Economy
Record-breaking tourist arrivals signal strong year
Friday 28 March 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
Tourism arrivals in the country soared to a record high in the first two months, with a 23 per cent increase in visitors compared to the same period last year.
‘Political sidelining’ fuels Mangaia’s push for independent development
Wednesday 26 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands, Politics
Mangaia’s traditional leaders are taking the island’s development into their own hands, citing years of neglect and political sidelining as reasons for seeking alternative solutions.
PAC maintains travel request info from CIIC
Monday 24 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Parliament
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) maintains that the request for travel expense information from Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) is made to ensure accountability and CIIC ‘must’ provide the requested data.
Cook Islands continues to advocate for a balanced approach
Friday 21 March 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
The Cook Islands advocates for a balanced maritime levy, ensuring Small Island Developing States are not disproportionately burdened and maintaining vital shipping access.
Te Aponga Uira disconnects customers over unpaid bills
Thursday 20 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National
Electricity provider Te Aponga Uira (TAU) has disconnected services to a number of customers this week who have persistently failed to pay their long-standing electricity debts, some of which date back more than five years and exceed $10,000.
Donor funds can be redirected for ‘additional activities’ with approval
Monday 17 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands
Government has clarified that while donor funds cannot be used for entirely new projects, adjustments within existing projects are possible with donor approval.
No delays to solar battery project from NZ funding: MFEM
Friday 14 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) says the funding for the Northern Group Battery Replacement Project was approved in March 2024 and that no delays can be attributed to New Zealand, despite recent discussions in Parliament suggesting otherwise.
Opposition decries delay cost for battery replacement project
Thursday 13 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands, Parliament
Opposition leader Tina Browne has criticised the delay in the Northern Group Battery Replacement Project, saying it is costing taxpayers as island governments continue to spend large amounts on diesel to keep power running.
$72k land reform trips hit by poor attendance, late notice
Thursday 13 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
Taxpayer-funded land reform consultation trips to New Zealand and Australia, costing over $72,000, suffered from poor attendance due to late notice distribution, according to a report submitted to Parliament.
MPs’ travel expenses exceed $350,000 in six months
Saturday 8 March 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
Cook Islands MPs spent over $350,000 on overseas travel in the first half of the 2024/25 financial year, with a significantly increased budget allowing for further expenditures and calls to upgrade MP travel classes.
Cook Islands-flagged ships- there are no illegal operators, says DPM Nicholas
Wednesday 5 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
Deputy Prime Minister Albert Nicholas confirmed that more than 700 shipping vessels are registered under Maritime Cook Islands and from these Cook Islands-flagged ships, he claims there are no illegal operators.
Hawaiian Airlines enhances Raro Service with daytime departure, US Connectivity
Wednesday 5 March 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, Local, National, Tourism
Hawaiian Airlines has announced significant enhancements to its Rarotonga (RAR) service, designed to improve the travel experience for passengers and expand connectivity between the Cook Islands and the United States.
Empty shelves and high prices: Pa Enua residents turn to land and sea amidst shipping delays
Tuesday 4 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands
The residents of a Southern Group Island continue to endure ongoing hardships due to inconsistent shipping, driving up costs and forcing reliance on subsistence living, while awaiting government-promised shipping improvements.
PM defends additional $1.8 million Crown Law funding
Tuesday 4 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National
The supplementary budget’s allocation for Crown Law addresses urgent staff retention and recruitment needs, aiming to boost lawyer numbers and improve remuneration.
Cook Islands explores untapped potential of creative industries
Monday 3 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Economy, National
The inaugural Cook Islands Cultural and Creative Industries Strategy Forum kicked off with great enthusiasm, bringing together a diverse group of over 60 participants from the creative industry.
New national security agency to combat transnational crimes
Thursday 27 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, Economy, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown has confirmed that the newly formed National Security Agency is part of the nation’s development and growth in part of the regional network of nations that are working together to combat transnational crimes.
Govt explores China’s advanced tech: Potential solutions to aging battery systems in the Pa Enua
Thursday 27 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands, Technology
The Cook Islands government is looking to China for potential solutions to the aging battery systems as part of its effort to maintain renewable energy in the Pa Enua.
‘Not enough’: Opposition MPs call for more police funding
Tuesday 25 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National
Opposition MPs have strongly criticised allocations in the $68 million Supplementary Budget, calling for greater prioritisation of the police force and less spending on government travel.
Cook Islands eyes China investment in blue economy
Saturday 22 February 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands and China have agreed to cooperate on blue economy investments, including new port wharves and deep sea minerals development, under a newly signed memorandum of understanding (MoU).
Decades-old Cook Islands ID cards invalid, says Minister
Friday 21 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National
The decades-old Cook Islands identification card, once used for travel before Cook Islanders gained access to New Zealand passports, are now invalid, confirmed the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration.
