Page 9 - Mark Brown News Today

An advocate for women parliamentarians, former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark says the Cook Islands sets an example for other Pacific Island countries when it comes to female representation in Parliament.

A round-up of news in brief from around the region, including a controversial plan for the Papua New Guinea government to set up a gold refinery being shelved.

The foreign minister would not be drawn on New Zealand's position on Kanak aspirations for decolonisation.

'Our Pacific region is home to independent experts and skilled personnel, that are familiar with this region, its history, its people, and importantly, its context, that can support all parties to move this process forward.'

Scoop Community provides New Zealand Community news and views

Pacific Scoop provides news and views from the Pacific and New Zealand

Tuskegee University has named alumnus Dr. Mark Brown as the 10th president of the institution per a statement.

Outgoing President Charlotte P. Morris has served in various roles at the school for 40 years.

The resort tries to stay open until June 1 every year.

Cook Islands has secured $20 million (US$12.30 million) in Core Sector Budget Support and an additional $10.5 million (US$6.45 million) for continued public sector strengthening during the 8th Cook Islands-New Zealand Joint Ministerial Forum last week.