Economy
Rarotonga ‘masking up’ for border reopening
Thursday 13 January 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
After five months of a quiet and deserted arrival terminal at the Rarotonga international airport, this afternoon the borders will reopen and the first plane full of passengers will troop in from Auckland, New Zealand – since August 16, 2021.
Airport boss to stay on as replacement arrives for ‘transition period’
Wednesday 12 January 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Long-serving Rarotonga International Airport Authority chief executive Joseph Ngamata has had his contract extended until March to allow a newly appointed CEO time to transition.
‘We are ready, prepared and protected’
Tuesday 11 January 2022 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
There is a lot of information being pushed out right now in the lead-up to our border opening this week on Thursday, January 13, so I thought I would take this opportunity to give you all another update, writes Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Church agrees to allow unvaxed members to attend Sunday services
Tuesday 11 January 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
Unvaccinated members of the Avarua CICC (Cook Islands Christian Church) are overjoyed at the decision of its committee to allow them to continue to attend church services when the country’s border reopens this Thursday.
No immediate fix for local labour shortage
Monday 10 January 2022 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Economy, National
A growing number of expat workers taking up jobs in New Zealand is deepening the local labour shortage crisis, forcing at least one business to close up shop days before the Cook Islands border reopens to Kiwi holidaymakers.
2021 – between gloom and a sliver of hope
Saturday 8 January 2022 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
2021 picked up from where 2020 left – Covid-19 was once again the story of the year but a promising one with vaccines and booster shots providing some hope that “normal” may not be too far away.
Mandatory testing could derail tourist holidays
Friday 7 January 2022 | Written by Sian Solomon | Published in Economy, National
The Cook Island government’s requirement for mandatory Covid-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests for tourists when it fully opens the borders to the outer islands will turn holidaymakers away from the Pa Enua and possibly the Cook Islands, according to industry groups.
Locals living overseas share Covid concerns
Thursday 6 January 2022 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islanders residing overseas are continuing to face frustrating and unsettling times as Covid-19 continues to progress, with the number of the highly transmissible Omicron variant continuing to climb.
2022: A defining year
Wednesday 5 January 2022 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
This year we’re not only reopen for business but seek to diversify our economy and the opportunities for our people by turning to the wealth of our ocean, writes Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Improving coordination of emergency services
Wednesday 5 January 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
To strengthen the National Institutional Arrangement for Disaster Risk Management (DRM) in the Cook Islands, a contract was awarded to and signed with lawyer Tai Nicholas’ consulting firm a week ago.
Giving Tree initiative brings smiles to kids
Friday 31 December 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Economy, National
The Bank of South Pacific (BSP) Cook Islands branch had one of its most successful years yet with their annual Christmas Giving Tree initiative. Over 640 gifts successfully made it into the hands of children across the 12 islands.
Yala recognised in New Year's honours
Friday 31 December 2021 | Written by Sian Solomon | Published in Economy, National
A well-known Cook Islander has been acknowledged among the New Zealand Pacific Community in the Queen’s New Year’s honours list.
Business support extended
Friday 31 December 2021 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Economy, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown yesterday announced that the wage subsidy and sole trader grants will continue until the end of February, to allow businesses to build up after the border opening on January 13, 2022.
Government unfazed by Omicron in NZ
Friday 31 December 2021 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands Government has ‘no plans’ to revisit the January 13 border reopening despite two Omicron community cases in New Zealand.
Retailers, shoppers benefit from after Christmas deals
Thursday 30 December 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Economy, National
Rarotonga’s gift and liquor stores are bracing for another eventful weekend following a busy period leading up to Christmas and bumper Boxing Day sales on Monday.
Cops go on Christmas ticket frenzy
Thursday 30 December 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands police have issued close to 200 tickets on Rarotonga over the Christmas period as patrols have been ramped up with traffic enforcement checks.
Mauke gets into festive spirit with annual ‘teretere’
Thursday 30 December 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
On the island of Mauke or Akatokamanava, sisters, Joanne Stevens (left) and Ngavaine Makitai representing the village of Oiretumu, danced and sang with families and friends as they walked through the village of Kimiangatau on Christmas day for the island’s ‘teretere’ or ‘roni’.
Chief economist ‘resigns’
Thursday 30 December 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
The Cook Islands Government chief economist has resigned and returned to New Zealand amid unconfirmed reports of internal rift and substantial financial settlement with his employer, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management.
Community projects receive $120,000 boost
Wednesday 29 December 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Multiple Cook Islands community projects have received a Christmas boost courtesy of the New Zealand High Commission.
300 workers needed ‘immediately’
Wednesday 29 December 2021 | Written by Sian Solomon | Published in Economy, National
A survey issued by the Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce, Cook Island Tourism Corporation and the Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council has revealed at least 300 people are needed to ease labour shortages in the tourism industry and related sectors.
