Internal
Public sector orientation enhances and equips new officials
Thursday 16 May 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
Twenty-four public service officials participated in a one-day Public Sector Orientation (PSO) session delivered by the Office of the Public Service Commissioner (OPSC) last month, as part of standard onboarding and recruitment.
Cook Islands seeks lessons from Kosovo’s path to IMF
Thursday 16 May 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in National
Officials within the Cook Islands Foreign Service were able to engage with Kosovo’s recently accredited Ambassador to the Cook Islands, Jetmira Berdynah-Shala, as part of her programme of engagements in Rarotonga last week.
Customs officer inspires next generation
Thursday 16 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
In celebration of the International Day for Women in Maritime to be observed tomorrow (Friday, May 17), Maria Matua-Ioane, the chief customs officer, shares her insights to inspire the next generation to consider a career in this dynamic and fundamental sector.
‘I vow to be a fierce advocate for our needs’: MP Tapaitau
Thursday 16 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Parliament, Politics
Independent candidate Sarakura Tapaitau was sworn in as the new MP for Penrhyn/Tongareva and has pledged to represent the people’s interests.
Doubling GDP needed for NZ-level minimum wage: PM Brown
Thursday 16 May 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands can only afford a minimum wage similar to New Zealand’s if it more than doubles its gross domestic product to $1.2-$1.5 billion, according to Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Parliament briefs
Thursday 16 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
Six Bills were presented and tabled during yesterday’s Parliament sitting.
‘Budget prioritises vulnerable’
Thursday 16 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
In supporting the most vulnerable, the Government has allocated funds for caregivers, patient referrals, increasing the minimum wage, and supporting non-government organisations (NGOs) for the next financial year.
Government aims to stimulate economy through infrastructure spending
Thursday 16 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
Government’s focus on infrastructure investment to deliver key projects such as roads, Manihiki Airport upgrades, and Aitutaki’s water project has been proposed in the 2024/2025 Budget. Yesterday, Prime Minister Mark Brown, who is also the Minister for Finance, tabled the Appropriation Bill 2024 in Parliament where Government has proposed $328million for the 2024-2025 Budget. In […]
Kata: Minimum wage
Wednesday 15 May 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Kata, Opinion
Nail-biting netball knockouts
Wednesday 15 May 2024 | Written by Solomone Taukei | Published in Netball, Sports
The Netball Cook Islands’ Rarotonga club competition has reached a fever pitch as the knockout rounds culminate in a spectacular showdown.
Imanuela Akatemia celebrates new roof and water tank
Wednesday 15 May 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Education, National
The Imanuela Akatemia School celebrated the handover of its newly renovated roof and installed water tank, all made possible by generous grants from the Japanese government
Cook Islanders in Nouméa on ‘high alert’ as violence erupts
Wednesday 15 May 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Local, National, New Caledonia, Regional
Cook Islanders residing in Nouméa are on high alert amidst the violent unrest unfolding in New Caledonia’s capital over proposed constitutional changes. Rashneel Kumar and Losirene Lacanivalu report.
Vaimaanga residents sought for input on turtle tour operations
Wednesday 15 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
A community consultation for residents in Vaimaanga and stakeholders, including traditional leaders and landowners, will be held tomorrow, Thursday, May 16, at 6pm at the Vaimaanga Meeting House
Immigration Cook Islands consolidate workforce forward priorities and effort
Wednesday 15 May 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Local, National
Immigration Cook Islands closed their offices for one day earlier this month to convene an all staff gathering to reflect on the work of the last three years and consolidate forward priorities and effort for the three years ahead.
PM pledges ‘good budget’ despite inflation and debt challenges
Wednesday 15 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
The 2024/25 Budget will be the “budget of perseverance”, says Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Cook Islands minimum wage to increase by 50 cents per hour
Wednesday 15 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
Cook Islands minimum wage will increase by 50 cents to $9.50 per hour from July 1, 2024, despite some arguing it’s not enough to keep up with cost of living.
Puna honoured to end Pacific mission at home
Wednesday 15 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
Former prime minister Henry Puna, who ends his term as the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum this month, says he is humbled to have been the first Cook Islander to hold the post and fly the flag of his country.
Badminton masters tourney returns with record numbers
Tuesday 14 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Badminton, Sports
Nineteen teams including seven from the Cook Islands will be participating in the Badminton Oceania Masters in Paradise 2024 tournament to be held from May 23-28 in Rarotonga.
Young referees Katuke and Tuariki shine on international stage
Tuesday 14 May 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Football, Sports
Cook Islands referees Penina Katuke and Te Upoko Tuariki have made their mark on the Oceania football scene at the recent OFC Under 15 Girls Development Tournament.
Puna’s final mission as head of PIF
Tuesday 14 May 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in National, Pacific Islands, Regional
Henry Puna is on his final mission as the Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General in the country where it all began – his homeland, the Cook Islands.
