Economy
Opposition party seeks clarification on seabed minerals licensing issues
Tuesday 19 January 2021 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
The Opposition has raised concerns regarding the membership of the proposed seabed minerals licensing panel stating that it would be a clear conflict of interest to appoint anyone who is involved in or associated with any commercial deep-sea mining activities.
Prospects for seabed exploration move forward in Cooks
Saturday 16 January 2021 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
As the government's exploration application process moves forward, a local environmental NGO is recommending only a “very small area” be given out at first for seabed mining exploration in order to determine potential impacts.
Quarantine-free travel for Cooks travellers "a move in the right direction"
Friday 15 January 2021 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
Local tourism industry stakeholders are hoping news of a two-way travel bubble is “not too far away” following Thursdays announcement of quarantine free travel into New Zealand for Cook Islanders and valid visa holders.
Feedback on seabed mineral regulations extended
Wednesday 13 January 2021 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
The opportunity to submit feedback on the draft seabed mineral mining regulations has been extended for another month.
Thirty-four businesses expected to re-enter wage subsidy scheme
Monday 11 January 2021 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
Government is expected to spend about $14 million in wage subsidy in 2021, following a number of rule changes that have resulted in 34 businesses becoming re-eligible to collect the benefit.
No extra subsidy for barge operator
Thursday 7 January 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, Local, National
Following protests by a rival shipping company, government will not be paying a contentious subsidy to Cook Islands General Transport to assist with its recent acquisition of a barge.
Pasifika Air looking to spread its wings
Tuesday 5 January 2021 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Economy, National
Pasifika Air’s website is advertising three flights a week from Wellington and Christchurch to the Cook Islands’ capital Rarotonga.
Covid-19 stimulus package extended
Saturday 2 January 2021 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Economy, National
The Cook Islands people continue to be the government’s top priority in 2021 with announcements including extension of the wage subsidy and the expectation that Kiwis will be welcomed back to the country’s shores by March 2021.
Big year for Chamber of Commerce
Thursday 31 December 2020 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
It was a year of challenges, change and uncertainty, but for the Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce, 2020 was also a year of growth, expansion and breaking new ground.
Ten year economic plan in final stages
Tuesday 29 December 2020 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
With the conclusion of a nationwide public consultation process, government will now be looking to put the final touches on a 10-year economic plan that aims to address a range of social and environmental issues and provide a blueprint for economic growth.
One way Cooks-NZ bubble likely in January, government spokesperson says
Saturday 26 December 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Economy, National
The arrangement will allow Cook Islanders travelling from Rarotonga to Auckland to not have to undergo 14-days of mandatory quarantine at a managed isolation facility.
Economic update spells gloomy days
Wednesday 23 December 2020 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
Estimated economic output for the 2020/2021 financial year has been revised downward as the global Covid-19 pandemic continues to take a toll on the nation’s tourism-dependent economy.
Tuna fishery protections in place for 2021
Wednesday 23 December 2020 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands along with other Pacific Island countries have reached an agreement with distant water fishing nations to secure crucial protection measures for the coming year.
NZ aid to assist private sector
Tuesday 22 December 2020 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands businesses are set to tap into $6.9 million in New Zealand government aid that aims to support the recovery of the private sector in the Pacific Islands after Covid-19 pandemic.
Covid and tourism in the Pacific
Tuesday 22 December 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
Reflecting on a difficult year, Tourism CEO Halatoa Fua says it was fortunate that in the last 10 years the Cook Islands tourism industry had a major boom and was able to establish a reserve fund to cushion the blow from Covid-19.
Asian bank loan provides millions in Covid-19 assistance
Friday 18 December 2020 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
The Beijing-based Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has approved a US$20 million (NZ$28 million) loan to the Cook Islands to meet a cash crunch caused by Covid-19 pandemic.
Government debt load ‘high risk strategy’
Thursday 17 December 2020 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
Public debt is expected to climb and exceed an official target as the economy continues to suffer in the absence of tourists, leading one prominent businessman to question the sustainability of government finances.
Flights are getting snapped up in advance of a potential bubble with NZ
Tuesday 15 December 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Economy, National
A quarantine-free travel corridor between New Zealand and Cook Islands will open in March next year and Kiwis are rushing to book their holidays.
New airline set for takeoff
Monday 14 December 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands businessman Mike Pero has renamed his new airline Pasifika Air but says serving Rarotonga remains his primary focus.
Quarantine free travel with NZ by end of March, 2021
Saturday 12 December 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Economy, Health, National
New Zealand is working at pace to implement quarantine-free travel for Cook Islanders travelling to NZ as the first step in a phased approach to two-way quarantine free travel between the two nations.
