania: Reviving East Africa’s Ocean Heritage

While grassroots efforts thrive, a transformative movement is reshaping legal frameworks on a global scale. The concept of Ocean Rights advocates for recognising the legal rights of the ocean as a living entity, acknowledging its intrinsic value...

Young ‘non-smokers’ are vaping

The Cook Islands banned the sale or importation of imitation tobacco products, including vapes and e-cigarettes, last year, but their use among residents remains a concern. With vapes originally created to help tobacco smokers quit, an issue Te...

Tall ship banned from entering Aberdeen harbour due to Russian captain

A ship sailing to a Tall Ships Race 2025 has been banned from entering UK waters - due to sanctions against Russian vessels. The TS Shtandart, a replica of an 18th Century flagship of Peter the Great, has been denied entry to Aberdeen Port due to...

Tall ship denied entry to Scots harbour due to Russian-born captain

A tall ship has been denied entry into the Port of Aberdeen due to it being captained by a Russian-born man. The TS Shtandart released an open letter directed to the city’s port authorities, confirming that they had also been excluded from the...

These are the tropical islands Aussies most want to visit - and it's not Bali

There's something about an island that screams holiday. Preferably if it's studded with palm trees and fringed in white sand and shimmering water. So it's no wonder travel experts have decided to put together a 'hot list' of the best. DEAL: Save...

Is New Caledonia's agreement a 'new chapter' or a 'betrayal'?

By Doug Dingwall, Jordan Fennell and Johnson Raela, ABC with wires French officials met with New Caledonian representatives in Paris to negotiate an agreement on the territory's status. Photo: AP French President Emmanuel Macron hailed it a...

PNG, Fiji meet in rematch of OFC 2022

PAPUA New Guinea are all geared up for their OFC Women’s Nations Cup semifinal match against Fiji today at 1pm in Lautoka, Fiji. PNG and Fiji have a shared rivalry history over the years and today’s clash is a rematch of the 2022 final. In that...

Funding crucial as Te Are Manu aims for regular Pa Enua vet visits

Desexing procedures with SPCA and Te Are Manu on one of their visits to the outer islands. KATIE BIRD/25070823 Te Are Manu vet clinic recently visited the outer islands of Atiu, Mitiaro, Mangaia and Mauke, providing essential health checks and...