Economy
NZ commits $20m to Cook Islands budget, $10.5m for public service
Monday 27 May 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Economy, National, New Zealand, Regional
Cook Islands has secured $20 million in Core Sector Budget Support and an additional $10.5 million for continued public sector strengthening during the 8th Cook Islands-New Zealand Joint Ministerial Forum last week.
Atiu girl’s dreams take flight with educational support from TAKA
Saturday 25 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands
Recognising the pivotal role of technology in shaping the modern-day learning landscape, the Tamariki Api’i Kūki ʻĀirani – TAKA Educational Trust – has stepped in offering an Atiu student access to a wealth of educational resources.
‘Talanoa’ key to Forum’s seabed mining approach
Friday 24 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
A talanoa session expected to be held later this year would see Pacific Island Forum leaders coming together in a collective position on seabed mining.
Cook Islands establishes diplomatic ties with Ecuador
Friday 24 May 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands and Republic of Ecuador formalised diplomatic relations this week, marking the South American country as the 66th diplomatic partner of the Cook Islands.
Cook Islands Tourism defends emergency procedures after tourist death
Thursday 23 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
Appropriate emergency procedures were followed during a medical event which resulted in the death of a New Zealand tourist on Tuesday afternoon, says Cook Islands Tourism.
Audit report reveals CIIC overspent budget by $2.7m
Wednesday 22 May 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) overspent their budgeted appropriation from Parliament by more than $2.7 million over the past five years.
Cook Islands showcases wealth management expertise at US investment summit
Tuesday 21 May 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
The Cook Islands financial services industry recently featured at the prestigious America Outbound Investment Summit, held on May 7 in Los Angeles and May 9 in San Francisco.
Quality audits crucial for public trust, says former NZ PM Clark
Tuesday 21 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
The 25th Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI) Congress highlighted the importance of independent audit reports for public trust and good governance in the Pacific.
Cook Islands tourism booms, early arrivals smash record
Tuesday 21 May 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
Visitor arrivals are trending towards a record this year, with the highest total in the first four months of 2024. However, Cook Islands Tourism says they will still fall short of the 2019 record.
PM Brown acknowledges shortcomings in government accountability
Tuesday 21 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
As a small island developing state, Cook Islands’ aspirations fall short of its capacity to make government agencies fully accountable for their expenditures, says Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Cook Islands open to airlines, eyes North American expansion
Monday 20 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Economy, National, Parliament, Tourism
Cook Islands welcomes any airline interested in flying to the country, especially those that can expand the country’s reach to North America and Europe, says Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Doubling GDP needed for NZ-level minimum wage: PM Brown
Thursday 16 May 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands can only afford a minimum wage similar to New Zealand’s if it more than doubles its gross domestic product to $1.2-$1.5 billion, according to Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Government aims to stimulate economy through infrastructure spending
Thursday 16 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
Government’s focus on infrastructure investment to deliver key projects such as roads, Manihiki Airport upgrades, and Aitutaki’s water project has been proposed in the 2024/2025 Budget. Yesterday, Prime Minister Mark Brown, who is also the Minister for Finance, tabled the Appropriation Bill 2024 in Parliament where Government has proposed $328million for the 2024-2025 Budget. In […]
PM pledges ‘good budget’ despite inflation and debt challenges
Wednesday 15 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
The 2024/25 Budget will be the “budget of perseverance”, says Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Cook Islands minimum wage to increase by 50 cents per hour
Wednesday 15 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
Cook Islands minimum wage will increase by 50 cents to $9.50 per hour from July 1, 2024, despite some arguing it’s not enough to keep up with cost of living.
Trust funded by seabed mining company awards $78,500 in grants
Tuesday 14 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Local, National
Te Rito O Taku Peu Tupuna Trust, committed to preserving the cultural heritage of the Cook Islands, has announced its support for the successful eight recipients, awarding a total of $78,500 in grants.
Govt set to amend immigration law following High Court ruling
Tuesday 14 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Parliament
Parliament will meet for its second session for the year tomorrow at 1pm, with a number of Bills on the agenda for presentation, including the 2024/25 Budget.
Cook Islands reiterates commitment to ocean conservation
Friday 10 May 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, Environment, National
Cook Islands’ efforts and ongoing commitment to ocean conservation and sustainable ocean management was highlighted by Prime Minister Mark Brown at a global conference.
Cook Islands makes historic submission to International Court on climate change
Thursday 9 May 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands submitted its first ever statement to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on climate change, joining international efforts to shape the legal landscape on the issue.
Cook Islands and Vietnam discuss future co-operation
Thursday 9 May 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
The visiting Vietnam’s Ambassador to the Cook Islands, Van Trung Nguyen, presented his letters of credence to the King’s Representative Sir Tom Marsters yesterday morning.
