Economy
Fire razes restaurant at Aitutaki resort
Friday 29 May 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
An early morning fire destroyed parts of an exclusive Aitutaki resort yesterday, costing the business “millions of dollars”.
Four-day working week makes people 'happier'
Friday 29 May 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy
The Catholic Bishop says Cook Islanders could move to four-day working weeks.
238 job vacancies despite Covid-19 slowdown
Thursday 28 May 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
Even though there are dozens of people on the new unemployment benefit, businesses are taking the opportunity to reinvent and hire new staff.
July is goal to reopen border
Tuesday 26 May 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Economy
It’s been two months since any tourists have visited the Cook Islands – but there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Six years and out for expat workers'
Tuesday 26 May 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
New law would set a time limit on how long foreign nationals can stay and work in Cook Islands.
$76m phase two of Covid-19 Economic Response Plan
Monday 25 May 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Economy
Continued financial lifelines for people and businesses and economic recovery and diversification are main points outlined as part of phase two of the government’s economic response plan.
Businesses say 'stakes couldn't be higher'
Saturday 23 May 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Economy
The Private Sector Taskforce has issued a white paper to the government that sets out a package of urgent stabilisation measures to help businesses and their employees survive the coming months.
Borders should open in July, says private sector
Saturday 23 May 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
One-fifth of companies say they are considering shutting down, and need the tourists back.
Vodafone disables excessive data for post-pay customers
Thursday 21 May 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
Customers have welcomed a new circuit-breaker on Vodafone’s mobile plans, to stop people blowing their data budget.
Diversify – but 'not overnight'
Tuesday 19 May 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
Cook Islands are being encouraged to dream big for the future: anything from opening language or medical schools to establishing a performing arts platform targeting online users.
New funding is sought for debt repayment holidays
Monday 18 May 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Economy
Government in talks with New Zealand about under-writing two-year loan repayment holidays for small tourism operators.
China woos Pacific nations
Saturday 16 May 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
Cook Islands government treads careful line in supporting both New Zealand and China contributions to the Pacific.
No business voice on economic think tank
Friday 15 May 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
The private sector is disappointed at being left out of government’s Virtual Think Tank developing a Covid-19 economic response plan.
Cautious hopes for return of NZ, Aussie tourists
Friday 15 May 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy
Momentum is growing to include Cook Islands in a New Zealand-Australia travel bubble – but leaders are choosing their words carefully.
Petrol price to plummet
Friday 15 May 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
Good news for consumers: there will be a sharp decline in fuel and gas prices from Monday.
Retirement fund on Covid-19 roller-coaster
Wednesday 13 May 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
Finance Minister rules out borrowing money from super fund to pay for Covid-19 economic recovery package.
Same passport, same currency, but sunnier!
Tuesday 12 May 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
The resurgence of Cook Islands tourism is threatened by New Zealand’s own ‘go local’ tourism drive – but there’s a solution.
Lifting international borders govt's next priority, says PM
Monday 11 May 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Economy
The possibility of opening the country’s international borders without compromising the people’s safety, may be the only way to kick start an economy that has been severely impacted by the Covid-19 crisis, Prime Minister Henry Puna said.
Revoking developed status on the cards
Monday 11 May 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
Opposition supports government to revoke the developed status for access to donor funds.
Leaders' spending to be held to account
Saturday 9 May 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
Reports on public expenditure will no longer go through a lengthy parliamentary process before being made public.
