Economy
Huge jump in operating balance
Thursday 27 December 2012 | Published in Economy
The government’s operating balance has increased hugely from $98,000 to $970,000, announced Finance Minister Mark Brown at a press conference for the release of the half year economic and fiscal update for 2012-2013.
Minimum wage expected to increase
Monday 24 December 2012 | Published in Economy
Finance Minister Mark Brown said there has been much talk of increasing the minimum wage and this is likely to happen soon.
Pacific Resorts to expand through Pacific
Saturday 22 December 2012 | Published in Economy
Cook Islands-based Pacific Resort Hotel Group is looking to expand – with up to 10 properties across the region.
Brown saw conflict of interest and acted
Friday 21 December 2012 | Published in Economy
The Financial Services Development Authority Amendment Bill was passed into Cook Islands law last week.
PM has 7 questions left to answer
Thursday 20 December 2012 | Published in Economy
The prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister have eight questions on shipping and renewable energy left over from the parliamentary order paper that must be answered to the public.
Doomsday questioned
Thursday 20 December 2012 | Published in Economy
A comet crashing into Earth or a super volcano erupting – tomorrow could bring a large global catastrophe. But Cook Islanders certainly aren’t buying it.
$2.4m tax on shareholder's dividend
Wednesday 19 December 2012 | Published in Economy
The unexpected windfall of $2.4 million in withholding tax was not from an errant taxpayer – rather from a business that paid out a dividend to an overseas shareholder.
Accommodators to provide water safety advice
Wednesday 19 December 2012 | Published in Economy
The Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council encourages accommodation providers to display swimming safety messages and dispense advice to guests to help prevent visitors from drowning in Cook Islands’ deceptively safe waters.
Runner up thrilled
Tuesday 18 December 2012 | Published in Economy
Miss South Pacific runner up Kate Ngatokorua says placing in the top two of the pageant surpassed her own expectations.
Showcase invitation
Tuesday 18 December 2012 | Published in Economy
Companies stocking products and produce with a Pacific flavour are being encouraged to sell them at a Pacific-focused trade event launching on February 2, 2013.
Brown first to answer questions
Tuesday 18 December 2012 | Published in Economy
Finance minister Mark Brown has provided responses to the five written questions he was asked by Teenui-Mapumai MP Norman George when parliament began sitting on November 8.
World Bank membership windfall
Saturday 15 December 2012 | Published in Economy
Mitiaro MP Tangata Vavia asked agriculture Minister Nandi Glassie why the Cooks haven’t got a large agricultural grant from the World Bank like Samoa.
Withholding tax nets $3.3m
Wednesday 12 December 2012 | Published in Economy
Finance minister Mark Brown was asked in parliament on Monday whether he would keep his promise to abolish withholding tax after it had been in place for two years – but how much does the controversial tax actually bring into government coffers?
Withholding tax to go
Wednesday 12 December 2012 | Published in Economy
Minister of Finance Mark Brown said he would keep his promise to abolish the withholding tax in October next year.
Amnesty for tax suggested
Wednesday 12 December 2012 | Published in Economy
Opposition leader Wilkie Rasmussen asked finance minister Mark Brown in parliament yesterday whether he would consider an amnesty period for those struggling to pay their tax.
Lawyer bids for legal aid
Wednesday 12 December 2012 | Published in Economy
Opposition leader Wilkie Rasmussen asked finance minister Mark Brown whether the government is making any provision to help out with legal aid “because there are some struggling lawyers who are working without payment”.
No such thing as a free lunch
Saturday 8 December 2012 | Published in Economy
Back in time I remember bartering hard to swap my humble bread and butter sandwich with the school kids across the fence at Nikao Maori for their milk biscuit handouts. Sad to say my lunch never appealed to them – they swapped with other delicious lunches at the time.
Trade days build Cooks' contacts
Friday 7 December 2012 | Published in Economy
Local tourism operators this week met with international buyers to showcase the Cooks at the Kia Orana Cook Islands trade days.
Free cash for Aussie visitors
Friday 7 December 2012 | Published in Economy
All Australians flying to the Cook Islands over the next six months will be given $100 cash – no strings attached.
Travel agents ask if Cooks' fishing is sustainable
Friday 7 December 2012 | Published in Economy
The island’s fishing charters were well represented at the annual Kia Orana Cook Islands trade days.