Economy
Proposed passport to be discussed during NZ Foreign Affairs Secretary’s visit
Saturday 25 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
The proposed Cook Islands passport will be one of the issues that Government officials will be discussing with New Zealand’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Bede Corry, in Rarotonga next week.
$541.7m tourism earnings
Saturday 25 January 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
Visitor arrivals reached 170,315 last year, the second-highest number on record, just behind the 2019 peak of 171,550, contributing over half a billion dollars to the economy.
‘Experienced candidates’ apply for Cook Islands top cop role
Friday 24 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Economy, Local, National
A selection panel chaired by the Public Service Commissioner Carl Hunter is expected to be finalised to look into the recruitment of the new Police Commissioner.
Bank to reissue debit cards following attempted fraudulent transactions
Monday 20 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
Bank of South Pacific (BSP) will be reissuing new Visa debit cards to its customers following a recent attempt of fraudulent transactions.
Government seeks funding boost for ‘critical priorities’
Monday 20 January 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
Government will be tabling a supplementary budget in Parliament next month, seeking a top up to the $328 million 2024/25 budget to fund ‘critical priorities’ in the remaining half of the financial year.
Visitor arrivals on track to rival record numbers
Thursday 16 January 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Business, Economy, National, Tourism
Visitor arrivals in 2024, with December figures yet to be released, have surpassed the total arrivals of 2023 and are on track to rival the record number set in 2019.
‘A blessing’: NZ passport climbs in world rankings
Friday 10 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National
The New Zealand passport is the fifth best in the world, offering significant travel benefits to its holders, including Cook Islanders, who largely welcome this despite some advocating for a separate Cook Islands passport as a symbol of national identity.
Diaspora concerns addressed in NZ seabed mining talks, says PM
Friday 3 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National
Cook Islands Government’s recent consultation tour in New Zealand was a significant success, effectively addressing numerous concerns held by the diaspora regarding seabed mining, says Prime Minister Mark Brown.
PM Brown calls for debt relief for climate-impacted small island states
Monday 30 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Environment, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown has expressed disappointment over the lack of progress in climate change negotiations, particularly the failure of major emitting countries to meet their carbon emissions targets and financial commitments.
Government focuses on growth and cost of living in 2025
Friday 27 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National, Politics
Prime Minister Mark Brown has outlined the Cook Islands Government’s key priorities for the upcoming year, focusing on continued economic growth, infrastructure development and addressing the cost of living.
Families navigate inflation, businesses stock up for festive season
Tuesday 24 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, Economy, Local, National
As Christmas approaches, local families and businesses in Rarotonga are feeling the seasonal buzz. While the island’s shops are busy preparing for the influx of shoppers, families are making sure they have everything needed for the festive season.
Cook Islands debt surpasses quarter billion mark with new ADB loan
Saturday 21 December 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands has signed a US$30 million (NZ$49.7m) loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) “to manage its debt and cash portfolios over the coming years”.
Bank urges caution against scams during festive season
Friday 20 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Business, Economy, National
With the festive season underway, ANZ Cook Islands is reminding customers in the Pacific to be vigilant against scammers who take advantage of this busy time of year.
Cook Islands aims to future-proof tourism with legislative overhaul
Saturday 14 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
Cook Islands Tourism Corporation is undertaking a legislative review to modernise the tourism framework, aligning it with sustainable tourism practices and addressing challenges like workforce development and destination management.
Tribunal revokes price order, raises fuel costs after ‘error’
Thursday 12 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, Economy, National
The Price Tribunal has issued a new price order for petrol and diesel almost a month after issuing the previous one, increasing wholesale and retail prices across the board.
Cooks delegation returns from roundtable talks
Saturday 7 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
Australia recently hosted a Cook Islands delegation, under a tailored programme themed around connectivity, with delegates traveling to Sydney, Uluru, Canberra, Brisbane, and Lady Elliot Island to share perspectives and strengthen ties.
Controversy over water bills- Tourism Industry Council calls for ‘dry run’
Friday 29 November 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Tourism
The Tourism Industry Council has suggested that the first water bill issued this month be treated as a ‘dry run’ due to concerns about the fairness and transparency of the new water billing system.
Feeling the heat: Consumers shocked by massive gas price hike
Thursday 28 November 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National
The price of LPG cooking gas has significantly increased due to various factors including delayed freight supply and ongoing inflation, impacting businesses and consumers.
RMD ‘system error’ annoys taxpayer
Saturday 23 November 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
A businessman in Rarotonga is annoyed with the Cook Islands tax department for a taxation blunder they’re calling a ‘system error’.
Trade policy framework revised after nearly a decade
Tuesday 19 November 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National
The Cook Islands Trade Policy Framework (TPF), last reviewed in 2015, is undergoing a revision to reflect the country’s evolving economic priorities.
