Economy
Stable outlook for country confirmed
Friday 27 February 2015 | Published in Economy
Standard & Poor's Ratings Services has affirmed its 'B+/B' credit rating for the Cook Islands, saying the country’s economic outlook remains stable.
Workers want Government to act on bank sale
Thursday 5 February 2015 | Published in Economy
The Government should intervene in the sale of Westpac as customers feel uncertain about the bank’s surprise decision, says Cook Islands Workers Association.
New bank moves to reassure customers
Thursday 5 February 2015 | Published in Economy
The Cook Islands will be seeing more lime green soon, as Westpac Cook Islands gets set to be rebranded using the corporate colours of the Bank of South Pacific (BSP).
Bank sale concerns
Monday 2 February 2015 | Published in Economy
Some Westpac Cook Islands customers say they are considering cancelling their accounts, following last week’s announcement that the bank’s Cook Islands operations will be sold to Bank of South Pacific Limited.
December sets visitor arrivals record
Monday 2 February 2015 | Published in Economy
A total of 10,176 visitors came to Cook Islands in December, creating an arrivals record for the month.
Big year ahead for finance
Saturday 31 January 2015 | Published in Economy
With a budget policy statement, new tax systems, new coin designs, and a development partners meeting in the pipeline it is fair to say the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management has a big year ahead.
Westpac to sell local operation
Thursday 29 January 2015 | Published in Economy
Westpac has entered into an agreement to sell its banking operations in the Cook Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Tonga to the Bank of South Pacific Limited (BSP) for A$125 million.
Processing change will save time and money
Saturday 24 January 2015 | Published in Economy
From February 2 this year the Cook Islands High Commission in Wellington will no longer process documents related to the employment of citizens of the Philippines in the Cook Islands.
Witholding tax explained
Tuesday 20 January 2015 | Published in Economy
Treasurer Andrew Haigh has moved to clarify the withholding tax system in the Cook Islands after a story in the Cook Islands Herald claimed withholding tax of 30 per cent would apply on interest earned on bank deposits in the Cook Islands.
Relief in sight for hard-hit motorists
Thursday 15 January 2015 | Published in Economy
Relief may be in sight for long-suffering Cook Islands motorists hit in the pocket by high fuel prices.
Product prices change weekly
Friday 9 January 2015 | Published in Economy
This week an annoyed smoke signaller wrote in about their frustrations at the pricing process of produce at CITC Supermarket and Foodland.
Wet weather puts rental cars in huge demand
Tuesday 6 January 2015 | Published in Economy
An influx of December visitors and families returning home has seen rental companies across the island running out of cars.
Plenty of festive cheer for retailers
Monday 5 January 2015 | Published in Economy
If you thought it seemed particularly busy in Avarua this Christmas, you were right.
Roading projects off to an early start
Saturday 27 December 2014 | Published in Economy
Work on improving two stretches of Rarotonga’s roads will begin early in the New Year.
Leading lights steered country to calm waters
Saturday 27 December 2014 | Published in Economy
Vaine has worked extensively throughout the Cook Islands as a development economist.
November Tourist numbers down
Saturday 20 December 2014 | Published in Economy
The busy tourist season is winding down with November tourist numbers showing a decline in visitors, mainly driven by a fall in the number of Australians coming here.
RMD number can save paying tax
Friday 19 December 2014 | Published in Economy
Cook Islands residents who earn less than $11,000 a year should provide their RMD number to their bank to ensure they will pay no tax on their interest earnings.
Coconut oil workshop sets Pa Enua women on new path
Friday 19 December 2014 | Published in Economy
A group of eight outer islands women are set to put new knowledge gained at a 10-day cold press virgin coconut oil workshop in Samoa to use on their islands.
Cooks a firm family favourite
Friday 19 December 2014 | Published in Economy
The Cook Islands has again come out on top as the most attractive holiday destination for Kiwi families.
Contractors check TMV requirements
Thursday 18 December 2014 | Published in Economy
Work is progressing swiftly on the Te Mato Vai project, with potential contractors for stage two works going on a day tour of their potential future work space.
