Economy
Pero’s airline grounded for good
Friday 18 June 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, National
The owner of the proposed Pasifika Air says lack of support from Cook Islands government has led to the grounding of his ambitious airline plans.
Selling Cook Islands to Kiwis
Thursday 17 June 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
More than 40 Cook Islands tourism operators have signed up to display their products at a trade expo in Auckland next month.
Cheeky ad campaign promotes Cooks
Wednesday 16 June 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
A Kiwi radio network is giving Cook Islands a plug in its own quirky way with a ‘tongue and cheek’ ad campaign – for free.
Government plans significant roadworks in next 12 months
Wednesday 16 June 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Several big ticket infrastructure projects have been tabled as part of an estimated $32 million government capital expenditure for 2021/22.
$30m from NZ government for recovery
Wednesday 16 June 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, National
As MP’s gathered in Parliament to debate spending plans for the upcoming fiscal year, Government revealed details of a $30 million grant from New Zealand to help cover an estimated $80 million deficit.
Pawpaw cooperative on the cards for Rarotonga growers
Tuesday 15 June 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, National
Potential pawpaw exporters will meet tomorrow to further discuss getting the fruit into the New Zealand market.
Government to cut capital spending in budget
Tuesday 15 June 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands government has set aside an estimated $32 million in its capital expenditure for 2021/22 – more than $8 million less than the previous year.
Huge world market for vanilla, an ‘export lifeline’
Monday 14 June 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
Vanilla farming was introduced to the Cook Islands some nine years ago; back then there were 20 individual growers on Rarotonga, and some on the Pa Enua. Today there are less than 10 growers. Melina Etches investigates the future of vanilla farming in the Cook Islands.
Opposition gears up for vigorous budget debate
Saturday 12 June 2021 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
The “lack of synergy and coherence” in the policies to be implemented by government in the 2021/22 budget to bring about the much-needed recovery is “fiscally irresponsible”, says the Opposition party.
Maritime NZ helps check Cooks’ boat safety
Saturday 12 June 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, National
A team of technical advisors from Maritime New Zealand will work under Cook Islands Transport to make sure boats are safe before the New Zealand July school holidays.
Tourism focus turns to Australia
Saturday 12 June 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
In place for four weeks, the Cook Islands-New Zealand bubble is bringing in more visitors than tourism stakeholders had projected. Looking ahead, the industry and government are now looking to capitalise on that success by laying out the rationale for opening the country to Australians.
Cash set aside for Air NZ subsidised Los Angeles, Australia routes
Friday 11 June 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
Amidst an environment of continued uncertainty, the Government is still banking on a positive trajectory in the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and the possible opening of tourism to additional markets.
Public kept in the dark over power cuts
Wednesday 9 June 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Electricity was cut to parts of Rarotonga on Monday, knocking out the Ministry of Justice server, causing further delays and postponements on Tuesday.
Businesses eye layoffs with end to government support
Wednesday 9 June 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
The Chamber of Commerce reacted to yesterday’s unveiling of the budget with a warning that businesses could be forced to lay off workers in the absence of government financial support for vulnerable companies.
Government attempts to emerge from pandemic with 'Budget of Revival'
Wednesday 9 June 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
Describing its revenue forecast for the coming 12 months as conservative, government is predicting a nearly 9 per cent increase in gross domestic product to drive spending in areas such as health, education, and infrastructure.
Aggressive marketing to entice tourists back
Saturday 5 June 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
There’s an aggressive marketing campaign to get tourists back to the Cook Islands. It will be measured but it’s a matter of time, authorities say.
Jetstar up in the air
Friday 4 June 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Cheaper flights are on offer between Rarotonga and Auckland from October as another airline looks set to re-enter the market.
PM announces Cabinet reshuffle
Thursday 3 June 2021 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
All Government MPs including the new Manihiki member have been given ministerial responsibilities in the new look Cabinet that saw Prime Minister Mark Brown offload nearly half of the 17 portfolios previously held.
Early figures show tourism on rebound
Wednesday 2 June 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Tourism authorities are projecting visitor numbers to the Cook Islands to be between 50 and 60 per cent of pre Covid-19 figures in the coming months.
‘Start-up weekend’ for budding entrepreneurs
Tuesday 1 June 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
Twenty-six young and budding entrepreneurs participated in the inaugural Taki Tahi – Cook Islands Young Entrepreneur Network’s ‘start-up weekend’ project that was held at Te Ara Museum of Cultural Enterprise in Muri from May 14 to 16.
