Economy
'Matter is getting worse': Opposition leader on Cook Islands-NZ relations
Monday 10 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
Opposition leader Tina Browne, who is concerned with the latest statement from New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister about the lack of consultation over Cook Islands' strategic deal with China, says the relationship between the Cook Islands and New Zealand is getting worse.
Cook Islands ‘failed to properly consult’ on China deal, says New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister
Saturday 8 February 2025 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Economy, Local, National, New Zealand, Regional
The diplomatic row between the Cook Islands and New Zealand over the China deal the Cook Islands is set to sign in the coming week continues despite brief talks over the phone between the leaders from the two countries.
No debt in China deal
Saturday 8 February 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Local, National
The comprehensive deal the Cook Islands will sign with China in the coming week will not involve any borrowing, the Prime Minister confirmed this week.
Divided views on national identity as Government ditches passport plan
Saturday 8 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National
The decision by Prime Minister Mark Brown to drop the proposal for a Cook Islands passport is welcome news to many, including four elders who shared their excitement with Cook Islands News journalist Talaia Mika.
Opposition leaders declare ‘no confidence’ in Prime Minister
Friday 7 February 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Local, National, Politics
Cook Islands Opposition leaders say they have lost confidence in the Prime Minister, despite his U-turn on the controversial passport proposal that drew disapproval from the New Zealand Government and the ire of Cook Islanders.
No security deal with China, assures PM Brown
Thursday 6 February 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands’ agreement with China will not include any security aspects, Prime Minister Mark Brown assured yesterday.
EXCLUSIVE: Cook Islands ditches passport plan after New Zealand ‘ultimatum’
Thursday 6 February 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in BREAKING NEWS, Economy, Editor's Pick, National
Cook Islands has dropped the controversial passport proposal, Prime Minister Mark Brown confirmed yesterday, after discussions to convince New Zealand that it would not affect their constitutional relationship fell flat. Rashneel Kumar reports.
Australia and Cook Islands to sign MoU, strengthen maritime security partnership
Wednesday 5 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Australia, Economy, National, Regional
Cook Islands and Australia are in the process of finalising an enhanced Pacific Maritime Security Program (PMSP) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will strengthen Australia’s support for Te Kukupa II operations and bolster regional security efforts.
Australia commits to ongoing collaboration with Cooks on transnational crime threats
Wednesday 5 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Australia, Crime, Economy, National, Regional
Australian High Commissioner to the Cook Islands, Phoebe Smith is confident that through the Te Kukupa II maritime patrol vessel, Cook Islands with the support from Australia can tackle transnational crimes such as drug trafficking.
Cook Islands reaffirms climate leadership amidst US withdrawal from Paris Agreement
Tuesday 4 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Environment, National
Cook Islands has called for continued global cooperation to address climate crisis and for the global community to fill any funding gaps left by the United States after its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement.
PM to China on state visit
Tuesday 4 February 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown will be accorded a state visit to China this month, highlighting growing cooperation between the two countries.
Chinese ambassador’s second visit in a month focuses on ‘cooperation’
Friday 31 January 2025 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Economy, National
The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Cook Islands is visiting the country for the second time in just over a month.
Cook Islands, US deepen maritime cooperation
Friday 31 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
The Cook Islands and the United States have strengthened maritime cooperation through US Coast Guard engagement.
Debt servicing a concern
Thursday 30 January 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands faces rising debt servicing costs, projected to reach 16 per cent of revenue by 2029/30, prompting concerns about cash flow and the management of its $253.8 million public debt.
ADB dominates Cook Islands debt portfolio
Tuesday 28 January 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has provided the largest proportion of lending to the Cook Islands, accounting for 81 per cent of the debt portfolio in 2024/25.
Proposed passport to be discussed during NZ Foreign Affairs Secretary’s visit
Saturday 25 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
The proposed Cook Islands passport will be one of the issues that Government officials will be discussing with New Zealand’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Bede Corry, in Rarotonga next week.
$541.7m tourism earnings
Saturday 25 January 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
Visitor arrivals reached 170,315 last year, the second-highest number on record, just behind the 2019 peak of 171,550, contributing over half a billion dollars to the economy.
‘Experienced candidates’ apply for Cook Islands top cop role
Friday 24 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Economy, Local, National
A selection panel chaired by the Public Service Commissioner Carl Hunter is expected to be finalised to look into the recruitment of the new Police Commissioner.
Bank to reissue debit cards following attempted fraudulent transactions
Monday 20 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
Bank of South Pacific (BSP) will be reissuing new Visa debit cards to its customers following a recent attempt of fraudulent transactions.
Government seeks funding boost for ‘critical priorities’
Monday 20 January 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
Government will be tabling a supplementary budget in Parliament next month, seeking a top up to the $328 million 2024/25 budget to fund ‘critical priorities’ in the remaining half of the financial year.
