Economy
No waiver or discounts on landing fee, says PM
Monday 28 June 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands does not offer waivers or discounts on landing fee for travel out of New Zealand, says Prime Minister Mark Brown, after businessman Mike Pero pulled the plug on Pasifika Air due to ‘lack of government support’.
$300m ‘Budget of Revival’ approved by Parliament
Saturday 26 June 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, National
The Appropriation Bill (Budget) is now waiting to become law after passing its third reading in Parliament on Thursday night.
Economic recovery receives ADB support
Friday 25 June 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
A two-week in-country Asian Development Bank mission to strengthen the economic recover from Covid-19 concluded this month.
Bubble brings nearly 1500 tourists in first two weeks
Tuesday 22 June 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
Tourism, the nation’s leading economic contributor, got off to a humble start last month with 1486 visitors, which on a daily basis breaks down to just under a quarter of arrival figures seen during May 2019 – the last non-pandemic year.
Government on quest to reduce interest rates
Saturday 19 June 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
A pillar of the Government’s Covid-19 economic recovery plan is to reduce interest rates that have long been a burden to households and businesses. Will the banks be willing to be part of the solution?
Opposition reacts to $150m ‘crash’ as Pero cancels airline
Saturday 19 June 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, National
Businessman Mike Pero said his airline could have contributed millions to the economy, but in the end a lack of support from the government contributed to his decision to cancel the project.
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.
