Economy
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.
Rarotonga International Airport achieves Carbon Accreditation
Wednesday 12 June 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
The Rarotonga International Airport was recognised for achieving Airport Carbon Accreditation (Level 1) at the Airport Council International Asia Pacific and Middle East Conference which was held from May 21– 23 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Cook Islands pushes for climate-resistant crops research
Monday 10 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Environment, National
Secretary for Agriculture Temarama Anguna-Kamana presented a regional research agenda at the recent 9th Pacific Heads of Agriculture and Forestry Services (PHOAFS) meeting focusing on identifying and promoting crops that are climate resistant.
Cook Islands and Honolulu sign sister city agreement, eyeing tourism boost
Saturday 8 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Pacific Islands, Regional, Tourism
Prime Minister Mark Brown yesterday signed an agreement to establish a ‘sister-city relationship’ between Rarotonga, Cook Islands, and Honolulu, Hawaii, in the hope of building a stronger partnership and growth in inbound visitor numbers from Honolulu and the United States.
Flying high on public funds: Audit report recommends economy class for CIIC travel
Thursday 6 June 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Editor's Pick, National
All travel by Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) employees and board members should be economy class, an audit report has recommended after finding past overseas trips involved business class and premier economy travels.
Direct flights from Honolulu show ‘steady improvements’
Thursday 30 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Tourism
Cook Islands celebrated the first anniversary of their direct flights from Honolulu, hoping to attract more North American tourists despite a slow start.
Voltage ‘increase’ sparks concerns, residents report appliance damage
Wednesday 29 May 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Local, National
The Rarotonga electricity provider is under fire for allegedly supplying higher voltage after a power station upgrade, with some residents and businesses reporting damaged appliances.
Cook Islands hosts successful PASAI Congress, adopts 10-year strategy
Tuesday 28 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
Cook Islands Audit believes the new Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI) Strategy for 2024 -2034 that was adopted in Rarotonga last week is aligned well with their strategic intent.
PM Brown champions Cook Islands concerns
Tuesday 28 May 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands is standing firm with its family of over 35 Small Islands Developing States in Antigua and Barbuda at the Fourth International Conference on SIDS, charting a course towards resilient prosperity.
