A cultural legacy in motion

This is the forth editorial in a series of opinion pieces covering the Cook Islands development journey. Written by Secretary for Cultural Development, Emile Kairua The journey of the Cook Islands from 1965 to 2025 is not only a tale of political evolution and economic development, but also equally a profound story of cultural resilience,…

Building national readiness through emergency simulation: Exercise Itiki’anga

The Office of the Prime Minister is pleased to announce the conclusion of Exercise Itiki’anga, a national emergency preparedness simulation that brought together government agencies, first responders, private sector, NGOs, and community representatives to test the country’s disaster coordination systems. Running throughout this week, the exercise has played a critical role in strengthening national readiness,…

Our voyage to Statehood, 60 years on

Understanding the nature and practice of free-association as we reflect on our development journey – By Hon. Mark Brown, Prime Minister of the Cook Islands     This is the first in a series of opinion pieces covering the Cook Islands development journey. Future editions will invite contributions from subject matter experts and examine the Cook Islands socio-economic development,…

Cook Islands reaffirms sovereignty and commitment to constructive dialogue with New Zealand

The Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, Hon. Mark Brown, today reaffirmed the nation’s sovereign right to engage internationally in accordance with its Constitution and national interests, following recent public discussions surrounding Cook Islands’ bilateral agreements and development partnerships. In an address to Parliament, the Prime Minister emphasised that while the Cook Islands remains in…

Cook Islands proposes Dynamic Ocean Protection Zone for whales

Prime Minister Mark Brown has announced the Cook Islands’ intention to establish Ra’ui To’ora, a Dynamic Ocean Protection Zone for whales, a Pacific-led innovation grounded in Indigenous stewardship and cutting-edge marine science. Unveiled at the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), Ra’ui To’ora will provide seasonal protection for the endangered Oceania sub-population of humpback whales as…