Economy
Browne calls for $12 minimum wage
Saturday 6 April 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
Opposition leader Tina Browne is calling for a $12 minimum wage increase, criticising the government’s spending and suggesting to use the saved money for the wage increase.
Small businesses in Cook Islands face squeeze as NZ economy falters
Tuesday 26 March 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
Small and medium enterprises are likely to get hit hard by the New Zealand recession before consumers start feeling the pinch, says Cook Islands Government chief economist.
Water contamination in petrol affects vehicles on Rarotonga
Tuesday 26 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
Six vehicles are being inspected for damage believed to have been caused by water contamination in petrol provided by a local supplier.
CIIC announces new chairs for TAU and Ports Authority
Monday 25 March 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, Local, National
The chairs of two of important government agencies are stepping down and new chairs appointed in their place.
$10 minimum wage urged to address high cost of living
Friday 22 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
The panel reviewing the minimum wage has been asked to consider the living conditions of the most vulnerable, grassroots people when compiling their final recommendation for the new minimum wage rate.
Government agencies spend over $150,000 on directors’ course
Thursday 21 March 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Local, National
Government agencies have spent over $150,000 on a five-and-a-half-day directors’ course being held at The Rarotongan Beach Resort this week.
$12k reportedly spent on expat economist’s pet relocation
Tuesday 19 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) has reportedly spent $12,000 on a senior expat executive’s pet dog.
Rarotonga residents left in the dark about soaring bills
Saturday 16 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Economy, Local, National
Rarotonga residents are questioning the island’s power supplier Te Aponga Uira (TAU) on the logic behind the alleged increased costs of power bills.
Apprenticeship aims to end need for overseas plumbing training
Friday 15 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Education, Features, Go Local, National
The Cook Islands is starting a plumbing and drainage apprenticeship programme this year to give locals opportunities in the trade and reduce the need to go overseas for training.
Tourist influx expected as Jetstar adds flight
Thursday 14 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
Jetstar is adding a fourth weekly flight between Sydney and Rarotonga due to strong demand from Australian tourists, bringing the total to four flights per week, starting later this month.
Opposition leader calls for review of treaty obligations after immigration ruling
Tuesday 12 March 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Politics
The Leader of the Opposition is calling on Government to review and reconsider its approach to treaty obligations and the legislative process, to ensure that future legislation fully complies with the constitutional requirements and principles of separation of powers.
Survey shows ‘larger employers’ pay above minimum wage, says Chamber
Tuesday 12 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
A Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce survey has shown that the majority of employers, particularly larger employers, pay their employees more than the national minimum wage.
Cook Islands establishes diplomatic ties with Panama
Monday 11 March 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
The Cook Islands and Republic of Panama formalised diplomatic relations last week through an exchange of diplomatic notes between the Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) and the Panamanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MER).
‘Landmark decision’: Cook Islands High Court invalidates preferential residency for Kiwis
Monday 11 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Economy, Local, National
The Cook Islands High Court has ruled that a residency regulation giving preferential treatment to New Zealand citizens is ‘invalid’.
Expats seek minimum wage increase to match rising costs
Friday 8 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
Foreign workers associations in the Cook Islands are calling for an increase in the minimum wage rate to match the rising cost of living.
Public submissions open for national minimum wage review
Thursday 7 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Economy, National
A panel has been established to determine the Cook Islands’ new minimum wage, which was proposed to increase by $0.30 to $9.30 per hour this year.
U-turn on electric vehicles: Government retains unsold vehicles due to lack of bids
Wednesday 6 March 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
Government will retain and distribute eight electric vehicles (EVs) it previously tried to sell due to lack of bids likely caused by affordability concerns.
Cook Islands balances tourism growth with sustainability
Saturday 2 March 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Business, Economy, National, Tourism
Cook Islands emerged from the Covid-19 slump with a tourism boom in 2023.
Beyond the numbers: How tourism benefits everyday life in the Cook Islands
Saturday 2 March 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Business, Economy, Features, Go Local, National, Tourism, Weekend
January saw a record breaking 10,368 visitors arrive on our shores. They’re staying longer, and spending more on average. But what do these facts and figures look like in the daily lives of Cook Islanders? Cook Islands News journalist Candice Luke spoke to locals about how the tourist dollar is affecting them, their families, and their businesses right now.
Cooks and India deepen cooperation on technology, renewable energy, and cultural exchange
Friday 1 March 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
The governments of Cook Islands and India will continue to focus forward co-operation on technology, community resilience including renewable energy, strengthening people to people links and collaboration in the multilateral fora including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Maritime Organisation.
