Teariki Heather warns the minimum wage increase from NZ$9.50 to $10 from 1 July could harm the people the minimum wage policy ...

New Zealand has halted more than $18 million in development assistance to its realm country. But the island's prime minister said his government was "aware" it was coming.

New Zealand has what is known as a "free association" relationship with the Cook Islands, and helps the latter with defence and foreign affairs. In the last three years, Wellington provided NZ$194m in ...

New Zealand has halted funding to the Cook Islands over what it considers the small Pacific nation's deepening ties with China.

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown told lawmakers in Parliament on Thursday that the funding was “not halted, it’s paused” and downplayed the significance of the amount frozen.

The Cook Islands, population 15,000, has a large and lucrative exclusive economic zone, with Brown’s government exploring prospects for deep sea mining activity.

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown said in February that its deals with China were based on his country's "long-term interests" and tried to reassure its neighbours Australia and New Zealand ...

The funding cut leaves the Cook Islands facing a sudden financial shortfall, prompting warnings that Wellington's approach could backfire What began as a quiet series of infrastructure deals between ...