Economy
Importation rules a meaty issue
Saturday 13 May 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
A Cook Islands supermarket boss is calling on the Government to remove some of the barriers preventing the country from accessing cheaper imported meat from New Zealand – and he appears to have the support of the Prime Minister.
Solar panels removed, investigation into ‘sudden’ airport fire continues
Friday 12 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Local, National
The cause of a sudden fire that broke at Rarotonga International Airport terminal on Wednesday is still unknown as authorities yesterday removed the solar panels from its roof for ‘safety reasons’.
Police team up with counselling agencies to address domestic violence in the Cooks
Friday 12 May 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, Economy, Education, Local
In a bid to address and prevent domestic violence in the Cook Islands, the Police Service yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with counselling service providers Punanga Tauturu Inc (PTI) and Te Punanga Ora’anga Matutu (Te POM).
Melvin appointed CIIC chairman
Thursday 11 May 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
Businessman Fletcher Melvin has become the new chairman of the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC).
PM welcomes $2b Australian funding package
Thursday 11 May 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
The Australian Government has announced a major funding package to the Pacific totalling over A$1.9 billion (NZ$2.02b) over the next five years.
Authorities investigate Rarotonga International Airport blaze
Thursday 11 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
A fire broke out at Rarotonga’s International Airport terminal midday yesterday which was swiftly contained by the Airport Authority Crash Fire stationed next door.
Widespread floods cause supply and cost issues
Wednesday 10 May 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
Inflation continues to skyrocket as weather events have contributed to ongoing supply chain issues in the Cook Islands.
New televisions for learning
Wednesday 10 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Entertainment, Features, National
Apii Nikao has received four smart mobile television systems which will allow their students to engage in learning in the different spaces throughout the school.
ICI apologises for ‘accidental’ Vaimaanga backroad clearing
Tuesday 9 May 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
Infrastructure Cook Islands secretary Elizabeth Wright-Koteka says lessons have been learned in the wake of the ‘accidental’ clearing of a section of Vaimaanga Ara Metua backroad in Titikaveka.
Agriculture ministry and NZ to sign ‘Export Plan’
Monday 8 May 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands Biosecurity Quarantine Arrangement (BQAs) signed in 1999 between New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) will be replaced by an Export Plan in a bid to boost agricultural export to NZ.
Jetstar flight arrives in Raro short of passenger luggage
Friday 5 May 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Jetstar passengers to Rarotonga have been left in the lurch after their luggage did not arrive with them.
Cook Islands PM makes case for country’s economy at ADB meeting
Friday 5 May 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown is calling on the Asian Development Bank to make it easier to access funding for climate resilience, and be lenient in debt servicing.
Call for stronger approach to labour laws
Friday 5 May 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce is calling on the government to strengthen its labour laws amid concerns about the potential for worker and employer exploitation.
Local employers left in limbo as foreign workers leave in droves
Monday 1 May 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
Loss of foreign workers to New Zealand post Covid-19 pandemic has become a major issue for local businesses who are struggling to fill the void left by these workers, most of whom are leaving the country without proper notice.
Call to boost Government role in digital transformation strategies
Thursday 27 April 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
A major report on digital services in the Cook Islands recommends the Government bolster its ICT division.
Air New Zealand customers frustrated over changes to Raro flight schedules
Thursday 27 April 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, Tourism
A worldwide shortage in A320 neo and A321 neo aircraft engines has led to changes and cancellations in Air New Zealand Rarotonga flights leaving customers frustrated. Matthew Littlewood and Al Williams report.
Samuela appointed new Cook Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand
Wednesday 26 April 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
Former principal immigration officer Kairangi Samuela has been confirmed as the Cook Islands’ new High Commissioner to New Zealand.
Fast-tracked Aussie citizenship prompts fears of labour exodus
Wednesday 26 April 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
Changes to citizenship rules in Australia could have an impact on the Cook Islands population.
Labour shortage a major concern: ADB
Saturday 22 April 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Labour, or the desperate shortage of it, here and across the Pacific, is a major concern for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in delivering its latest regional economic update. Al Williams reports.
Hotelier in talks with airline for year-round charter flight
Friday 21 April 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
The owner of The Rarotongan Resort and Lagoonarium says he is in talks with an airline over the development of a possible year-round charter flight airline.
