Regional
Fiji and PNG leaders appointed Special Envoys to West Papua
Tuesday 7 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum
Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape and Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka have been appointed as Special Envoys to address issues surrounding West Papua.
Fiji Airways inaugural charter flight lands at Rarotonga airport with nine Pacific leaders
Tuesday 7 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum, Tourism
The inaugural Fiji Airways charter flight from Nadi to Rarotonga touched down at Rarotonga International Airport at midnight on Sunday, with nine Pacific leaders and their delegations arriving for the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
‘It’s quite an opportunity for the island’: Aitutaki gears up for Forum Leaders visit
Tuesday 7 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in National, Outer Islands, Pacific Islands Forum
Aitutaki is gearing up to host Pacific Island leaders taking part in the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting in Rarotonga.
Cook Islands, PM Brown put on a show for Pacific Leaders
Tuesday 7 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum
The 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting got off to a colourful start with a proud display of vibrant Cook Islands culture and tradition at the National Auditorium on Monday night.
Polynesian bloc calls for halt to Fukushima wastewater release
Tuesday 7 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum
The Polynesian bloc will call for a pause in the discharge of treated radioactive water by Japan from its damaged Fukushima power plant at the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting this week.
Concerns over $100 fee to meet Fiji PM Rabuka
Monday 6 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum
Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is willing to cancel his official engagement to meet with Fijians residing in Rarotonga after concerns were raised about the $100 entry fee for a private meet and greet session with him.
PM Brown holds bilateral talks with Pacific leaders
Monday 6 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum
More Pacific leaders have arrived in the Cook Islands to participate in the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM52), which begins today with the Pacific subregional meetings followed by the official opening tonight.
Supermarket stocks up for regional meeting and festive season
Monday 6 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, National, Pacific Islands Forum
Prime Foods in Rarotonga is reporting an increase in demand for meat, produce, and dry goods as the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting begins today, and the festive season nears.
Three leaders skip Pacific Islands Forum Meeting
Monday 6 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum
The 52nd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting gets underway today with sub-regional meetings without leaders from three Melanesian nations.
Public service fully cooperates to ensure hosting ‘second to none’
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum
Cook Islands Public Service Commissioner Carl Hunter says the nation has always been renowned for coming together as a people to successfully host major regional and international events.
Pacific region is not a region of competition but of collaboration: PM Brown
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum
Prime Minister Mark Brown has called for the need to respect and acknowledge Pacific Island countries’ decisions as they mature and assert their independent sovereignty.
A taste of Cook Islands at Pacific Partnerships for Prosperity Pavilion
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features, National, Pacific Islands Forum
The pride and flavour of Cook Islands will be on show at the Pacific Partnerships for Prosperity (PPfP) Pavilion, showcasing the work of 55 registered food and crafts vendors and exhibitors, at the Punanga Nui Market next week.
Pacific leaders welcomed in traditional Cook Islands style
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, National, Pacific Islands Forum
Pacific leaders arriving for the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting hosted by the Cook Islands are being welcomed at the Rarotonga International Airport in traditional Cook Islands style, with a traditional chant, riveting drum beats, and enchanting dancers.
Café operators brew-ing up for Pacific Islands Forum
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, Go Local, National, Pacific Islands Forum
Café operators surrounding the venue for a Pacific Islands Forum gathering at the National Auditorium are anticipating patron numbers will reach those of peak tourism season during the event.
Seamstresses sew up a storm for Forum Meeting volunteers
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, Go Local, National, Pacific Islands Forum
The 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting has brought a flurry of activity to the island’s seamstresses as they sew up a storm to diligently produce uniforms for the workers engaged in organising the Forum.
Resort ready to roll out the red carpet (and smiles!)
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Go Local, National, Pacific Islands Forum, Tourism
Nautilus Resort in Muri is ready to welcome Pacific Island leaders who will be attending the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Rarotonga.
Refurbished rooms ready for Forum guests
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Go Local, National, Pacific Islands Forum, Tourism
The Edgewater Resort and Spa and Club Raro Resort are looking forward to welcoming Pacific Islands Forum delegates to their resorts.
Welcome to the Cook Islands!
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum
Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown welcomes our Pacific Islands leaders, partners and guests to the Cook Islands.
Spick and span: Agencies partner to give Rarotonga a facelift for Forum
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, National, Pacific Islands Forum, Weekend
It’s taken six months to get there as Rarotonga looks set to be spick and span for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
Last minute touches as leaders prepare to meet
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, National, Pacific Islands Forum
Thousands of people are anticipated to converge on the National Auditorium (Are Kariori Nui) over the coming week, with months of planning and preparation behind the scenes.
