Economy
Cook Islands and ADB discuss continued partnership for development goals
Wednesday 17 July 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
Public Service Commissioner Carl Hunter and Asian Development Bank (ADB) representative James Webb met last month in Rarotonga to discuss forward co-operation between the Cook Islands and the ADB in the public sector.
Fukofuka-Murare takes up deputy high comm role
Monday 15 July 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, Local, National
The Cook Islands High Commission in New Zealand has welcomed Deputy High Commissioner Amelia Fukofuka-Murare.
Govt to acquire cargo ships, plans to take control of domestic shipping
Monday 15 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands
Cook Islands government is awaiting confirmation from Japan that a cargo-passenger ship meeting their specific requirements will arrive before the end of the year, while also negotiating with China for a second ship.
Prime Minister Brown to co-chair PALM10 in Japan
Saturday 13 July 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
Pacific Islands Forum Leaders will meet with the Government of Japan in Tokyo for the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting – PALM10 – from July 16 to 18.
Rarotonga growers fear financial strain from incoming water charges
Saturday 13 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Environment, Local, National
Rarotonga growers have expressed deep concerns over the upcoming water tariffs, fearing significant financial strain and potential business closures.
Record-breaking tourism boom but businesses face challenges
Friday 12 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands tourism industry is booming with record visitor arrivals expected this year, but some businesses are facing strain due to staffing shortages, rising costs and supply chain issues.
Govt seeks Australian help to cover Te Kukupa II fuel costs
Monday 8 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
Cook Islands is working with Australia to see if they can help cover the fuel cost for the police patrol vessel Te Kukupa II due to budget constraints.
Record year for Aussie visitors to the Cook Islands
Wednesday 3 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
It’s anticipated that this financial year will see more Australian visitors to the Cook Islands than ever before, with 32,000 holidaying here.
Vape ban pushed to August to allow businesses to clear stock
Monday 1 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Health, Local, National
The ban on e-cigarettes comprising of vapes has now been extended to August 1, 2024, to give businesses more time to sell off their existing stock.
Strong candidate pool for MFAI Secretary position
Saturday 29 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
The Office of the Public Service Commissioner (OPSC) has received a ‘significant number’ of applications, including overseas applicants, for the role of the Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI).
Power outages ‘resolved’
Saturday 29 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Technology
Rarotonga’s power supplier Te Aponga Uira (TAU) acknowledged recent power outages were caused by issues with load control and a connection between their two powerhouses, assuring the public they have identified the problems and fixed them.
Unplanned power outages disrupt businesses, tourism in Rarotonga
Saturday 29 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Economy, Features, In Depth, Local, National, Technology, Weekend
Unexpected power outages in Rarotonga caused frustration and disruption to businesses and residents, raising questions about the reliability of the power grid despite recent upgrades. By Losirene Lacanivalu, Talaia Mika and Melina Etches.
Patience wearing thin: Residents demand answers after third night of power outage
Friday 28 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Technology
Rarotonga residents and businesses endured a third consecutive night of darkness as another island-wide power outage hit last night, lasting over two hours.
Govt considers up to 400 litres per person daily free water allocation
Friday 28 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Local, National
Domestic users in Rarotonga won’t be charged for water until July 2026, when water meter installation is complete, and the government is considering a free water allocation of up to 400 litres per person per day in each household.
Nothing in foreseeable future- Ring road around Sheraton on hold: DPM Nicholas
Wednesday 26 June 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Economy, Local, National
Deputy Prime Minister Albert Nicholas has shot down the proposed ring road around the old Sheraton hotel in Vaimaanga, saying “nothing could possibly happen in the foreseeable future” for the project.
Keep our water free: Petition against water tariffs gains traction
Wednesday 26 June 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Economy, Local, National
A petition opposing the planned water tariffs in Rarotonga is gaining momentum just couple of days after its launch.
PM: Free water for households
Saturday 22 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
Government will not charge households for ‘reasonable’ water usage, assures Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Airport upgrades key to unleashing economic potential of Pa Enua: PM
Friday 21 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands, Parliament
Prime Minister Mark Brown emphasises that the Manihiki Airport upgrade is not a political promise or a vote buying attempt but a project designed to improve the lives of people in the Pa Enua (outer islands).
TTV to introduce water tariffs in Jan 2025 due to budget shortfall
Thursday 20 June 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Local, National
Due to budget shortfalls, Rarotonga’s water authority will introduce water tariffs starting in January next year with a phased implementation.
Budget takes centre stage
Monday 17 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
This week’s Parliament Sitting, which begins today and is expected to run for five days, will focus on the 2024-2025 National Budget.
