Economy
Medicinal cannabis legislation to go before Parliament in December
Thursday 12 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Health, National
Legislation supporting availability of medicinal cannabis in the Cooks Islands will be tabled in Parliament.
Tourism welcomes Hawaii ticket specials but calls for more flights
Wednesday 11 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
‘What will make the biggest difference is when frequency will be able to be increased’ Cooks tourism operators have welcomed sale airfares between Rarotonga and Honolulu but are still calling for an increase in flights.
Aussies boost Cook Islands tourism as visitor numbers soar
Wednesday 11 October 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
The return of Sydney flights is providing the Cook Islands tourism industry a timely boost to maintain high visitor arrival numbers heading into the lower season.
Eligible Cook Islanders invited to vote in Aussie referendum to recognise First Peoples of Australia
Tuesday 10 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Australia, Economy, National, Regional
Cook Islanders holding Australian passport are being called on to vote today in a controversial referendum which seeks to recognise the First Peoples of Australia.
Vendors invited to showcase Cook Islands products at Pacific Islands Forum event
Monday 9 October 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Economy, National, Pacific Islands Forum
Cook Islands vendors have been invited to participate in a trade day event that will be hosted during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in November in Rarotonga.
‘Everyone doesn’t have to struggle alone’: Budgeting, investing focus of workshop
Monday 9 October 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Economy, National
Teaching young people and families how to thrive, not just survive on the Cook Islands’ minimum wage rate of $9 per hour, is the goal of those behind a workshop about budgeting and using money wisely.
‘Exhausted’ Prime Minister home this weekend after busy month of travel
Saturday 7 October 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Local, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown has been away from the country for over a month, attending a series of meetings around the world.
Sheraton redevelopment steps up, road closure on the horizon
Thursday 5 October 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Environment, Local, National
The future of Rarotonga’s circuit road looks uncertain as plans for an inland diversion are pressing ahead to make way for the redevelopment of the abandoned Sheraton hotel in Vaimaanga.
Government secures inter-island vessel with Japan’s support, local operator wary
Wednesday 4 October 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands
The Cook Islands government has secured an inter-island domestic shipping vessel through an agreement signed with the government of Japan, but a local shipping company is concerned that the incoming vessel will affect its business.
New multi storey building proposed for PM and emergency operations staffers
Tuesday 3 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
A multi-storied building, with a floor area of more than 1000 square metres to house an emergency operations centre and a number of core functions at the Office of the Prime Minister, has been proposed.
Tourism council welcomes sale airfares
Monday 2 October 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council has welcomed sale airfares to the nation during the shoulder season.
Nicholas back at work ‘in a week or so’ following medical event
Monday 2 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Acting Prime Minister Albert Nicholas, who was flown to New Zealand following a medical event early last month, says he will be back at work in “a week or so”.
Fuel prices up again
Saturday 30 September 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
Petrol and diesel prices are up again in latest Price Order, amidst international reports of further increases heading into festive season.
Cook Islands sign historic agreement to safeguard marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction
Friday 29 September 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
The Cook Islands has reaffirmed its commitment to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity by signing the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).
Official Information Act request
Thursday 28 September 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Dear Editor, Can I just say a few things regarding the Official Information Act request to parliament by your paper (Cook Islands News, 27 September 2023).
Cooks warned to be wary of being ‘star-struck’ under global spotlight
Thursday 28 September 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Geopolitical expert Geoffrey Miller has warned Cook Islands will need to be wary of the potential to be ‘star-struck’ by the attention being bestowed upon it by the world’s superpowers.
Politicians’ travel expenses sought with request under Official Information Act
Thursday 28 September 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
Cook Islands News has made an Official Information Act request to the government seeking the travel costs of MPs.
Cooks toasts World Tourism Day 2023
Wednesday 27 September 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands Tourism Celebrates World Tourism Day 2023 with the launch of Cook Islands People’s Choice Awards and Opening of Regenerative Tourism Experience.
Statement expected next week on medicinal cannabis : Prime Minister’s Office
Wednesday 27 September 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Health, Local, National
The final draft report and a plan for a medicinal cannabis regime has been completed, says Office of the Prime Minister chief of staff Ben Ponia.
United States confirms long-serving diplomat to lead a delegation to Pacific Islands Forum
Wednesday 27 September 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield will lead the United States Delegation at the Pacific Islands Forum in Rarotonga on November 10.
