Economy
Airport tour offers rare glimpse into Rarotonga’s travel hub
Tuesday 23 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Local, National
In the lead up to next week’s 50th anniversary celebration of the Rarotonga International Airport, passengers on “Flight Bus Number 50” public tour broke into heartfelt island songs, cherishing the milestone moment of riding along the airport runway.
Immigration policy changes on hold awaiting PM approval, says MFAI
Tuesday 23 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
The proposed immigration policy changes considered by the National Labour Advisory Board (NLAB) in September last year are sitting with Prime Minister Mark Brown for his approval, says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI).
Pause on Sydney flights estimated to cost national economy $2.21m
Monday 22 January 2024 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Economy, Local, National, Tourism
The Cook Islands economy is bracing for a more than $2 million loss in revenue when direct flights from Australia are suspended for the final month of summer.
$1.7 million govt electric cars not compatible with charging station
Monday 22 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Local, National
A $1.7 million fleet of electric cars bought by the government were not compatible with the intended charging station at Te Aponga Uira (TAU), forcing authorities to install two at the Office of the Prime Minister. Al Williams reports.
Chamber to restructure, chief executive role on hold
Saturday 20 January 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce will not appoint a new chief executive officer following the conclusion of Rebecca Tavioni’s two-year term this month.
Retailer sets the record straight on alleged narcotics find
Friday 19 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Business, Crime, Economy, National
Prime Foods managing director Daniel Forsyth wants to set the record straight about an ongoing narcotics investigation involving his business. Al Williams reports.
Cook Islands registers 348 small motorised vessels
Thursday 18 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
A total of 348 small motorised vessels (SMVs) were registered and entered into the Ministry of Transport database last year.
‘Time is money’: Push for calendar change to align with NZ, Australia
Tuesday 16 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
There’s a call for the Cook Islands to jump a day ahead and align its clocks closer to New Zealand and Aussie.
Rarotonga on sale: ‘Spike’ in flight bookings amidst slow tourism season
Tuesday 16 January 2024 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
Airfares between Auckland and Rarotonga have dipped to under $300 as New Zealand’s flag carrier airline launches a flash sale in the midst of the Cook Islands’ slow tourism season.
‘No mass exodus’: Cook Islands population predicted to stay steady
Saturday 13 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Economy, Features, National, Weekend
New research into Pacific populations predicts that the local population will remain steady over the next few generations. Candice Luke reports.
CI Tourism industry presses for answers on immigration policy
Saturday 13 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands tourism leaders are set to meet Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) bosses to keep the pressure on for policy changes.
Rental cars targeted in theft spree
Saturday 13 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Crime, Economy, National
A rental company is calling on the Cook Islands community to help stop a recent trend of car thefts targeting rental vehicles. Losirene Lacanivalu reports.
Fee-ling unwelcome: Canadian visitor calls out immigration fees
Friday 12 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Local, National, Tourism
Canadian Terry Snutch fell in love with the Cook Islands 34 years-ago - staying for extended periods across the decades and happily paying for the privilege – that has now changed.
Government to manage new inter-island vessel, says PM
Monday 8 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands
The Cook Islands government will manage the operations of an inter-island vessel that it hopes to receive this year.
Supplementary budget targets infrastructure
Saturday 6 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
Rarotonga’s long-awaited road improvement projects are set to receive a financial injection with the upcoming supplementary budget to be tabled in Parliament next month. Losirene Lacanivalu reports.
Report missing luggage promptly, says Air NZ
Thursday 4 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
Air New Zealand passengers arriving in Rarotonga with missing checked bags are advised to inform the airline’s team as soon as possible.
Rarotonga pumps running dry but replenishment on horizon
Thursday 4 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Economy, Local, National
Despite recent panic and some rationing due to low stocks, Rarotonga petrol stations expect smooth sailing by January 10 when the next fuel shipment arrives. Candice Luke reports.
‘Together we’re stronger’: Rarotonga businesses reflect on 2023
Wednesday 3 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Economy, National
The sting of the Covid-19 pandemic is still being felt by businesses around Rarotonga, but hopes are high for 2024 as the market surges through the holiday season.
Cook Islands Tourism rakes in 75% of GDP
Wednesday 3 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
Tourism’s contribution to the Cook Islands’ gross domestic product (GDP) for the last quarter of 2023 (October-December) was estimated at 75.4 per cent, according to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management.
Resorts gear up for New Year’s celebration
Saturday 30 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
Falling on a Sunday this year, New Year’s Eve presents a unique challenge for resorts. However, restaurants and bars remain hopeful for a lively influx of guests eager to ring in the new year with family and friends over festive meals.
