Economy
Cook Islands and China go halves in $6 million inter-island vessel purchase
Friday 21 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands
Government has allocated $3 million in its supplementary budget to co-fund a new shipping vessel from China, aiming to establish a nationalised shipping service and improve inter-island connectivity, a move that has been met with concern from an existing private shipping operator.
Govt roundtable reinforces commitment to financial service industry growth
Thursday 20 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
A Policymakers Round Table brought together government agencies and industry experts to discuss the future of the financial services industry in the Cook Islands.
‘Very little detail’: PM Brown explains vague China agreement
Thursday 20 February 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
The comprehensive agreement the Cook Islands has signed with China “deliberately” contains few details because the Government has not yet committed to any specific projects, says Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Appropriation Amendment Bill tabled, referred to PAC
Wednesday 19 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
The Appropriation Amendment Bill for 2025 that was tabled in Parliament by Prime Minister Mark Brown on Monday has been referred to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that is expected to scrutinise and report on the Bill when Parliament reconvenes on February 24.
Govt publishes China agreement, Opposition still demands answers
Tuesday 18 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
Cook Islands Government yesterday released the China agreement text following criticism over a lack of consultation, with New Zealand now reviewing its implications.
MPs’ travel costs double in $68 million Supplementary Budget
Monday 17 February 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
The Supplementary Budget seeks an extra $68 million, including doubling of MP travel allowances, sparking criticism of wasteful spending and misplaced priorities. Rashneel Kumar reports.
China deal won’t raise concerns, says PM
Monday 17 February 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, New Zealand, Regional
Prime Minister Mark Brown is ‘confident’ there will be no areas of concern with the agreement the Cook Islands has signed with China once the documents are available to the public ‘very shortly’. Rashneel Kumar reports.
‘Serious questions’: Opposition challenges China partnership
Saturday 15 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands Government defends its new partnership agreement with China, emphasising its alignment with national interests and the continued importance of existing relationships, while facing calls for greater transparency.
ILO reaffirms commitment to Cook Islands
Friday 14 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Martin Wandera presented his credentials to the Minister for Foreign Affairs Tingika Elikana on Monday.
Cook Islands’ century-long plan praised by UN as world-leading
Friday 14 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands and its government have been commended for being one of the few nations in the world to craft a century-long strategic vision by the visiting United Nations Resident Coordinator Themba Kalua.
China to aid Cook Islands’ seabed mineral plans
Thursday 13 February 2025 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Economy, National, Technology
Cook Islands is collaborating with China on seabed minerals exploration following discussions led by Prime Minister Mark Brown during his state visit this week.
Cook Islands advocates for development funding reform
Thursday 13 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands officials advocated for fairer development financing mechanisms, emphasising the need for alignment with the Pacific’s 2050 Strategy and consideration of Small Island States’ vulnerabilities, during a meeting with South Korean representatives to review cooperation progress.
PM Brown ‘should be taken at his word’ on China deal: Mahuta
Tuesday 11 February 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, New Zealand, Regional
New Zealand’s former foreign minister Nanaia Mahuta says the Cook Islands Prime Minister “should be taken at his word” that the comprehensive agreement he’s signing with China will not affect the constitutional arrangements with New Zealand.
NZ waits to see China deal before deciding next steps
Tuesday 11 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says they will have to assess the proposed agreement between the Cook Islands and China before determining their next course of action.
Cook Islands Cabinet backs China deal, Prime Minister Brown
Tuesday 11 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, New Zealand, Regional
Cook Islands Cabinet Ministers have confidence in Prime Minister Mark Brown’s leadership and have endorsed the comprehensive strategic agreement the country will sign with China this week. Losirene Lacanivalu reports.
'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.
