Regional
Teahupoo confirmed as 2024 Olympic Games venue, but with a lighter tower
Tuesday 21 November 2023 | Written by RNZ | Published in French Polynesia, Pacific Islands, Regional
After weeks of controversy over potential environmental damages, French Polynesia's iconic site of Teahupoo has been confirmed as the 2024 Olympic Games surfing competitions venue, but it will be set up in a lighter format.
‘People are struggling’: Tikopia continues to suffer post-Lola
Tuesday 21 November 2023 | Written by RNZ | Published in Regional, Vanuatu
Food supplies are running low on Tikopia Island, in the far east of the Solomon Islands, despite fresh supplies arriving on Thursday. The islands crops were destroyed during severe tropical cyclone Lola that made landfall about a month ago.
Rabuka humbled by support from Fijian diaspora in Cook Islands
Tuesday 14 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Fiji, Local, National, Regional
Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka was humbled by the support he received from Fijians residing and working in Rarotonga and Aitutaki during his weeklong visit for the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting last week.
Prime Minister Mark Brown happy with Pacific Islands Forum meeting success
Monday 13 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum
The newly endorsed Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) has received $50million from Saudi Arabia.
Strengthening unity and resilience: Lessons from the Blue Pacific Continent
Saturday 11 November 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum
My recent journey through the Pacific over the past two weeks has been an enlightening experience, one that has left an enduring impression on my perspective.
Cook Islands community delivers ‘impressive setup and hospitality’ for 52nd PIF Leaders’ Meeting: A ‘very beautiful’ event
Saturday 11 November 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Features, National, Pacific Islands Forum, Weekend
Though leaders from the region did not agree on all the matters they discussed during this week’s Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, there’s one thing no one disputes: the people of the Cook Islands staged a spectacular event, writes Rachel Reeves.
Pavilion proves a success for Cook Islands vendors
Saturday 11 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Pacific Islands Forum
The Pacific Partnerships for Prosperity (PPfP) Pavilion was hailed a success, with 55 food and crafts vendors and exhibitors participating at the three-day event this week.
Forum brings economic boom to Aitutaki
Saturday 11 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, National, Outer Islands, Pacific Islands Forum, Weekend
The stunning island of Aitutaki co-hosted the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting for the second time, their first being in 2012, welcoming regional leaders this week for their retreat in the island’s picturesque lagoon.
‘Misunderstanding’: Brown on Nauru President’s exit
Saturday 11 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Nauru, Pacific Islands Forum, Regional
Nauru President David Adeang’s abrupt departure from the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting may have been a case of misunderstanding, says Forum chair and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Pacific Island leaders criticised for silence on Israel-Hamas conflict
Saturday 11 November 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in National, Pacific Islands, Pacific Islands Forum
Protesters who implored Pacific Islands leaders to condemn Israel’s ongoing attack on Palestine are ‘hugely disappointed’ the issue was not raised during a five-day meeting between the region’s leaders in the Cook Islands.
Geo-strategic interest should not dictate leaders’ priorities: Brown
Friday 10 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum
Pacific Islands Forum Leaders chair and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown hopes that the leaders will leave Rarotonga this week with a deeper appreciation and shared understanding of what it means to speak out about the importance of and respect for ‘our voices, our choices, and our Pacific way’.
China vows to continue supporting Pacific nations through Belt and Road Initiative
Friday 10 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum
China will make further announcements on its support for the Pacific region today at the final day of the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Rarotonga.
Pacific Islands Forum leaders welcome Rarotonga Treaty report
Friday 10 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum
Pacific Islands Forum leaders have welcomed a report on Rarotonga Treaty, a nuclear-free zone treaty in the South Pacific, presented by secretary general Henry Puna.
Pacific Islands Forum leaders agree on Waqa for secretary general role
Friday 10 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum
Former Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna will vacate the Pacific Islands Forum secretary general role at the end of his first term next year, after regional leaders agreed to hand over the role to controversial ex-Nauru president Baron Waqa.
2050 Strategy will not sit on a shelf to gather dust: PM Brown
Thursday 9 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum
Pacific Islands Forum Leaders chair and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has reiterated the call for support from Leaders and Heads of Regional Agencies in the implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
Vote for peace: Message to Forum leaders
Thursday 9 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum
The message is clear, “Condemn the killing of displaced Palestinians and God’s innocent children in Gaza- Promote World Peace PLEASE”.
Aitutaki receives Pacific leaders with warm welcome
Thursday 9 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Outer Islands, Pacific Islands Forum
Aitutaki received the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders in heart-warming island style, gifting each of them with a unique Cook Islands hand stitched tivaivai during their welcoming ceremony.
Nauru President walks out, skips Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Retreat on Aitutaki
Thursday 9 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum
The simmering tensions among Pacific Islands Forum leaders over the appointment of the next Secretary-General has resurfaced as Nauru’s president abruptly departed the plenary meeting and declined to participate in the leaders retreat on Aitutaki.
Pacific Leaders endorse Samoa Agreement ahead of signing
Wednesday 8 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum
Pacific Islands Forum Leaders have expressed their unwavering support for the signing of the Samoa Agreement, scheduled to take place in Apia next week.
Punanga Nui Market: A symbol of endurance, resilience, and hope
Wednesday 8 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Pacific Islands Forum
The Punanga Nui Market has been recognised as a symbol of endurance, resilience, and hope. Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, who also chairs the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders, highlighted the market’s significance, which he likened to the Pacific Partnerships for Prosperity.
