Economy
Parliament building extension ‘overspend’ heavily criticised
Tuesday 20 June 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, Local, National
A wide-ranging investigation has heavily criticised the processes which led to the extension of the Cook Islands Parliament building being more than $350,000 over-budget once completed.
Infrastructure Minister clarifies Arorangi CICC roadworks
Tuesday 20 June 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
Infrastructure Minister Albert Nicholas said the roadworks at Arorangi in front of the Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) was carried out on the request of Mama Tinomana Tokerau Ariki and former MP William “Smiley” Heather.
Schools ‘pump up the beats’ in preparation for 2023 Tangi Kaara
Tuesday 20 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Local, National
Rarotonga schools have been practising fiercely for the new and exciting junior drumming competition, the “CITC Pump the Beats 2023” Emo’anga Tangi Kaara, to be held on Friday, June 30 at the Are Karioi National Auditorium.
Dame Cindy’s visit brings to life commitments made under Waka Hourua Vaka Purua
Saturday 17 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
Aotearoa New Zealand Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro GNZM QSO visited Rarotonga and Aitutaki on her first official visit to the Cook Islands last week.
Proposed policy to improve and strengthen social welfare services
Saturday 17 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
Consultations have been held in Rarotonga and Aitutaki to share reviews and have discussions with members of the public on the proposed Cook Islands National Social Assistance Policy.
Retailers ‘all but out of rice’, shipment expected next week
Saturday 17 June 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
The next shipment of rice should be arriving next week, providing relief to supply-constrained retailers.
Cook Islands stakeholders wary of New Zealand recession
Saturday 17 June 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
There is uncertainty as to how New Zealand’s economic woes could affect the Cook Islands.
CIGT barge undergoing extensive maintenance
Friday 16 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands
The MV Taunga Nui barge is undergoing a five-year class survey in Whangārei, Aotearoa New Zealand and is scheduled to return to Rarotonga towards the end of this month.
PERC ‘examining the finances of CIIC’
Friday 16 June 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
The Public Expenditure Review Committee has confirmed it is investigating the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC).
PM Brown takes over ‘suspended’ deputy’s ministerial portfolios
Thursday 15 June 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, Crime, Economy, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown will take on all of suspended Deputy PM Robert Tapaitau’s portfolios for the foreseeable future while a high-profile trial is ongoing.
Growers seek $10million in new Agriculture Budget
Thursday 15 June 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
A representative of the Cook Islands agricultural community is calling on Ministry of Agriculture to be given a major shot in the arm in future Budgets.
Agriculture continues to assist with Cooks fertiliser supplies
Wednesday 14 June 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
The Ministry of Agriculture is continuing to assist and supply farmers with fertiliser on Rarotonga and the Pa Enua.
Apology from Foreign Affairs and Immigration follows visa, permit processes and fees confusion
Wednesday 14 June 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands Foreign Affairs and Immigration has apologised for a public notice which “caused confusion on immigration regulations regarding new visa and permit processes and fees”.
Community groups raise concerns over immigration permit fees
Monday 12 June 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
Foreign community groups on Rarotonga have raised concerns over lack of awareness on the changes to the Cook Islands immigration visa and permit regime and conflicting effective dates.
TO HELP ‘PROTECT A LITTLE PARADISE
Saturday 10 June 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands Tourism Corporation has launched a significant recruitment drive for positions within its Rarotonga-based destination development team, as importance continues to be placed on long-term, sustainable development and the encouragement of regenerative tourism practices.
Financial Intelligence Unit recover scammed funds
Saturday 10 June 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Economy, National
The Cook Islands Financial Intelligence Unit (CIFIU) has managed to recover some of the funds taken from a recent scam victim.
Call for robust talks on immigration changes
Saturday 10 June 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
Calls have been made for a robust consultation and awareness on the changes to the Cook Islands immigration visa and permit regime which includes revised application process and a steep increase in fees.
Financial Intelligence Unit gets new database to combat financial crime
Friday 9 June 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
The Cook Islands Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) will soon have a new database that will assist them in combating financial crimes in the country.
Rice shortage rankles eateries
Friday 9 June 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
Supplies of rice are dwindling on the island, as providers struggle with supply chain issues.
New Zealand Governor General receives warm Cook Islands welcome
Thursday 8 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National, New Zealand, Regional
New Zealand Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro and her delegation were warmly welcomed to the Pa Ariki Palace with a traditional turou by Puati Mataiapo George Ngapare and Paitai Rangatira Steven Kavana.
