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Economy

Trade policy framework revised after nearly a decade

The Cook Islands Trade Policy Framework (TPF), last reviewed in 2015, is undergoing a revision to reflect the country’s evolving economic priorities.

Local

Cook Islands and French Polynesia form an air services agreement

During regional meetings in French Polynesia, Foreign Secretary Tepaeru Herrmann, accompanied by Senior Foreign Service Officer Eden Brown, met with their French Polynesian government counterparts to advance negotiations on a bilateral Air Services Agreement (ASA).

Giving tree promo needs more takers

People are encouraged to get into the giving spirit this Christmas and purchase a gift for a child in need. Since Westpac started its ‘giving tree’ promotion on November 20, 120 out of 193 tags are left hanging. “Ten gifts are already under the tree. Some of our customers decided to get their gifts in […]

National

Travellers lack awareness of Cook Islands – experts

Many travellers in offshore markets are not aware of the differences between the Cook Islands and other Pacific nations, say international tourism experts. About 65 travel wholesalers from 15 different countries are in the Cook Islands this week to meet with local resort owners and other tourism operators. On the opening day of the Kia […]

National

Wharf cracks at Avatiu discussed in parliament

The discovery of cracks in the redeveloped Avatiu wharf was discussed in parliament yesterday. The topic was raised by Titikaveka member of parliament Sel Napa during discussion of Te Mato Vai – the $60 million water infrastructure project currently getting underway. Napa was calling for greater public consultation and input for the project, which would […]

National

Overseas travel reps to taste Cook Islands

Cook Islands tourism operators will be hoping for a long-term boost in business by meeting this week with travel wholesalers from more than 17 countries. Now into its fourth year, Kia Orana Cook Islands is an annual event giving local suppliers the chance to showcase their hotels, resorts and various tourism activities to invited wholesalers. […]

National

UK taxi campaign showcases Cook Islanders

Winter-weary Brits in the city of Bristol are sliding into taxis right now and being greeted by the smiling face of Pa Teuruaa, of Pa’s Nature Walks. As part of a new tourism campaign, 10 taxis in the city have been branded inside and outside with a series of artworks designed to project a sense […]

National

Police appeal against assault

An assault on a female case has been reopened, and the decision by a Justice of the Peace to dismiss the case has been quashed. High Court judge Justice Christine Grice granted an appeal by police against a decision by Justice of the Peace John Kenning to dismiss a charge of assault on a female […]

National

Avatea proposes brand new school

A proposal by Apii Avatea to build a new primary school in Nikao will be considered by the Ministry of Education, alongside some opposition from the Nikao Maori School community. The proposed idea is to replace the two schools, which are situated next door to each other, with a single new school. This follows extensive […]

National

Govt proposes at least 12c rise to minimum wage

A government proposal which may see the minimum wage raised by only 12 cents has been labelled “ridiculous” by the head of the Cook Islands Workers Association. Minister of Internal Affairs Nandi Glassie announced last month that a panel is being formed to consider increasing the $5 minimum wage. Workers at the bottom of the […]

National

Public imput at TMV meeting

The public may have an opportunity to provide input for the $60million Te Mato Vai water infrastructure project before the end of the year. Te Mato Vai communications advisor Jaewynn McKay said she is hopeful public consultations will begin by the end of 2013. She said project officials are working on the summary of the […]

National

Chamber raises Te Mato Vai concerns

The Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce has expressed concerns about the lack of consultation with the business community regarding the $60 million Te Mato Vai project. The organisation, which represents private business owners, has published an open letter to Finance Minister Mark Brown expressing their “immediate concerns … with respect to the planning, design and […]

National

Opposition questions Te Mato Vai salaries

Debate on the $60 million Te Mato Vai water infrastructure project dominated question period during the second day of the current sitting of parliament yesterday. Discussion on the large-scale infrastructure undertaking began with a question by opposition leader Wilkie Rasmussen, who asked the government about the rates of pay for those currently involved with the […]

National

Budget consultation document 2014/15 released

The Budget Consultation document 2014-15 has been released. The document, which contains some basic facts to inform people on how to prepare for the 2014-15 budget, is available electronically on the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) website and in hard copy from the MFEM office. The upcoming budget intends to outline in detail […]

National

Spotlight on 'branchless banking' in Pacific

A growing trend towards mobile banking in the Pacific has prompted financial services experts to meet and discuss the future of ‘branchless banking’. Senior executives from the Central Banks of six Pacific Island countries gathered in Sydney, Australia last week to look at the shift in banking practises throughout the region. Many Pacific peoples now […]

National

Breast cancer foundation president leaves her post

After six years in the role, the president of the Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation (CIBCF) Dawn Baudinet has stepped down. “We have done and achieved a lot,” says Baudinet. “It is time for me to move on and is time for a change. This year has been a very busy year and we’ve done […]

National

Air NZ celebrates 40 years with cake

Air New Zealand paid homage to original staff members and tourism industry players who have played a part in the airline’s 40-year history of flying jets into the Cook Islands. An intimate celebration ceremony was held at the Rarotonga International Airport Koru lounge where Air New Zealand Cook Islands branch manager David Bridge thanked those […]

National

Cook Islander serves as a role model for youth

Helping Cook Islands youth find direction and purpose in their lives is what drove Cook Islander corporal Tapaitau Williams to be part of a youth leadership course. Williams is a descendant of the Tapaitau family line from Penrhyn and he has been a serving member of the New Zealand army for 10 years and he […]

National

Proud moments at youth graduation

A group of young men graduated from a military-style leadership course on Friday. The 31 young men took part in the course at Mitiaro Hostel from November 11-29, which included drills, early-morning wake-up calls and work experience. The course was run by New Zealand defence force’s youth development unit and the Blue Light committee, which […]

National

Pukapuka community calls for food

The Pukapuka community is calling for food donations as it prepares for the official opening of its new accommodation unit. The two-storey building, which began construction in May, will be unveiled on Friday, amid more fundraising efforts to assist with the project. President of the Pukapuka community on Rarotonga Makirere Poila says people are encouraged […]

National

Demos vow to abolish 'back tax'

Pensioner activist group Grey Power followed through on their vow to march on parliament yesterday, and were rewarded with a promise by the opposition to abolish the ‘back tax’ on the NZ-paid pension. Carefully timed during a break in the first day of parliament’s current sitting, Grey Power members assembled at the front doors of […]

National

Opposition hammers PM's absence

The opposition Democratic Party came out swinging during Parliament yesterday, lashing out at the ruling Cook Islands Party over the absence of Prime Minister Henry Puna from the final session of the year. “Where is the prime minister?” said Rasmussen. “Why has he abandoned parliament?” Late last week, special advisor Trevor Pitt announced Puna will […]

National

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