Economy
New bank focused on service boost...
Wednesday 15 July 2015 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
The newest bank in town, the Bank of the South Pacific (BSP), is determined to bring a new level of understanding and service to its customers in the Cook Islands.
Tax blacklisting criticised
Tuesday 30 June 2015 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
THE blacklisting of the Cook Islands by the European Union’s executive commission as one of the world’s tax havens has been criticised by an Australia-based academic.
Minimum wage $6.25 from July 1
Friday 26 June 2015 | Published in Economy
Employers and workers are reminded that the minimum wage rate of pay will increase to $6.25 per hour from 1 July 2015, a rise from the current minimum wage rate of $6 per hour, in accordance with the Employment Relations (Minimum rate of pay) Regulations 2015.
Super fund seeks change
Wednesday 24 June 2015 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
THE COOK Islands National Superannuation Fund (CINSF) is working on amending a regulation regarding withdrawal from the Fund by contract workers.
Encouraging participation
Wednesday 24 June 2015 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
THE COOK Islands National Superannuation Fund (CINSF) is encouraging members to attend the public presentations on the new investment options for its members.
Govt keen to reduce income tax
Tuesday 23 June 2015 | Published in Economy
MINISTER for Finance Mark Brown says the Government is keen to reduce income tax in a considered manner.
Investment options for CINSF members
Saturday 20 June 2015 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
THE COOK Islands National Superannuation Fund (CINSF) will be running a series of public presentations next week to explain the new investment options for its members which will be available from July 1.
Puna unhappy with Super bill
Friday 19 June 2015 | Published in Economy
PRIME Minister Henry Puna is not satisfied with the Social Assistance (Portability to Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau) bill passed in New Zealand Parliament on Thursday.
Income tax cuts ahead
Thursday 11 June 2015 | Published in Economy
Income tax for low income earners is to be cut – but the reductions will not apply until next year and the year after.
New bank yet to get go-ahead
Friday 5 June 2015 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
THE BANK of the South Pacific (BSP) is yet to receive the green light from the local banking regulatory body to operate in the Cook Islands.
Chinese visitors increase
Thursday 4 June 2015 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
THERE has been a gradual increase in the number of visitors from China since 2013.
Vaka immortalised in gold
Thursday 28 May 2015 | Published in Economy
The essence and spirit of the traditional vaka has been immortalised in the form of a new Cook Islands’ $5 gold coin.
Impressed with bank
Tuesday 19 May 2015 | Published in Economy
An impressive display of technology and customer service was on display at the Bank of the South Pacific (BSP) in Papua New Guinea last week.
Japan focus of bid to boost tourism
Tuesday 19 May 2015 | Published in Economy
Japan will be the focus of efforts to boost Cook Islands tourism later this month.
Westpac takeover by end of May
Monday 18 May 2015 | Published in Economy
Bank South Pacific (BSP) says it is waiting for a few more regulatory approvals before fully acquiring the banking operations of Westpac in Samoa, Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Tonga for $125 million.
Banking initiative for region
Monday 11 May 2015 | Published in Economy
A Pacific Islands Regional Initiative (PIRI) aimed at increasing financial inclusion in the Pacific Islands is being launched this week.
Learning business from the ground up
Wednesday 6 May 2015 | Published in Economy
In a bid to reverse depopulation trends in the Cook Islands, the Chamber of Commerce is offering a free workshop for locals wanting to start new businesses.
Tax officer here to help
Saturday 2 May 2015 | Published in Economy
When you meet bright young Chiavanni Le’Mon, it is hard to believe some people are intimidated by her job. But the new Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) tax advisory officer says she wants people to understand she is here to help with tax education, not debt collection. Le’Mon has been in the role under the Revenue Management Division (Tax and Customs) since the end of last year, and says there has been some confusion in the community about her role, and apprehension about taxes in general.
Workers stand by wage demands
Thursday 30 April 2015 | Published in Economy
The Cook Islands’ Workers Association still stands by their claim that cost of living adjustments (COLA) are essential within private and public sector to cater for a decent, fair, liveable wage.
Neves hits back at worker demands
Tuesday 28 April 2015 | Published in Economy
Financial Secretary Richard Neves has hit back at demands from the Cook Islands Workers Association.
