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Parliament’s 12 sitting days sufficient for business: Clerk
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Articles by Emmanuel Samoglou
La Nina could prolong Penrhyn drought and heatwave
Friday 22 January 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in National, Outer Islands
Much of the country continues to grapple with the high temperatures from the summer, with the ongoing La Nina weather event believed to be responsible for drier weather in the north.
Government grants provide ‘lifeline’ for businesses suffering from Covid-19
Thursday 21 January 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
The latest government cash grants are seen as vital for long-suffering businesses waiting for a travel bubble to be formed with New Zealand in the first quarter of 2021, but any delay in two-way travel would likely force government to ask Parliament for more cash.
Rapid Covid testing ‘by end of Feb’
Wednesday 20 January 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Health, National
The establishment of rapid Covid-19 testing, seen as a vital requirement for any potential easing of travel restrictions, will not be ready until the end of February, the health ministry says.
Visas to be available online for NZ travel for foreign nationals
Tuesday 19 January 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Local, National
Foreign nationals currently in the Cook Islands will soon be able to apply for a visa that will permit travel to New Zealand without having to undergo 14 days of quarantine in a managed isolation facility.
A ‘Whopper’ of an opportunity
Saturday 16 January 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Features, Weekend
In the midst of a pandemic, local tour guides and creatives found themselves working together to help create an ad campaign for one of Oceania’s most recognisable brands.
Foreign nationals can travel, visa process unclear
Saturday 16 January 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Local, National
New Zealand government officials have confirmed all foreign nationals currently in the Cook Islands will be permitted to travel to New Zealand without having to undergo 14 days of quarantine in a managed isolation facility.
Superfund role aims for growth
Saturday 16 January 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Local
The Cook Islands National Superannuation Fund is aiming to bolster its investment strategy capabilities with a new hire that has recently joined its management team.
Extra weekly flight added to Air New Zealand's schedule after one-way bubble announcement
Friday 15 January 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Local, National
Air New Zealand has added an extra flight to its weekly schedule in advance of quarantine free travel for residents and valid visa holders currently in the Cook Islands.
Desalination units assist water woes on drough-stricken Penrhyn
Friday 15 January 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in National, Outer Islands
Government officials are dealing with the drought in Penrhyn by employing the use of desalination machines and tapping into groundwater resources.
Quarantine-free travel for Cook Islanders to New Zealand
Thursday 14 January 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Local, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown and New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern have announced that passengers from the Cook Islands can resume quarantine-free travel into New Zealand from as of 21 January.
130 veils for Mama Tu Tutakiao
Thursday 14 January 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Local, National
One hundred and thirty veils were unveiled for the headstone of the late Ngatuapikepike Tutakiao BEM who was also fondly known as Mama Tu.
Parched Penrhyn receives water relief
Thursday 14 January 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in National, Outer Islands
A shipment of water has alleviated a severe shortage on the Northern group atoll of Penrhyn, however with no rain in sight, residents will have to continue rationing supplies.
Tips to beat the heat
Wednesday 13 January 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Health, National
With the Cook Islands potentially facing one of the hottest summers on record, health officials are advising residents to take precaution and be alert for the tell-tale signs excessive heat exposure.
Demos urgent plea for lagoon action
Tuesday 12 January 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Environment, National
The Opposition Democratic Party is accusing the Government of inaction in rehabilitating Muri Lagoon, which is often described as one of the top tourist draws in Rarotonga.
2021 could be the warmest year on record, Met Service says
Tuesday 12 January 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in National, Weather
The Met Office says it will be at least eight months before Cook Islands will start experiencing cooler than average temperatures, which means more hot and dry weather as currently experienced in the Northern Group.
Teaching the teachers of te reo Maori
Saturday 9 January 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Features, Weekend
Deploying an effective academic programme is challenging in the best of times, but it took a pandemic to bring together an all-star roster of Cook Islands academics that are helping a group of local University students to revitilise te reo o te Kuki Airani.
Penrhyn to dry up in 14 days
Friday 8 January 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in National, Outer Islands
An island government official said the northern group atoll is dealing with one of the worst water shortages in years, prompting Prime Minister Mark Brown's government to approve an emergency shipment of water and desalination equipment to the island.
No extra subsidy for barge operator
Thursday 7 January 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, Local, National
Following protests by a rival shipping company, government will not be paying a contentious subsidy to Cook Islands General Transport to assist with its recent acquisition of a barge.
Poor water quality in Muri lagoon persists
Wednesday 6 January 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Environment, National
Poor water quality continues to affect the lagoon as the seasonal weather conditions that led to the deterioration continue to persist.
Muri in hot water
Saturday 2 January 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Environment, National
Muri lagoon is in dire condition as environmental conditions combined with human activity have resulted in the sudden death of marine life and a warning to residents to avoid swimming in the area.