Economy
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.
MFAI head role advertised
Wednesday 8 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
The role of the head of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) is being advertised as the ministry plans ‘festivities’ to mark its 40 years of service in the Cook Islands.
Proposed law on tainted cryptocurrency ‘terrible’ for human rights, says expert
Monday 6 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National, Parliament, Technology
A Cook Islands cryptocurrency expert is critical of a proposed law targeting tainted cryptocurrency, arguing it undermines human rights and doesn’t address the real channels of money laundering.
Airline celebrates 30 years of supporting Rarotonga Triathlon
Thursday 2 May 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Economy, National, Sports, Tourism, Triathlon
Air New Zealand’s longstanding sponsorship for the Rarotonga International Triathlon “is testament to the airline’s commitment to the tourism industry”.
Cook Islands poised for highest Pacific growth
Monday 29 April 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands is projected to have the highest economic growth and lowest inflation in the Pacific in 2024, but the government believes growth will be even higher than the Asian Development Bank (ADB) forecast.
Health and visas top dissatisfaction list in Cook Islands public services
Monday 29 April 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Health, Local, National, Tourism
A Cook Islands public service satisfaction survey found that nearly half of respondents were dissatisfied, with the health clinic, visa applications and non-emergency police services being the least satisfying experiences.
Crypto Bill threatens anti-money laundering efforts: Ora Partners
Friday 26 April 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National, Parliament, Technology
While serious concerns over the integrity of the Tainted Cryptocurrency Recovery Bill 2023 remain, “witnessing the wheels of our democracy at play during the select committee hearing was an awe-inspiring experience”, says Puai Wichman.
Budget shortfall could expedite proposed water tariffs in Raro
Tuesday 23 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
Budget allocation will be a key factor in determining the final timeline for implementing the proposed water tariff, says To Tatou Vai.
Secrecy and legal doubts cloud Tainted Cryptocurrency Recovery Bill 2023
Saturday 20 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
The Tainted Cryptocurrency Recovery Bill 2023 has been the talk of the town since it was revealed a week ago that the proposed Cook Islands legislation, drafted by a US-based company, could validate hacking into any account or system in the world.
Strong first quarter fuels optimism for Cook Islands tourism industry
Saturday 20 April 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
International economists and leading resorts say the Cook Islands is on track for a record year in arrivals, buoyed by strong first-quarter figures.
Government insists on value of crypto bill despite criticism
Wednesday 17 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Technology
The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) has hit back at the critics of the draft Tainted Cryptocurrency Recovery Bill 2023, saying the media did not highlight positive aspects of the Bill.
Arnold denies Crown Law exclusion in drafting controversial crypto bill
Wednesday 17 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Technology
A Rarotonga lawyer who co-authored the controversial Tainted Cryptocurrency Recovery Bill 2023 says he dealt with Prime Minister Mark Brown and his team while drafting the Bill and believes it will benefit the Cook Islands.
‘I was not consulted’: Minister blindsided by crypto bill drafted by private firm
Tuesday 16 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Parliament, Technology
The Cabinet Minister, who tabled the controversial Tainted Cryptocurrency Recovery Bill 2023 in Parliament last year, says he wasn’t consulted on the legislation drafted by a US-based private firm.
