Cook Islands

Tropical Cyclone Nat is passing through the Cook Islands with strong winds and heavy swell warnings in place for the southern group of islands.

Tropical depression (TD06F) has been upgraded to category 1 Tropical Cyclone Nat near the Cook Islands.

A tropical depression (TD06F) was located about 500 kilometres north-northwest of Palmerston Island at 2am Cook Islands time.

Prime Minister Mark Brown said a by-election will be held within 60 days of the vacancy occurring.

Cook Islands Deputy Prime Minister Robert Tapaitau and two former high ranking government officials have been found guilty of corruption related charges.

Prime Minister Mark Brown said the opening of the airport in 1974 marked the beginning of a new age of prosperity and development for the island nation.

The Cook Islands economy is bracing for a more than $2 million loss in revenue when direct flights from Australia are suspended for the final month of summer.

The Papua New Guinea women's cricket team, the Lewas, has successfully defended its Pacific Cup championship title beating Aotearoa Māori.

There's a call for the Cook Islands to jump a day ahead and align its clocks closer to New Zealand and Aussie.

Cooks Islands tourism figures for 2023 have exceeded the industry's expectations and the national tourist office says "future proofing" the sector needs to be a priority.