Economy
Govt reveals CCECC deal: Geopolitical issues among reasons for dropped legal action
Thursday 19 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
Financial Secretary Garth Henderson says it is unlikely that the Government would again use the Chinese state-owned company responsible for installing faulty pipes in a major water infrastructure project.
Corruption report exposes ‘bribe and sexual favours’
Tuesday 17 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islanders are concerned about the current prevalence of corruption, and the need for people to do favours to get ahead on the islands, according to an international anti-corruption agency’s wide-ranging report.
Nothing but poor excuses : Calls for MFEM to come clean on water deal
Monday 16 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
Several months after the Cook Islands Government said it reached an agreement with the Chinese state-owned company over the replacement of faulty pipes in a major water infrastructure project, there has yet to be an official response.
A tumultuous week in tax
Saturday 14 January 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Claims have come to light the Revenue Management Division is dysfunctional following revelations its top man is on sabbatical leave. It now looks like the government department is desperately short on resources.
$5.4 million returned in overpaid tax
Saturday 14 January 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
The Revenue Management Division will be making a submission to Cabinet, outlining the costs incurred and to be borne by Cook Islands taxpayers, in the legal action taken by Air New Zealand over ‘overpaid tax’.
Financial Secretary claims ‘slow news day’ over sabbatical leave saga
Friday 13 January 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Financial Secretary Garth Henderson, in a bizarre turn of events, has turned to social media with a response to questions surrounding his top taxman’s “sabbatical leave”.
Questions surrounding top taxman’s ‘sabbatical leave’
Thursday 12 January 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
The head of the Cook Islands tax department has been given six months’ sabbatical leave by his boss, Financial Secretary Garth Henderson, in a decision that has reportedly irked top government officials.
Population policy endorsed
Tuesday 10 January 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
The very first Cook Islands ‘Population Policy’ to address the country’s depopulation issue has been finalised and will be launched this year.
Call to rethink tourism approach
Monday 9 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
A major Aitutaki tourism provider says the industry should move away from a ‘bodies on the ground’ model, and start looking at ‘higher yield’ tourists.
Petrol supplier out of stock
Monday 9 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
Toa Petroleum has confirmed it will be out of petrol until Thursday.
Spending big to make the bucks
Saturday 7 January 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
The wheels of commerce keep turning for the Cook Islands tourism industry as the nation moves into what has been traditionally known as a quiet period over our summer months. Resorts are pouring millions of dollars into maintenance and redevelopment as they forecast continued growth in the coming year.
Bid to improve busy mobile network
Thursday 5 January 2023 | Written by Cameron Scott | Published in Economy, National, Technology
Vodafone Cook Islands has added additional cell site licences to manage increased demand and usage of its mobile phone network on Rarotonga.
Extra flights fuel optimism
Wednesday 4 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, Local, National
Accommodation providers are optimistic about 2023, as new flight opportunities open up.
Positive news in NZ slump
Wednesday 4 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
A Government report is warning that the Cook Islands economy may be stung by the forecast recession in New Zealand.
High hopes for 2023
Saturday 31 December 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Local, National
Small business operators on Rarotonga have given 2022 a thumbs up following a challenging couple of years. They are positive going forward to 2023 despite ongoing uncertainty, Al Williams reports
Fuel Ship 'Media' arrives, and it’s good news for petrol supplies
Saturday 24 December 2022 | Written by Cameron Scott | Published in Economy, Local, National
The Media arrived in town on Thursday afternoon. However, it wasn’t a scrum pack of over-excited international journalists that was involved, but a large and very orange ship bearing the thing the entire island had been eagerly awaiting – supplies of petrol.
Christmas bonanza: Shoppers respond to end of petrol supply fears
Saturday 24 December 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, Local, National
Businesses are welcoming ‘steady’ trading going into Christmas.
Prices projected to rise
Friday 23 December 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
The Cook Islands economy is forecast to have strong growth for the next financial year, but it will be offset by a sharp increase in commodity prices.
Workshop for specialist importers
Thursday 22 December 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Local, National, Technology
The National Environment Service (NES) has held a training workshop on the Montreal Protocol Licensing system.
Survey: Visitors spend more on longer visits
Thursday 22 December 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
Tourists are spending more, staying longer and encouraging more people to come to the Cook Islands, according to the latest International Visitor Survey.
