Cook Islands

The New Zealand government has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 30 percent below the level of 2005 by 2030.

The Australian government has a similar target, with plans to cut carbon emissions by at least 26 percent of 2005 levels by 2030.

When asked about New Zealand and Australia's emissions targets, Henry Puna said it's up to New Zealand and Australia to decide what is good for them.

He says the important thing is that they come together regularly to talk about those difficult issues.

Team Cook Islands, to be headed by Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) sports manager Siniva Marsters, will be taking part in aquatics (swimming), athletics, lawn bowls and rugby sevens.

Marsters has become the second female after Rosie Blake to lead Team Cook Islands to an international event.

The athletes, aged 14 to 18 years, will be gunning for their personal bests in the week-long games in Apia.

The support comes following an article in CI News on Monday in which Prime Minister Henry Puna said he would not be following the United Nations’ ‘free and equal’ campaign.

Prime Minister Henry Puna first expressed opposition to the legalisation of same-sex marriage on April 28, 2013.

Following the legalisation of same-sex marriage in New Zealand, PM Puna said his government would not be following New Zealand's move.

Papua New Guinea is closest to having deep water mining begin in the Bismarck Sea, while the Cook Islands last week opened up bidding for exploratory licences.

But a principal scientist at New Zealand's National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Malcolm Clark, says scientists working with the Secretariat of the Pacific Community are pushing for more collaboration among Pacific Island countries.

Prime Minister Puna arrives tonight ahead of a series of community and official engagements, including a meeting with Key.

“It was my pleasure to attend the celebrations marking 50 years of Cook Islands self-government in free association with New Zealand in Rarotonga last week,” Key said.

“The anniversary is a significant occasion for both our countries and I am pleased to confirm that New Zealand will return that hospitality, and mark the anniversary with a celebration of our own.

Mr Puna says anyone leaving the Cook Islands will now only have to check in and follow the normal security checks before departure.

However, arrival cards will still need to be completed.

Meanwhile, Mr Puna arrives in New Zealand today for a week of events marking the country's 50th anniversary of self government.

It follows gala events on Rarotonga last week.

TIS which has been voicing concern over the purse seine fishing issue for most of the year, has presented an anti-purse seine fishing petition to Parliament bearing 4000-plus signatures.

The organisation’s technical advisor, Kelvin Passfield says TIS is concerned that, in spite of the voting public asking for a ban on purse seining, government has since issued licences to at least two additional fishing companies to fish in Cook Islands waters.

He says this has been done without any disclosure to the public.

The 'Cook Islands Helmets Saves Lives' group on Facebook generated about 1000 likes within a couple of days of being created.

One of the groups members, Sue Fletcher-Vea, says the group is upset with the tragedies that have been happening on the roads, especially those involving children.

She says they want to raise awareness and push for change because they don't want to see anymore injuries and deaths.

The group has written a letter to the Minister for Police, Teariki Heather, and other relevant authorities requesting for a meeting to discuss the issue.

The Cook Islands celebrates 50 years of self government in free association with New Zealand next week with gala events and a visit by a large delegation from New Zealand headed by the Prime Minister, John Key.

The decision to grant some autonomy while remaining within the Realm of New Zealand was implemented in 1965.

Professor Angelo of Victoria University of Wellington says it was a novel concept at the time and brought the Cook Islands security.

The Cook Islands Rugby Union (CIRU) this week released the 22-member squad. 

In a statement, CIRU says the national 7s head coach Chris Roden will be visiting Rarotonga from August 4 to 7 to observe the local talent at the Cook Islands Games 7s tournament to be played on August 6 and 7 at the BCI Stadium.

Roden has also visited overseas Cook Islands 7s players in Auckland and Melbourne.