Economy
Local resorts ‘one in a million’
Wednesday 10 March 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy
Guest ratings provide major boost for three local accommodation providers ahead of the potential two-way quarantine free travel with New Zealand later this month.
Incoming passengers
Monday 8 March 2021 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, Local, National
Around 55 passengers are expected to arrive in Rarotonga from Auckland tomorrow.
Decrease in Super rates
Monday 8 March 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
Lower forecasted investment returns have prompted the Cook Islands National Superannuation Fund to decrease pay out rates for new pensioners.
Travel bubble uncertainty in an already uncertain business
Saturday 6 March 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, Features, National, Weekend
As government works towards two-way quarantine-free travel with New Zealand by the end of the month, local businesses are getting desperate and many say they can’t survive much longer without tourists. Yet even with a bubble, they face unprecedented challenges in an uncertain environment.
Border to reopen for incoming passengers
Saturday 6 March 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, Health, National
After a week of no returnees, Government will allow incoming passengers on next week’s flights.
Sowing seeds of hope
Thursday 4 March 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, National
Free seedlings are available to both commercial farmers and home gardeners at the Ministry of Agriculture, for food security and vision for new export revenues.
Lifeline for the economy
Monday 1 March 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy
Government’s Economic Response Plan (ERP) is a lifeline for the economy, says the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) economic analyst Dr. Willem Ysbrand Borren.
Bid to diversify local economy
Saturday 27 February 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, Features, National, Weekend
E-sports, intuitive accounting and digital TV out of Aitutaki, Caleb Fotheringham talks to some businesses on how they plan to use the government’s SMART Economy grants.
Mobile cash app targets Pa Enua
Saturday 27 February 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, Features, Go Local, National, Technology
Sending cash to the far corners of the country has long been a challenge for many Cook Islanders, but a new electronic service is offering residents a cheaper and faster way. Will they adopt this new technology?
Timeline on travel bubble weeks away
Saturday 27 February 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
Timeline on travel bubble weeks away Government says work is ongoing in anticipation of two-way quarantine-free travel with New Zealand, however an announcement with specifics on when that will happen is weeks away.
Bubble delay could result in job losses
Saturday 27 February 2021 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
Ministry of Internal Affairs expects the number of people on the unemployment benefit to increase if borders do not open soon and businesses cannot access the wage subsidy.
Regional trade deal to create opportunities, foreign ministry says
Thursday 25 February 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration yesterday held its final public consultation to promote awareness of a regional trade deal.
21 receive government SMART economy grant
Wednesday 24 February 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, National
Close to $1.4 million of the $2 million available in the SMART Economy Grant has been given to 21 businesses.
Government spending under scrutiny
Wednesday 24 February 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
As government deals with setbacks in establishing two-way quarantine-free travel with NZ, Demo leader Tina Pupuke Browne is questioning whether government can continue spending to keep the economy afloat in the absence of tourists.
Vessels to have Cooks flag removed
Tuesday 23 February 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
Two tankers are expected to be removed from the Cook Islands ship registry this week after allegations surfaced the vessels were transporting Iranian crude oil in defiance of US sanctions, while concealing their movements.
Air freight issue remains rife
Tuesday 23 February 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, National
The two empty flights to Rarotonga last week made little difference to solve the ongoing issue of delay in air freight.
Global vaccine rollout a glimmer of hope for local businesses
Monday 22 February 2021 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Economy, National
As more and more people are getting vaccinated around the world, a survey shows optimism is returning to businesses in the Pacific region.
Tax season in full swing
Saturday 20 February 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
Personal income tax returns are due on March 1, but thanks to a rule change, workers will be paying less in taxes this year and onward.
Facebook block hits region hard
Saturday 20 February 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Australia, Economy, National, Regional
As an Australia-wide ban on news content by Facebook continues, it is emerging just how prominent the social media platform has become for Cook Islands residents and people throughout the Pacific region.
Cook Islands Workers Association recruiting members
Friday 19 February 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
With a membership close to 500, the Cook Islands Workers Association (CIWA) executive board are on a recruitment drive to increase its numbers.
