Economy
Cook Islands considers new sea container cleaning system
Thursday 21 April 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, National
The Sea Container Hygiene System used by Australia and New Zealand as a strategy designed to manage the biosecurity risks associated with sea containers at the port of loading and implementation is being considered in Rarotonga.
New speed guns on hold
Thursday 21 April 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Speed guns donated last month to Cook Islands Police are still not in operation as officers are yet to be ‘certified’ before the devices are deployed.
Easter incidents ‘eerily’ similar to 2021: Police
Wednesday 20 April 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
The long weekend wrapped up with the Easter holiday period showing little signs of change or improvement over last year, police say.
Rarotonga drug dealers receive prison sentence
Tuesday 19 April 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, National
Two people have received prison sentences, while one person has received probation on cannabis-related charges last week in the High Court.
Minimum wage under review
Tuesday 19 April 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands minimum wage is currently under review, however, the Prime Minister says businesses would struggle with the added cost if it was to increase.
Visitor arrivals forecast brings hope
Saturday 16 April 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands tourism outlook is looking positive with visitor arrivals forecast to reach two-thirds of 2019 numbers in the coming months.
Covid infected inmates ‘recovered’, case numbers drop
Thursday 14 April 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
All 31 prisoners at Arorangi Prison in Rarotonga that were affected by Covid-19 have now recovered, Te Marae Ora says.
‘Walk in’ volunteers help deliver welfare packages
Wednesday 13 April 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
The Cook Islands Red Cross Society has been grateful for several “walk in” volunteers who have helped with the ongoing delivery of Covid-19 welfare packages.
Businesses ready to recruit
Tuesday 12 April 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, National
The announcement of migrant workers from Fiji has come as welcome news to staff strapped Cook Islands businesses that are heading into peak tourism season.
‘Few jobs’ remain to fully complete Empire Bridge
Monday 11 April 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, National
Rarotonga’s Empire Bridge has been used by traffic for the last week and only a few jobs remain until it's fully complete.
Freight support for local exporters
Monday 11 April 2022 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands exporters have the opportunity to apply for Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia’s Covid-19 Freight Assistance Package.
Govt to ease restrictions in ‘next few weeks or month’
Saturday 9 April 2022 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Economy, National
Negative household contacts choosing to remain in isolation at home continue to put pressure on private and public sectors. However the launch of the essential workers pass has provided some relief.
Cooks to receive labour boost
Saturday 9 April 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
Labour shortages are still affecting the Cook Islands, with estimates that as many as 900 new workers are needed in the island nation as the Government announces it will be opening up the country to migrant workers.
Covid puts pressure on road projects
Friday 8 April 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
The Cook Islands government will be embarking on an extensive capital roading project over the next 12 months, but Covid-19 has led to significant delays.
Wandering dogs out of control
Thursday 7 April 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Authorities are ‘putting out fires’ dealing with roaming dogs on Rarotonga.
Cooks ranked 192nd most expensive country in the world for broadband
Wednesday 6 April 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands is ranked the 192nd most expensive country out of 222 for the price of broadband internet, however, Competition and Regulatory Authority (CRA) chairman Bernard Hill says it’s not really a big deal.
Household contacts to take charge of Covid healthcare
Saturday 2 April 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
Household contacts of Covid-19 cases are being asked by the Government to take more ownership of their own Covid-related healthcare as the island nation’s hospitalisation rate for the virus remains at zero.
No grace period for vehicle registration
Friday 1 April 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
Police and Bank of Cook Islands (BCI) are not allowing a ‘grace period’ for vehicle registrations as they acknowledge there is a ‘bottleneck’ of people doing it at the last minute.
Pressure on public service
Thursday 31 March 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
Covid-19 numbers continue to climb, putting pressure on all aspects of the public service, forcing Ministries to job share in order for the health services to keep afloat.
Police investigating motor vehicle and cyclist crash
Thursday 31 March 2022 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Economy, National
A cyclist and a motorist were sent to hospital after an incident at the seawall in Nikao on the same day police were training with new road safety equipment.