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RNZ News
6 hours ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
Cook Islands, Fiji and Samoa name squad for Netball World Youth Cup
Fiji under-21 squad members competing in their trials in Suva. 8 July 2025 Photo: Netball Fiji Three of the Pasifika teams that will compete at the Netball World Youth Cup 2025 in Gibraltar have announced strong squads for the event. Cook Islands, Fiji and Samoa have all named their squad, with Tonga being the only exception. Netball Tonga chief executive Salote Sisifa says the team's coaching and management team have yet to finalise and release details of the Junior Tala squad. The four teams are representing Pasifika at the NWYC 2025, with matches scheduled to roll off on Saturday, 20 September. Cook Islands are in Pool A along with New Zealand, Gibraltar, Malaysia and Zambia. Samoa is in Pool B with Australia, Scotland, Singapore and Northern Ireland. Pool C will feature Tonga against England, Jamaica, Wales and Sri Lanka, while Fiji is in Pool D alongside South Africa, Malawi, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago. Round-robin pool hames will be held from 20-24 September, with play-offs scheduled for 25 September. Cook Islands' final team was selected after a series of trials and the selection process involving trials held in Rarotonga in April and a second one recently in Brisbane. Photo: Cook Islands Netball Netball Cook Islands confirmed last weekend that only two local players are part of their 12-player squad. Rarotonga-based players Mere-Jean Piri and Mahanarei Short are the only local players in the squad, which is dominated by players from Australia. Cook Islands News reported that the squad will hold a training camp in Auckland before the September tournament. Two other Rarotonga players Tashi Kopu and Melody Tommy have been named as the non-travelling reserves. Assistant coach and former national rep Luciana Nicholas said the team is a good mix. "We're taking to the world and confident that we will do well," she told Cook Islands News. The final team was selected after a series of trials and Nicholas said the selection process involved trials held in Rarotonga in April and a second one recently in Brisbane, Australia. Nicholas said that in three weeks' time the team will travel to Auckland for training camp. She said they would be sorting out some combinations and bonding during the camp from August 13-17. "In three weeks' time we will be having a camp in Auckland where we will get some combinations going," she said. "We will start some bonding because this is probably the first time we've been together as a team of 12 with our non-travelling reserves as well." Nicholas has acknowledged all their supporters who are helping them get to Gibraltar. Cook Islands will take on hosts Gibraltar on September 20 in their first game, face New Zealand on September 21, have a September 22 clash against Malaysia and tackle Zambia on September 23. Cook Islands: Tia Crombie (Brisbane), Genesis Foster-Jonassen (Melbourne), Charlize Gable-Joseph (Melbourne), Aaliyah Koteka (Perth), Sierra Lau'ese (Auckland), Mere-Jean Piri (Rarotonga), Charniah Shepherd (Sydney), Mahanarei Short (Rarotonga), Ngahuia Te-Rure (Brisbane), Jazaria Tongotongo (Sydney), Kydan Tuapou (Brisbane), Deja-Maree Waitere-Patterson (Brisbane); Non-travelling reserves: Tashi Kopu (Rarotonga), Merua Matapo (Perth) Melody Tommy (Rarotonga). Samoa squad members at their final trial in Apia. Photo: Netball Samoa Samoa under-21 netball team head coach Paula Stuart said their campaign so far has been driven by passion. She said, during the squad announcement last week, that their campaign has been long and tough. "The journey toward the World Youth Cup began two years ago, and qualifying by winning the regional tournament in the Cook Islands is already a massive achievement for Netball Samoa," she said. "This campaign has been driven by passion, discipline, and national pride." Stuart said the squad selection were based on player performances as individuals and at trials held. "These trials were critical in identifying the next wave of talent, and they were made possible by the unwavering support of our Samoan communities across Samoa, Australia, and New Zealand," she said. "This team reflects not only talent, but the growing legacy of Netball Samoa, a campaign that continues to unite and uplift our community." Stuart said the support of Netball Samoa, through president Peseta Noumea Simi and chief executive Justine Samu plus the work of team officials made their campaign easier. Assistant Coach Natalie Mathews, who also leads the national team Tifamoana, said the final camp in Apia was "more than just the final trial and it symbolises growth, connection, and pride". It was an opportunity for the players to be together as a squad for the first time, with some players being able to be in Samoa for the first time. "Bringing our girls home, some for the very first time, created a powerful sense of identity and belonging," she said. "It's not only about who they are as athletes, but who they are as young women, grounded in culture and family. "Thank you to the Netball Samoa staff for running such a large-scale camp while continuing their daily operations. The care, effort, and heart behind this camp has been truly special." Samu said they are proud of the squad named and called for more support, especially financially, to assist the team on their trip. "This marks a significant milestone for our young athletes, who have trialled and trained with dedication and pride to represent Samoa on the world stage," she stated. "As we prepare for this international journey, we continue to seek sponsorship and support. If your organisation would like to be part of this empowering chapter in Samoan sport, we welcome your partnership. "Together, let's elevate our youth and showcase the strength of Pacific netball to the world." A total of 25 players from across Australia, New Zealand and Samoa attended the last trial camp in Apia at the end of June. Samu said under Stuart and Mathews' leadership the trialists were challenged both physically and mentally. "The emphasis was not only on individual performance, but also on building team chemistry and preparing for the pressure of international competition," she said. Samoa takes on Scotland on September 20, Singapore on September 22, Australia on September 23 and Northern Ireland on September 24 in their pool matches. Samoa: Brooke Marchant, Ciarn MacBride, Julia Tuua Solomona, Kaylee Tamala, Lataanga Holi, Madison Sanele, Mia Swann, Piuti Laban, Tava'e Maria Tatupu, Tianna Apelu, Tynisha Fa'asisila, Unique Pritchard; Travelling Reserves: Amataga Gidlow-Tuilagi, Grace Ioelu, Jenaya Lata; Non-Travelling Reserves: Helen Tietie, Milla Senio, Zyon Ligaliga, Ella McCartney, Anyslee Williamson. Fiji under-21 squad members competing in their trials in Suva last month. Photo: Netball Fiji Baby Pearls head coach Simone Nalatu said keeping their focus is something they will work on. Nalatu and Netball Fiji announced their squad last week. The Baby Pearls' final squad was announced in Suva following the competition of a five-day Invitational Tournament last month. The extended squad faced two overseas teams, which provided the challenge and preparation for them. The matches also offered the selection panel an opportunity to evaluate players for final team selection. "I'm very happy we have reached the milestone of announcing the team," she stated. "This has been almost 18 months in the making. "I am very happy with our 12 athletes but I'd also like to acknowledge the contribution and commitment of those other 15 athletes who have been part of our squad pushed for selection. "As we are in the business end of our preparations, we are sharpening our focus to ensure we are as ready as possible for the WYC in September." Fiji will meet Trinidad and Tobago first up on September 20, have Barbados on September 21, take on Malawi on September 22 and meet South Africa on September 24. Baby Pearls: Adi Varanisese Vula, Akisi Bolakoro, Anatolia Nuku, Eseta Waqaira, Hana Sotutu, Lydia Tavesivesi, Mereoni Taqiri, Nina Nakula, Shaid Sasalu, Solei Toganivalu, Susana Rasaubale, Vilimaina Kagi; Non-Travelling Reserves: Mykaella Chandra, Seini Naulia, Timaima Jones.
RNZ News
8 hours ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
Cook Islands celebrates 60 years of self-governance amid growing rift with NZ
The biggest event in the Cook Islands calendar is currently underway, marking 60 years of free association with New Zealand. It comes at a tense point in the relationship, or as New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters would put it, a "constitutional crisis", largely stemming from what Wellington viewed as a lack of consultation over agreements Prime Minister Mark Brown signed with China in February. The Cook Islands had been administered by New Zealand since 1901, and in 1965, the two entered into free association. This means the island nation is self-governing, although New Zealand is responsible for assistance with foreign affairs, disasters and defence. The Cook Islands is celebrating 60 years of self-governance. Photo: Caleb Fotheringham In 2001, New Zealand and the Cook Islands signed a Joint Centenary Declaration, which requires the two to "consult regularly on defence and security issues" - which is what the government has felt has been breached. But problems stem back further than the China deals. In October last year, Brown proposed a Cook Islands passport as part of the 60-year celebrations. He viewed it as an "internal matter", no different to how New Zealanders can carry dual passports. Wellington felt otherwise. The full extent was shown through documents released to 1News under the Official Information Act (OIA) which said the country can have its passport but at the cost of New Zealand citizenship. Brown dropped the idea and told Cook Islands News in December that New Zealand "bared its teeth". Shortly after on Christmas day 2024, the Cook Islands-registered vessel Eagle S was seized in the Baltic Sea by Finnish authorities, who believed the vessel severed the Estlink 2 submarine cable that carries electricity from Finland to Estonia. The vessel was thought to be linked to Russia's shadow fleet, which seeks to evade sanctions on the sale of Russian oil. OIA documents released to RNZ Pacific show high levels of concern from New Zealand surrounding the ship and the Cook Islands shipping registry. In the lead up to the Cook Islands signing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China and other agreements, Brown said there was "no need for New Zealand to sit in the room with us". He said New Zealand was advised on the agreements but did not need to be consulted to the level they were asking for. Brown returned home from China to a vote of no confidence - that failed - and protesters marching towards parliament, emotional that their leader was ruining their relationship with the nation's closest friend. But some in the country supported Brown, feeling the move was a natural progression of the country having more autonomy, which has been happening slowly since the Cook Islands first entered into free association. A recent example, in September 2023, the United States recognised the Cook Islands as a "sovereign and independent state". However, New Zealand has drawn red lines - United Nations membership is only available to fully independent and sovereign countries is one of the big ones. An issue that had been floated by Brown and previous prime ministers, including his predecessor, Henry Puna. In June, New Zealand paused $18.2m in development funding, citing the lack of consultation it received from China as the reason. Brown called the move "patronising" and "inconsistent with modern partnership". "The relationship between the Cook Islands and New Zealand is defined by partnership, not paternalism," he told his parliament in June. Last week Brown said if New Zealand could not afford to fund the country's national infrastructure investment plan - billed at $650 million - the Cook Islands would need to look elsewhere. Peters in return, has said Brown is making it harder to restore trust with each "mischaracterisation of the New Zealand approach". He also challenged Brown to hold a referendum on independence from New Zealand. Peters in an interview with RNZ Pacific this week, said the problems in the relationship are all from the Cook Islands side. "Members of parliament, people like me come and go, and governments come and go, and ministers of foreign affairs come and go, but the enduring relationship with the people of Cook Islands is what we are constitutionally required to maintain," Peters said. Brown has made several comments suggesting a double standard from Aotearoa and that the 2001 Joint Centenary Declaration requires New Zealand to consult the Cook Islands on its dealings. Peters said that has never been the case. "That was never the arrangement, to construe it as being the arrangement now is done without any basis. If you're going to make a claim, you've got to lay down the foundations of that claim and that's the difference of opinion, and we're clearing it up," he said. The agreements the Cook Islands signed with China have been made public and Brown has maintained there is nothing in them that could cause concern. Geopolitical commentators have suggested that they could undermine New Zealand's national security by having China involved in maritime infrastructure like ports. But Peters said if he has any issues they were for "our private conversation with the Cook Islands government" and that "the value and the content and the dimension, the breadth and the depth of the agreements" was not what the issue is about, with the focus being on the lack of consultation. Some commentary from academics has been critical of aid being used as a bargaining chip and the pause could even push the Cook Islands closer to China, which Peters doesn't believe. "I am very confident that we have taken the right steps, after serious consideration," he said. "It is with the greatest regret, we find ourselves having [to pause funding] but I've got an obligation to the Cook Island people and to the New Zealand taxpayer." Peters said he was "not going to speculate" if there would be further funding pauses and labelled questions from RNZ Pacific as "defeatist" when he was asked what the consequences to the Cook Islands would be if the relationship was not mended. Te Maeva Nui celebrations are on now. Photo: Caleb Fotheringham The political turmoil feels far away at the current constitutional celebrations called Te Maeva Nui. "We're just celebrating us as a nation right now, so, yeah, none of that matters right now," said Teriimaevarua Marsters, who is leading the team from Palmerston Island. The small atoll is only accessible by boat and has a population of 28 people, 16 of them have made the trip to be in Rarotonga. "It's a huge deal, because once every ten years we come together as all, for us out there we get to come together with other islands, within the Cook Islands." Terry Piri who works at the Ministry of Finance, was setting up a stand that's selling special minted coins marking the big 60th. "You can see there's the turtle and the fish travelling together in the ocean, that's [because] we're people of the ocean," Piri said while showing the coin. Teriimaevarua Marsters is leading the team from Palmerston Island. Photo: Caleb Fotheringham Like Marsters, Piri is not interested in the government-to-government problems with New Zealand at the moment. "For me, I'm here celebrating, and people are here celebrating, so we're enjoying it. We don't worry about the political side. Let the politicians look after that side." Terry Piri holding special coins marking the big 60th Photo: Caleb Fotheringham At the hostel housing people from the Northern Group island Pukapuka, team leader Ruarau Iakobo has no interest in being fully independent. "We the people, we don't like that, we don't want to separate our relationship with New Zealand. We want to be with New Zealand because they've looked after us for 60 years." Team leader for Northern Group island Pukapuka Ruarau Iakobo does not want to leave the relationship with New Zealand. Photo: Caleb Fotheringham
RNZ News
10 hours ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
Dengue precautions in place as Samoa prepares for U16 women's tournament
Samoa's Ayres Ava on attack against the Cook Islands during the OFC 2024 Under-16 Women's Championship in Fiji. Photo: Kirk Corrie / The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) 2025 Under-16 Women's Championship scheduled to kick off in Apia on Friday will go ahead despite the current dengue fever outbreak in the country. In a statement sent to RNZ Pacific, the OFC it was closely monitoring the situation. "OFC is working in collaboration with Samoa Football and local health authorities to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants," it said. "As a precaution, all competition venues have been fumigated, and OFC is providing mosquito repellent to players, team staff, and officials," the OFC said. "A comprehensive tournament health protocol is in place, which includes preventative advice and guidance for all attending delegations. The health and safety of everyone involved remains our top priority." The Samoa National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC) said on Tuesday that they are continuing with the national dengue fever fumigation campaign across schools. Schools have been closed while the fumigation work continues. A total of 102 schools were fumigated on Monday as part of the nationwide dengue prevention effort. Samoa Football Federation (SFA) said it had taken measures to ensure players and officials participating in the tournament were not affected by the dengue fever outbreak. A statement from SFA said officials have worked with hotels that will house teams to assess their preparedness for safeguarding guests. "In light of the recent dengue fever outbreak in Samoa, we proactively visited each hotel where our team will be staying over the weekend to assess their preparedness for safeguarding guests against this health concern," it stated on Monday. "We were pleased to discover that the hotels have implemented several comprehensive measures. "They have already conducted thorough spraying to eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds, each room is equipped with repellent, ensuring guests have easy access to protection while they relax. "Hand sanitisers will be readily available throughout the premises, promoting good hygiene practices and the hotels are committed to maintaining a clean and safe environment, offering peace of mind to everyone staying with them. "These proactive steps reflect a strong commitment to guest safety and well-being during our visit." Eight teams will compete in the competition, including Fiji, American Samoa, Samoa, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Tahiti, Solomon Islands and Tonga.
RNZ News
10 hours ago
- Climate
- RNZ News
Tsunami advisories lifted across Pacific following magnitude 8.8 quake off Russia's coast
Cook Islands - Boats in Rarotonga being moved to deeper water on the advice of local authorities in response to Tsunami Warnings after the 8.8 magnitude quake off of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula. 30 July 2025 Photo: RNZ Pacific/Caleb Fotheringham Most formal tsunami warnings and advisories have been lifted in the Pacific region following a magnitude 8.8 earthquake off the Russian coast. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center says the threat of tsunami waves remains possible, but Hawai'i is the only area under a tsunami advisory. Earlier, CNN reported authorities saying tsunami waves started to hit the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia around 10,000 kilometres away from the epicenter. Emergency authorities in the Northern Marianas cancelled the tsunami advisory for Guam and the CNMI at around 7pm Wednesday local time. Scientists at the US National Weather Service in Guam say they were fortunate the peak impacts occurred close to low tide, so wave gauges showed very small fluctuation in wave height. Parts of California and Alaska remain under tsunami advisory. Authorities say French Polynesia could be hit with waves up to four metres high, Reuters reports. They have revised their the tsunami alert for the Marquesas Islands archipelago, saying waves of up to four metres could reach the islands of Ua Huka, Nuku Hiva, and Hiva Oa overnight. A previous alert said waves of up to 2.2m could affect the islands. Earlier, the French Armed Forces in French Polynesia said they were "on alert as a precautionary measure" to assist any potential search and rescue or medical evacuation operations.
RNZ News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Cook Islands: Te Maeva Nui opens with electrifying performances
By Melina Etches , Cook Islands News The Manihiki Henua warrior women stormed the stage with their riveting pe'e. Photo: Cook Islands News / Melina Etches The first night of Te Maeva Nui cultural performances set the stage ablaze with a stunning display of passion, tradition, and artistry, drawing loud cheers from a full house of over 2000 spectators at Te Are Karioi Nui (national auditorium) in Rarotonga. The evening opened with the powerful Manihiki Henua warrior women, who stormed the stage with their commanding reo tupuna/ pe'e. Their fierce energy and strength provided a fitting introduction to the rest of the night's vibrant cultural items. From start to finish, the performances on Saturday (Sunday NZT) showcased exceptional choreography, creativity, and storytelling. Te Maeva Nui cultural performances opened with the powerful Manihiki Henua warrior women, who stormed the stage with their commanding reo tupuna/ pe'e, a fitting introduction for the rest of the cultural items on the first night of performances on Saturday. Photo: Cook Islands News / Melina Etches The rhythmic kapa rima and pulsating ura pa'u captivated the crowd, while the spirited ute brought smiles as the younger performers danced with joy. Outside the auditorium, the atmosphere was just as electric. The big screen under the domes attracted a packed audience, eager to witness the culmination of months of preparation, long hours of rehearsals, and meticulous costume-making. Oire Nikao followed Manihiki with a ute, featuring young girls who danced and sang with infectious enthusiasm. Tapuahua Rakahanaga Henua with their powerful pe'e, where the strong presence of women captivated the audience. Photo: Cook Islands News / Melina Etches Vaka Takitumu was next, presenting a kapa rima led by two singers, with a large team of talented young dancers in beautifully designed costumes. A'ua'u Enua Mangaia took to the stage with a ura pa'u led by the men, while the women delivered a spirited and heartfelt performance. Tapuahua Rakahanaga Henua followed with their powerful pe'e, where the strong presence of women captivated the audience and earned enthusiastic applause. A'ua'u Enua Mangaia took the stage, led by the men in a ura pa'u performance that drew loud applause for its coordination. Akatokamanava Mauke Enua with their harmonious, well-choreographed kapa rima. Nicolea Mateariki (left) assisted with the choreography. Photo: Cook Islands News / Melina Etches Nukuroa Enua Mitiaro then delivered a heartwarming ute, singing with such spirit that the audience couldn't help but cheer. Their lively closing antics on stage added a playful touch to the night. One of the evening's highlights came from Akatokamanava Mauke Enua with their kapa rima. Their trio of women - led by the vocals of Nicolea Mateariki -delivered a breathtaking opening song. Their harmonious chorus of voices from the entire team and graceful movements from the women, paired with strong male dancing, roused screams of appreciation from the audience. Enuamanu Atiu Enua, another fantastic highlight – was nothing short of electrifying delivering their ura pau. Photo: Cook Islands News / Melina Etches The energy peaked as the finale by Enuamanu Atiu Enua, another fantastic highlight - was nothing short of electrifying. Their vibrant ura pa'u shook the auditorium, with both men and women moving in perfect unison, earning thunderous applause and cheers. The Atiu women, adorned in stunning costumes, mesmerised the audience with their graceful and skillful hip movements. The cultural magic continues Tuesday (Monday, local time), with another round of spectacular performances kicking off at 7pm.
