Economy
Tourism ‘adapting’ to border closure
Thursday 26 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Tourism operators are ‘adapting’ to a developing Covid-19 situation in New Zealand which has contributed to the postponement of the widely anticipated Cook Islands Consumer and Trade Expo in Christchurch.
Support on the way as businesses plan for months without visitors
Wednesday 25 August 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
Government is preparing to deploy millions in financial assistance as private sector leaders are predicting months of zero visitors.
Government working with Reserve Bank to explore closer ties
Monday 23 August 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
Government is deepening its ties with NZ’s Reserve Bank to explore how the banking sector can be brought under the jurisdiction of New Zealand.
‘We are ready’
Friday 20 August 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, National
Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health reassures people they are ready to handle a Covid-19 outbreak after a New Zealand-based medical expert said the country would not be able to handle the virus.
Millions available for business Covid-19 support on standby
Thursday 19 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Cook Island businesses will need financial support in ‘three to four weeks’ given the developing Covid-19 situation in New Zealand.
Tourism industry preparing for ‘massive impact’
Wednesday 18 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Suspension of incoming flights from New Zealand will have a “massive impact” on tourism, authorities say.
Businesses brace as the nation adapts to Level 2
Wednesday 18 August 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Economy, National
News of Alert Level 4 lockdown in New Zealand sent a ripple effect through Rarotonga businesses - who are just beginning to get back on their feet. Once again they have to adjust and make changes.
Recovery on ‘relatively firm ground’, ANZ economist says
Tuesday 17 August 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
Strong visitor arrival numbers posted since May’s ‘bubble’ opening with New Zealand along with little choice in destinations for Kiwi travellers is putting the Cook Islands on a path towards economic recovery, ANZ bank economists say.
Economist optimistic for recovery from Covid-19
Monday 16 August 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
Higher than expected visitor numbers since the opening of the border with New Zealand have a government economist optimistic for recovery from the Covid-19 economic downturn.
Government unveils $685 million infrastructure plan
Saturday 14 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
More than 100 infrastructure projects with a combined value of $685 million have been tabled in the nation’s updated National Infrastructure Investment Plan.
PM to launch infrastructure investments strategy
Thursday 12 August 2021 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
Government to provide details of its revised National Infrastructure Investment Plan (NIIP) – a guide to the country’s infrastructure investments over the next 10 to 15 years.
Ministry tracking taro and fresh food items at airport
Wednesday 11 August 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
For the first time, the Ministry of Agriculture has begun weighing fresh and cooked food items that are accompanying passengers flying to New Zealand.
Visitor projections surge for October
Wednesday 11 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Tourism figures have received an “unprecedented” boost with projected visitor numbers climbing for New Zealand school holidays.
Focus must remain on economic recovery, says Chamber of Commerce
Wednesday 11 August 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
A private sector leader says efforts towards diversifying the economy should take a back seat to helping the tourism-led economy recover from the downturn caused by Covid-19.
Survey to quantify labour shortage
Tuesday 10 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands labour shortages are an ongoing concern as authorities struggle to quantify how many workers are needed as the country experiences a boom in tourism .
Don’t divert focus on economic diversification, businessman says
Tuesday 10 August 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
Tourism may have resumed its role in providing government the bulk of its revenues, but a local businessman says efforts to diversify the economy must not fall by the wayside.
Over $267,000 spent on unemployment benefit
Monday 9 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Government reveals spending just over a quarter of a million dollars on unemployment benefit as local businesses grapple with labour shortage following the opening of the travel bubble with New Zealand.
Trade Day provides platform for new businesses
Thursday 5 August 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Economy, Local, National
The annual BCI Trade Days got off to a perfect start on Tuesday and will continue today, giving stallholders, market vendors, and entrepreneurs a platform to sell their products and grow their names.
New $3 note is ‘cleaner, greener and more durable’
Thursday 5 August 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, National
People wanting to get hold of the new Cook Islands $3 note could exchange money for it at the BTIB Trade Days.
Government spends $12.9m on debt repayment holiday
Thursday 5 August 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, National
The interest repayment holiday cost the country $12.9 million, over $1 million less than the initial $14.2 million estimated cost of the initiative under Government’s Economic Response Package.
