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7 December 2024

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Social Impact Fund awards $199,825 to 14 community projects

The Cook Islands Social Impact Fund approved 14 proposals totalling $199,825.20 from 21 applications, supporting community initiatives across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, with a focus on sports, wellness and youth development.

Entertainment

Christmas in the Park brings festive cheer to Rarotonga

Hundreds of locals, visiting families, and tourists gathered at the National Auditorium and Domes on Thursday evening for the annual Christmas in the Park event, hosted by Rotaract Rarotonga.

Atiu infrastructure work to begin

Work on Atius airport will begin before the end of this year, minister and member of parliament Nandi Glassie says. Glassie made the announcement in parliament yesterday when answering a question from fellow MP Norman George. Tar sealing of the airport should begin before the end of this year and water reticulation projects have already […]

National

Atiu has suffered enough: MP

Atiu members of Parliament are at odds over whether the new budget provides for the people of their island. In his review of the budget, MP Norman George accused the government of favouring Manihiki and its pearl industry to the exclusion of all other outer islands. Is Manhiki the most favoured island, the first amongst […]

National

Will tax send savings overseas?

In response to Saturdays p8 article Finance minister defends tax a smoke signaller writes: The finance ministers reference to the Bibles parable of the talents omitted to mention that the servant who received the highest praise was the one who increased the original amount most. This obviously means it is better to withdraw savings from […]

National

Team re-elected for expanded TIS

Ian Karika has been re-elected as the Te Ipukarea Society president and Andy Olah its vice president. The TIS annual general meeting held last week also saw the re-election of committee members Teresa Framhein, Kelvin Passfield, Tamara Suchdolsky, Peter Heays and Jolene Bosanquet, who was also re-elected as the secretary and treasurer. New members of […]

National

People to be heard on marine park

The government will hold public meetings next week to canvass Cook Islanders views on the proposed marine park. Prime Minister Henry Punas government supports the initiative, and Puna has invited Conservation International Pacific marine director Sue Taei and SPREP coastal and marine director Tim Carruthers to the Cook Islands to inform the public of its […]

National

Challenge to tackle killer diseases

To celebrate a year of shaping up Cook Islanders, Fitness Revolution will launch new and improved biggest loser mind and body challenge on July 25 which aims to battle the killer diseases of Pacific islanders obesity and diabetes. The 12 week challenge will focus on healthy eating, nutrition, exercise and ongoing maintenance. Obesity is a […]

National

Night sessions

For the first time in its parliamentary term the government may hold night sessions of parliament next week. It plans to resume sitting at 1pm on Monday for an afternoon session until 5pm. On Monday and Tuesday the afternoon parliamentary sessions may be followed by night sessions from 7pm to 10pm. Parliament will then sit […]

National

Sorry for rebel remark

Speaker of the house Sir Geoffrey Henry has formally apologised to deputy leader of the opposition Wilkie Rasmussen for last week accusing him of being part of a team of rebels. Sir Geoffrey was clear that members of Parliament should treat one another with respect and honour, and admitted that his accusation was disrespectful toward […]

National

Setting new records in Parliament

For the first time in at least five years, the Cook Islands Parliament is dealing with the annual Budget without rushing and without cutting debate short. The new CIP Government under Prime Minister Henry Puna appears to have started delivering on its promise to sit for at least 100 days this year. In all previous […]

National

Look at other avenues

Ruaau MP William Smiley Heather said in Parliament yesterday that he supports many of governments plans, but not the proposed withholding tax. In Cook Islands Maori he asked the government to reconsider its proposal. I would like to urge the government to re-look at this issue. Have another look, step back and revisit the matter, […]

National

Opposition delivers verdict on budget

Deputy leader of the opposition Wilkie Rasmussen believes the new budget is 70 percent good, 30 percent not good. In parliament he commended the government for its financial support of outer islands infrastructure projects, but he lamented the increase in the level of funding to ministerial support offices. This government is not seeing cost-cutting measures […]

National

More business with China forecast

China is actively scoping investment opportunities in the Cook Islands, particularly in relation to noni juice and black pearls. During a session of parliament yesterday, Prime Minister Henry Puna voiced his approval of a Chinese business delegation from New Zealand in Rarotonga at present. The delegation is determining whether Cook Islands noni juice can be […]

National

PM calls budget bold

Prime Minister Henry Puna is proud of this financial years budget, which has yet to be formally adopted by parliament. Puna addressed fellow ministers and members of parliament in the debating chamber yesterday to defend the appropriations made for the next 12 months. Although my friend from Mitiaro (MP Tangata Vavia) said theres only three […]

National

Promise on Arorangi jetty safety

Safety was the word of the day at Arorangi yesterday. Representatives from the government, ports authority and Arorangi Primary School came together to sign a memorandum of understanding, with the school facing the prospect of becoming the Cook Islands unofficial welcoming party once a jetty at the site is completed. The Ports Authority has set […]

National

New tax to include children

Children will be included among the groups to be slugged by a proposed new tax on interest amassed in Cook Islands banks. The new levy, a proposed 15 percent withholding tax on interest earned in all accounts, will include money earned through primary school saving programmes such as that run by the Bank of the […]

National

Around 450 sailing from outer islands

A tight schedule means there is no time for fuel to be transported between islands when those from the northern group travel aboard a Samoan vessel to Rarotonga for Te Maeva Nui celebrations at the end of this month. MV Lady Naomi is departing Samoa bound for Pukapuka in the next two weeks. It will […]

National

Finance minister defends tax

Finance minister Mark Brown took an opportunity in parliament yesterday to address criticism of the proposed 15 percent withholding tax on interest. Brown acknowledged the various comments from parliament members as well as general Cook Islands citizens on the tax amendment bill, which is set to be tabled in parliament next week. Much of it […]

National

Two former All Blacks to accompany McCully

Along with rugby hall of famer Jonah Lomu and Rugby World Cup chief executive Martin Snedden, former All Black Ofisa Junior Tonuu will visit Rarotonga this week. They will accompany New Zealand foreign minister Murray McCully on his Pacific mission, which comes to Rarotonga on Wednesday. A number of NZ journalists TVNZ reporter Barbara Dreaver […]

National

Edgewater home away from home

The Edgewater Resort and Spa is a second home for long time Kiwi visitors Terry and Gail Leabourn. The couple have been holidaying on Rarotonga and staying at The Edgewater Resort and Spa every year for the past 13 years and dont plan on stopping. This is our second home, says Gail. Its the way […]

National

Words inadequate for vaka journey

Six returning Marumaru Atua crew members met yesterday to recall the two-and-a-half month voyaging experience they said words cant describe. Lin Andrew, Alex Olah, Sarah Moreland, Teresa Taroro, June Simiona and Tua Pittman returned from Hawaii this week after being at sea together for over two months. The group left Rarotonga on April 21 for […]

National

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