Local

India Grant Fund invites applications

Wednesday 17 February 2016 | Published in Local

THE INDIA Grant Fund (IGF) has once again opened its doors for Cook Islands applications to receive grants funded by the India government.

Local

Generators make trip to power station

Wednesday 17 February 2016 | Published in Local

New generators were transported from the Avatiu Wharf to the Avatiu valley power station yesterday– the first three of five generators which will strengthen the reliability of the Rarotonga power supply.

Local

Revised fishing deal has a bonus for the Cooks

Wednesday 17 February 2016 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Local

Cook Islands is set for a slightly increased number of fishing days after the Pacific Island Parties (PIPs) agreed to United States’ revised deal under the US Tuna Treaty.

Local

Accident victim flown home

Wednesday 17 February 2016 | Published in Local

A woman in her early thirties has been flown to New Zealand for emergency medical treatment after a road accident last Sunday involving the driver of a jeep which smashed into her motorcycle.

Local

NZ gang rumours played down

Wednesday 17 February 2016 | Published in Local

Police say talk that a New Zealand gang is considering setting up in the Cook Islands is merely that – an allegation.

Local

Family wants assault case appealed

Wednesday 17 February 2016 | Published in Local

The family of a teenager who was attacked and beaten here are relieved to know that police can appeal the outcome of the recent case and take steps to see “justice processes done properly”.

Local

HOMs to focus on quality service delivery

Wednesday 17 February 2016 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Local

Heads of government ministries (HOMs) attended a two-day workshop last week to enhance their leadership qualities for better service delivery. Organised by the Office of the Public Service Commission (OPSC), the workshop catered for 13 HOMs and three heads of crown agencies. OPSC human resource manager, Sharyn Paio, who facilitated the workshop, said they focused on strategic planning and leadership development during the workshop. She said they also had some presentations from participating ministries who shared examples of successful strategic planning. “We also looked at leadership development issues that relate to an improved service delivery,” Paio said. “The participants were very active, committed and professional and there was a lot of discussion and debate on how to improve the performance of the respective ministries.” Last week’s workshop was the second for the 2015-16 financial year with the final one scheduled for April. OPSC chief executive officer Daphne Ringi said as a participant, she found the workshop useful. She said it was a good way for the HOMs, both the continuing and the new ones, to equip themselves with relevant knowledge and skills to improve their ministries. “The facilitation of the workshop had been good. The key focus was our strategic planning and leadership development,” Ringi said. “This is the second of the three workshops that have been planned by OPSC for this financial year with the first one held in December and the final one to be held in April. “The one in April will be in relation to improving the leadership capability in our public service leaders. “This is in alignment with our public service strategy where we’re trying to lift the capacity and capability of our leaders as well as our workforce to improve our service delivery.” She said they have surveyed the HOMs on their performance which was the key area of focus with leadership development being part of their strategic planning. Ringi said they hope to improve the service delivery in the public service sector through improved performance based on the areas they have been focusing on in these workshops. “These are useful workshops for head of departments and we look forward to continuing workshops like this in future.”

Local

Action to save graves promised

Wednesday 17 February 2016 | Published in Local

New Zealand television viewers were shocked this week by a Seven Sharp news report on the erosion of the Rarotonga graveyard known as the Brych Yard Cemetery.

Local

Police failed again, says talkback host

Wednesday 17 February 2016 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Local

Deportation calls for the convicted Samoan attacker is unwarranted considering the level of charge the police made, says a local broadcaster.

Local

Aere e te taeake

Monday 15 February 2016 | Published in Local

The rich, interesting and fulfilling life of the late Cook Islands artst Ian George will be celebrated on Wednesday in a memorial ceremony.

Local

Sunday flight ban 'unconstitutional'

Monday 15 February 2016 | Published in Local

Aitutaki’s anti-Sunday flights advocates won’t be pleased that the biggest hurdle to getting what they want is being set squarely before them – it’s unconstitutional.

Local

Water intakes running low

Monday 15 February 2016 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Local

The brief rain late last week may have provided some relief but water levels at the catchments around the island remain a major concern for Infrastructure Cook Islands’ Water Works Division.