Cook Islands

President Joe Biden listens during a meeting with Pacific Islands Forum leaders during the U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum Summit in the East Room of the White House, Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Biden tells Pacific islands leaders that he hears their warnings about climate change and will act

President Joe Biden has informed leaders from the 18-member Pacific Islands Forum that he has heard their warnings about the impact of climate change on their region.

CORRECTS TO REMOVE REFERENCE OF U.S. EMBASSIES - FILE - President Joe Biden speaks during the U.S.-Pacific Island Country Summit at the State Department in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022. Biden is set to establish diplomatic relations Monday, Sept. 25, with two South Pacific nations, the Cook Islands and Niue, as his administration aims to show to Pacific Island leaders that it is committed to increasing American presence in the region. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

US will establish diplomatic ties with the Cook Islands and Niue as Biden hosts Pacific leaders

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Stephen Brown attends The 79th commission session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)at U.N. regional office in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, May 15, 2023. Pacific Island leaders called at a U.N. climate change conference in Thailand for more efforts by rich countries to combat global warming's environmental impact, especially as their vulnerable countries are just emerging from the economic devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Pacific Island leaders say rich countries are not doing enough to control climate change

Papau New Guinea's Edwin Ipape is tackled by Cook Islands' Brad Takairangi during the Rugby League World Cup group D match between Papua New Guinea and Cook Islands at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington, England, Tuesday Oct. 25, 2022. (Mike Egerton/PA via AP)

PNG on RLWC quarterfinals track after beating Cook Islands

Tonga's Tui Lolohea attempts to break away during the Rugby League World Cup group D match between Wales and Tonga at the Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens, England, Monday Oct. 24, 2022. (Richard Sellers/PA via AP)

Tupou hat trick helps Tonga overcome Wales resistance

Wales' Elliot Kear tackles Cook Islands' Anthony Gelling during the Rugby League World Cup group D match between Wales and Cook Islands at Leigh Sports Village in Leigh, England, Wednesday Oct. 19, 2022. (Martin Rickett/PA via AP)

Cook Islands beat Wales 18-12 in Rugby League World Cup

LEIGH, England (AP) — The Cook Islands came from behind twice to beat Wales 18-12 in their Rugby League World Cup opener on Wednesday.

2 more Oceania World Cup qualifiers called off for COVID-19

Cook Islands became the second nation in Oceania World Cup qualifying to have a match postponed following a positive COVID-19 test.

FILE - In this Aug. 8, 2015, file photo, Australia's Sekope Kepu smiles as he crosses the try line to score against New Zealand during their Rugby Championship match in Sydney. Moana Pacifika have signed on Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021 veteran international prop Kepu in a move which adds considerable experience to their squad for their inaugural season in the Super Rugby Pacific tournament. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft, File)

Kepu set to prop up Super Rugby newcomers Moana Pasifika

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Moana Pasifika has signed veteran international prop Sekope Kepu in a move which adds considerable experience to its squad for their inaugural season in Super Rugby Pacific.

Aaron Mauger appointed Moana Pacifika head coach

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Former All Blacks center Aaron Mauger has been named head coach of the Moana Pacifika team which will make its debut next season in Super Rugby Pacific.

Tonga beats Cook Islands 54-10 in World Cup qualifier

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Tonga struggled to assemble a team but still beat the Cook Islands 54-10 on Saturday in a qualifying match for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

This undated photo released by Pasifika Medical Association, shows Joe Williams. Williams, a medical leader in the South Pacific who served a brief term as prime minister of the Cook Islands, has died from the coronavirus, according to friends and family, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020. He was 85. (Pasifika Medical Association via AP)

Former Cook Islands leader dies from virus in New Zealand

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Joe Williams may have been 85 years old, but when the coronavirus struck this year, the Auckland doctor worked extra hard to warn his Pacific Island patients of its dangers.

Maine whale biologist says whale protected her from shark

BRUNSWICK, Maine (AP) — A marine biologist believes a humpback whale shielded her from a 15-foot tiger shark in the South Pacific.