Articles by Emmanuel Samoglou

KATA: Saturday May 1

Saturday 1 May 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Kata, Opinion

Court briefs for week of April 26

Saturday 1 May 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Crime, National

A weekly roundup of cases heard in Cook Islands Court.

Rarotonga traveller in quarantine after breach

Saturday 1 May 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Local, National

With a traveller from the Cook Islands in quarantine in Western Australia, the Opposition is re-iterating its call for a nation-wide vaccination programme before a bubble is established with New Zealand.

Major announcement imminent, sources say

Saturday 1 May 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Local, National

Sources are speculating an upcoming announcement could see either a date set for a travel bubble with New Zealand or solid plans put in place for a Covid-19 vaccination programme, but the Government is staying tight-lipped for now.

Tax law change impacts offshore sector

Friday 30 April 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National

A law that is beginning to take effect aims to preserve the country’s reputation in the offshore financial services sector, however it remains to be seen if it will stall efforts to grow the industry.

NZ officials assisting with travel bubble preparation

Thursday 29 April 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Health, National

Preparations for a travel bubble with New Zealand are continuing and Prime Minister Mark Brown says Government is continuing its work to be ready by the beginning of next month.

Covid-19 alert level system linked to NZ

Wednesday 28 April 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Health, National

Prime Minster Mark Brown says the country is tracking well to prepare for a potential travel bubble with Aotearoa as the country’s Covid-19 alert system is overhauled to align it with New Zealand’s.

Shark caught and released

Wednesday 28 April 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Local, National

The catching of a male tiger shark on Monday highlights the difficulties local fishers can have when interacting with sharks, and the need for further education to ensure the ‘near threatened’ animals are protected when accidentally caught.

Taro heads to a hungry NZ market

Tuesday 27 April 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National

Following a successful first run, Aitutaki growers are preparing a second shipment of taro for export to New Zealand.

The psychology of a staycation

Saturday 24 April 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Local, National

Staycations have taken off around the world during the Covid-19 pandemic, and the phenomenon hasn’t escaped the Cook Islands. CI News take a look into why we need to get away, even if it might only be a short drive away from home.

Dengue fever cases climbing

Saturday 24 April 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Local, National

The dengue fever outbreak shows no signs of abating with the total number of suspected, probable and confirmed cases of type-2 dengue sitting at 317.

Health ministry monitoring mysterious virus

Friday 23 April 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Health, National

An unidentified virus is spreading amongst residents, while the dengue outbreak continues to also put stress on the healthcare system with increased hospitalisations.

Reminiscing about Manihiki, the Islands of Pearls

Saturday 17 April 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Features

Those who’ve had a chance to visit Manihiki begin dreaming about returning as soon as they leave. But for Manihikians who leave their island home for opportunities abroad, returning is sometimes an obligation.

Lack of details on $20m in financial aid ‘unacceptable’

Saturday 17 April 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy

As the wait for a travel bubble continues, the Democratic Party has voiced its frustration with PM Mark Brown’s Government for withholding information on vital NZ financial assistance that’s targeted to plug a widening budget gap.

Covid-19 tracing app available for download

Saturday 17 April 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Health

The Cook Islands contact tracing app is now available for download for residents with a smartphone.

KATA: Government picking up the tab

Friday 16 April 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Kata, Opinion

Changes to flight schedule made to facilitate runway repairs

Thursday 15 April 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National

Air New Zealand’s new flight schedule to Rarotonga has come into effect this week, allowing runway repair work at Rarotonga International Airport to pick up after earlier delays.

KATA: Health recruits

Wednesday 14 April 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Kata, Opinion

Questions over health recruits

Wednesday 14 April 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Health, National

Reports of issues with recruiting overseas health specialists to help alleviate a staffing shortage at the Ministry of Health is raising concerns over the country’s Covid-19 health preparedness in advance of a potential two-way travel bubble with New Zealand.

Cook Islands Superfund increases withdrawal limit from 15k to 45k

Monday 12 April 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Local, National

The national superfund has increased the withdrawal threshold for those who wish to opt out and take a lump sum upon retirement, in a move that’s expected to release the fund from providing pensions for life to approximately 170 individuals.