Economy
Spy film type thing: Alarm grows over Cook Islands cryptocurrency bill
Monday 15 April 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, Environment, National, Technology
Alarm is growing over proposed Cook Islands legislation, drafted by a US-based company, which could validate hacking into any account or system in the world, writes Barbara Dreaver, Pacific Correspondent 1News.
Cook Islands and Bangladesh establish diplomatic relations
Friday 12 April 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
The Cook Islands and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh formalised diplomatic relations via an Exchange of Note Verbales via respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs.
Rarotonga residents push back on water tariff plan
Friday 12 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Environment, Local, National
A public meeting about potential water tariffs received mixed reactions, with some attendees concerned about affordability and others in favour of charging businesses.
Cook Islands champion women in Pacific fisheries
Thursday 11 April 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, Local, National
Cook Islands is committed to empowering small-scale fish entrepreneurs in the region, particularly women, by removing barriers to market access, says Minister Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown.
To Tatou Vai seeks public input on new water tariff structure
Tuesday 9 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Environment, Health, Local, National
Cook Islands water authority To Tatou Vai is consulting with the community and other stakeholders to determine a water tariff structure for Rarotonga based on usage and operational costs.
Cruise visitors down by 72 per cent due to weather
Monday 8 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Tourism, Weather
Despite double the cruise ship arrivals this year, Cook Islands tourism industry suffers a 72 per cent drop in passengers due to bad weather impacting port calls.
Referendum needed to decide UN membership, says Elikana
Saturday 6 April 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs Tingika Elikana says a referendum would allow its people to decide whether to join the United Nations and separate from New Zealand.
Browne calls for $12 minimum wage
Saturday 6 April 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
Opposition leader Tina Browne is calling for a $12 minimum wage increase, criticising the government’s spending and suggesting to use the saved money for the wage increase.
Small businesses in Cook Islands face squeeze as NZ economy falters
Tuesday 26 March 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
Small and medium enterprises are likely to get hit hard by the New Zealand recession before consumers start feeling the pinch, says Cook Islands Government chief economist.
Water contamination in petrol affects vehicles on Rarotonga
Tuesday 26 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
Six vehicles are being inspected for damage believed to have been caused by water contamination in petrol provided by a local supplier.
CIIC announces new chairs for TAU and Ports Authority
Monday 25 March 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, Local, National
The chairs of two of important government agencies are stepping down and new chairs appointed in their place.
$10 minimum wage urged to address high cost of living
Friday 22 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
The panel reviewing the minimum wage has been asked to consider the living conditions of the most vulnerable, grassroots people when compiling their final recommendation for the new minimum wage rate.
Government agencies spend over $150,000 on directors’ course
Thursday 21 March 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Local, National
Government agencies have spent over $150,000 on a five-and-a-half-day directors’ course being held at The Rarotongan Beach Resort this week.
$12k reportedly spent on expat economist’s pet relocation
Tuesday 19 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) has reportedly spent $12,000 on a senior expat executive’s pet dog.
Rarotonga residents left in the dark about soaring bills
Saturday 16 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Economy, Local, National
Rarotonga residents are questioning the island’s power supplier Te Aponga Uira (TAU) on the logic behind the alleged increased costs of power bills.
Apprenticeship aims to end need for overseas plumbing training
Friday 15 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Education, Features, Go Local, National
The Cook Islands is starting a plumbing and drainage apprenticeship programme this year to give locals opportunities in the trade and reduce the need to go overseas for training.
Tourist influx expected as Jetstar adds flight
Thursday 14 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
Jetstar is adding a fourth weekly flight between Sydney and Rarotonga due to strong demand from Australian tourists, bringing the total to four flights per week, starting later this month.
Opposition leader calls for review of treaty obligations after immigration ruling
Tuesday 12 March 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Politics
The Leader of the Opposition is calling on Government to review and reconsider its approach to treaty obligations and the legislative process, to ensure that future legislation fully complies with the constitutional requirements and principles of separation of powers.
Survey shows ‘larger employers’ pay above minimum wage, says Chamber
Tuesday 12 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
A Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce survey has shown that the majority of employers, particularly larger employers, pay their employees more than the national minimum wage.
Cook Islands establishes diplomatic ties with Panama
Monday 11 March 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
The Cook Islands and Republic of Panama formalised diplomatic relations last week through an exchange of diplomatic notes between the Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) and the Panamanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MER).
