Meet the man who knows more about the Cook Islands than nearly anyone else…because it’s his job to know. Rashneel Kumar is the editor of ‘Cook Islands News’, the six days a week national newspaper. It’s a must read for thousands of islanders and many more overseas who keep up with what’s happening through its on-line edition. Rashneel talks about what’s involved in his day job and the challenges of reporting a nation of 15 islands spread across nearly 2 million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean where more than 1,400 kms separates the island furthest north from the one furthest south.

With stories like a controversial partnership agreement with China, deep sea mining plans and strained relations with New Zealand now making the front pages of his paper, he shares his thoughts on whether the Cook Islands has reached a turning point in its history. And although the Islands are one of the most remote places in the world, he provides an insight into how the Ukraine war and the Trump presidency are affecting the nation.

The paper also has a journalism charter which is a set of principles that include a commitment be being humble. Rashneel explains how that works and why it's important.

There’s a bit fun too with some quick fire questions where he tells us, among other things, about his favourite food and his top tip for visitors

ABOUT ME
I'm a retired BBC radio and TV journalist and presenter who's been having a long distance love affair with the Cook Islands for nearly 40 years and I've featured in media worldwide as an expert on this remote islands nation. CONTACT ME if you'd like to sponsor this podcast or just want to ask questions about the Cook Islands. Email kiaoranawebsiteauthor(at)cookislands.org.uk (Replace “at” with @)

MY BOOK ABOUT THE ISLANDS
Whether you're planning a visit or just armchair travelling, you'll discover stories of buried treasure, ghostly fire, real-life Robinson Crusoes and the mafia, and a wealth of useful information. 'Around the Corner from Nowhere: The Cook Islands Rediscovered' is available as an ebook (https://getbook.at/Cook_Islands-ebook) or paperback (https://getbook.at/cookislandsbook) through Amazon. All profits are donated to dementia charities

EXPLORE ALL 15 OF THE COOK ISLANDS
My website is the most detailed guide on the net at Cook Islands complete guide. It's also THE ONLY TOTALLY INDEPENDENT GUIDE ON THE INTERNET with information about each and every one of the 15 islands