Economy
Covid economic package extended
Saturday 10 April 2021 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
Government has extended the wage subsidy and other grants until the end of June, bringing some relief to businesses and workers affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Minimum wage unchanged after review
Friday 9 April 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Economy, National
The minimum wage in the Cook Islands will remain at $8 per hour for the year 2021-2022.
Trans-Tasman bubble brings hope to local tourism industry
Wednesday 7 April 2021 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Economy, National
New Zealand has announced a two-way, quarantine free travel with Australia ahead of the Cook Islands in a bid to revive their tourism sector, giving some hope to the struggling local industry.
Govt to amend travel advisory to accommodate Kiwi visitors
Tuesday 6 April 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy
The required changes to border restrictions that will enable Kiwi travelers to visit the Cook Islands will be made imminently the PM says, but it remains to be seen if a kick-start to the travel industry after a year of turmoil will require more than a little paperwork.
Muri market plans reopening
Tuesday 6 April 2021 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy
Tourism’s collapse last year led to the inevitable closure of the once thriving Muri Night Market, and now its owners are looking to reopen this month for one night a week, or fortnight.
United effort must continue towards travel bubble, says PM
Saturday 3 April 2021 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy
“There’s no sitting back for anyone. We are focused and united in our determination to ensure the safe and full resumption of quarantine-free travel and we look forward to being ready to welcome New Zealand visitors from 1 May,” says Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Businesses look to government for extension of support
Wednesday 31 March 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
The private sector is waiting to see if a recently announced cash boost for the Cook Islands will be accompanied with an announcement to extend the Covid-19 economic response plan.
Air freight put on hold, businesses frustrated
Wednesday 31 March 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, National
Air freight will return to normalcy once the two-way quarantine free travel starts but there are fears the May travel bubble could be too little and too late to save some businesses.
Cooks open for business from May 1: PM tells NZ
Tuesday 30 March 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
The month of May is the broad target Prime Minister Mark Brown and NZ counterpart Jacinda Ardern have agreed to set for welcoming Kiwi visitors, but the Cooks PM says the country will be ready to roll out the welcome mat precisely on the 1st of that month.
Local businesses worst hit by Covid
Monday 29 March 2021 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
A report released by a regional trade investment body highlighted the severe impact of Covid-19 on business in Cook Islands in 2020.
Tourism industry furious over bubble delay
Friday 26 March 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
Local tourism stakeholders were left frustrated with yesterday’s May bubble announcement by Prime Minister Mark Brown and NZ counterpart Jacinda Ardern.
BREAKING: Travel bubble with NZ pushed to May
Thursday 25 March 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
Officials are now looking at a travel bubble to be established in May that would allow visitors from NZ to visit the Cook Islands without the need to quarantine.
Parliament approves Agriculture Bill
Thursday 25 March 2021 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
The new Agriculture Act 2021 provides the Ministry with a clear legal mandate for powers which it requires to more effectively manage the agriculture sector, says Agriculture Secretary Temarama Anguna-Kamana.
Govt briefs tourism industry on Covid-19
Wednesday 24 March 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
Tourism industry stakeholders were given a rundown of government’s preparedness for two-way, quarantine-free travel with New Zealand yesterday, however officials didn’t provide the most coveted piece of information – a date for when they can expect to welcome visitors.
Travel bubble delay: PM to ‘secure a confirmed new date’
Tuesday 23 March 2021 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
The two-way quarantine free travel with New Zealand expected to start by the end of this month will be postponed.
PM welcomes Opposition’s stance on seabed mining
Thursday 18 March 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, Environment, National
As the debate continues over the pros and cons of deep sea mining, there is now unanimous support by both major political parties for exploration by companies interested in harvesting minerals from the ocean floor.
2018 and 2019 Audit report highlights recurring issues
Wednesday 17 March 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
Recurring issues such as poor record keeping, scant evidence, and limiting access to auditors, continue to prevent the Cook Islands Audit Office from endorsing the government’s financial position.
PM’s tour sparks bubble hopes
Tuesday 16 March 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
As pressure builds from tourism industry stakeholders to establish a travel bubble with New Zealand, the Prime Minister has announced his first official visit to Aotearoa to meet with counterpart Jacinda Ardern.
Cook Islands Super ‘disappoints again’
Saturday 13 March 2021 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, Editorials, National, Opinion
Well-known accountant Mike Carr analyses Cook Islands National Superannuation Fund’s decision to decrease pay out rates for new pensioners.
New Ambassadors present their letters of credence
Saturday 13 March 2021 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
In a first for the Cook Islands, Te Kauono Tutara e te Mana Tiaki – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration facilitated the virtual presentation of credentials by Wellington-based Ambassadors of six countries last week.
