Local
Ports issue ironed out
Monday 9 May 2011 | Published in Local
More involvement by local contractors has been pledged in the $27 million Avatiu harbour upgrade project. After a series of round table meetings on Friday and over the weekend, an agreement has been reached with main contractors McDonnell Dowell to increase the level of local contractors within the scope of works and budget. In a […]
Discussion secret as project hangs in limbo
Saturday 7 May 2011 | Published in Local
The $27 million Avatiu harbour development project by contractor McConnell Dowell was still in limbo yesterday. On Thursday, the Business Trade and Investment Board refused to grant the projects main contractor permission to work in the Cook Islands. BTIB chief executive Terry Rangi and board chairman Grant Priest met with Prime Minister Henry Puna yesterday […]
Opposition applauds decision by BTIB board
Saturday 7 May 2011 | Published in Local
The Opposition Democratic Party applauds the decision by the BTIB Board to refuse approval for McConnell Dowell to conduct business in the Cook Islands because of its poor inclusion of Cook Islands companies and enterprises into the project. Local participation has been a major policy advocated by the Democratic Party when it was in Government […]
55 charges laid after drugs sting
Saturday 7 May 2011 | Published in Local
Thirteen people are in prison after being remanded in custody following the largest Cook Islands police investigation into drug importation and distribution in history. The 13 accused collectively face 55 charges and it is likely additional charges will be laid against the nine men and four women presently locked in the Arorangi prison. It is […]
Port contractor stopped
Friday 6 May 2011 | Published in Local
The main contractor for the $27 million Avatiu harbour upgrade was yesterday stopped suddenly from working here throwing the projects immediate future into doubt. The Business Trade Investment Board (BIBT) refused to grant McConnell Dowell permission to work in the Cook Islands at a special all-day meeting, declining its foreign enterprise application. Board chairman Grant […]
13 arrests in drug bust
Friday 6 May 2011 | Published in Local
A year-long police investigation into the importation and distribution of drugs in the Cook Islands has resulted in the arrest of 13 men and women including two current and one former public servants. Today six of those arrested will appear in the Cook Islands High Court at Avarua to face charges. Collectively the 13 arrested […]
Super fund case to be heard
Thursday 5 May 2011 | Published in Local
The private sector challenge over the legality of the national superannuation fund is going to court shortly. Justice Hugh Williams will hear the latest developments in a court case between the Cook Islands National Superannuation Fund (CINSF) and Arorangi Timberland Ltd as well as the companys managing director Andy Olah during the judges next visit […]
Port work starts
Thursday 5 May 2011 | Published in Local
Physical work has begun on the $27.2 million Avatiu port development project. Starting with surveying and site marking, the project aims to provide secure and efficient port infrastructure in Rarotonga, removing many of the existing ports current constraints and safety risks. The work is being carried out by McConnell Dowell Constructors Ltd, and project managed […]
$3.9m Pukapuka project set to start
Thursday 5 May 2011 | Published in Local
Construction of a multimillion-dollar cyclone shelter on Pukapuka is to begin soon, with materials being shipped to the northern group island from Rarotonga next week. The Hawaii-based vessel Kwai will depart on Monday carrying equipment and materials for the project, as well as project manager and architect Romani Katoa. Overall $3.9 million has been allocated […]
Waging war against new tick
Wednesday 4 May 2011 | Published in Local
The Ministry of Agriculture is preparing to wage a war of eradication against the brown dog tick that recently landed on Rarotonga. The livestock section of the ministry is now awaiting advice from the Fiji-based Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) veterinary clinic on how to manage the blitz. Esther Honey Foundation (EHF) director Gregg […]
Pacific Blue adds a new flight from NZ
Wednesday 4 May 2011 | Published in Local
Pacific Blue has added one flight to its weekly schedule, and will be flying from Auckland to Rarotonga and back five days a week. The new schedule, which went into effect on May 1, will dictate flight plans through the month of September. The new flight arrives on Rarotonga at 12.20am on Sundays and departs […]
Te Aponga chair sacked and replaced
Wednesday 4 May 2011 | Published in Local
Political motivations are said to be behind the sacking of Te Aponga Uira (TAU) chairman Piltz Napa. On March 23, Napa was reappointed to his position as chairman of the TAU board. Not three weeks later, he was sacked a move sources are saying was politically-motivated. The Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) is responsible for […]
Govt owed $79,000 in overdue rent
Tuesday 3 May 2011 | Published in Local
Government is owed $78,922.94 in unpaid rental fees for commercial and residential properties managed by the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC). Details of the money owed have been received by Cook Islands News following an Official Information Act request. Almost $38,000 is owed in rent on three commercial properties in Avarua one with an outstanding […]
Mama Tuki names Vaka Taku Mina
Tuesday 3 May 2011 | Published in Local
Pukapuka matron Tuki Wright in the Are Vaka at the Cook Islands Library and Muesum where the newly-restored vaka she named Taku Mina is housed. Story and photos, page 8. 11050210
Public meeting on employment law
Tuesday 3 May 2011 | Published in Local
A public meeting will be held on Rarotonga this week to discuss a draft Employment Relations Bill, which is aimed at regulating employment in the Cook Islands. The Parliament Special Select Committee, which was established to review the bill, is hosting the meeting at the Sinai Hall in Avarua on May 4 from 6.30pm. It […]
2 candidates confirmed
Tuesday 3 May 2011 | Published in Local
Chief electoral officer Taggy Tangimetua has confirmed the candidates for the Pukapuka by-election. Vai Peua will stand for the Democratic Party and Tekii Lazaro will run against him for the Cook Islands Party. Both candidates are currently in Pukapuka to campaign ahead of the election. Administering the elections in Rarotonga are registrar of electors and […]
New tick found on Raro dogs
Monday 2 May 2011 | Published in Local
Some Rarotonga dogs have contracted a new tick, but Esther Honey Foundation (EHF) veterinarian Eiligh Hawkins says it is not something to be overly concerned about. A survey in the mid-1990s revealed that there were no ticks on Rarotonga, and EHF is currently doing another census to determine the prevalence of the recently-discovered tick. Hawkins […]
Plea change to speed up assault case
Monday 2 May 2011 | Published in Local
A 38-year-old cargo handler from Matavera will face sentencing for assaulting his partner, on June 9 at the Cook Islands High Court in Avarua. Ilaisa Ravula appeared before Justice of the Peace Tui Short in the court last week, where his defence counsel Lavenia Rokoika entered a guilty plea to the assault charge on his […]
Tourism gears up for influx
Monday 2 May 2011 | Published in Local
More tourists have pre-booked holidays for the next six months than at this time last year, reports Cook Islands Tourism chief executive Carmel Beattie. Forward bookings from Los Angeles and Sydney reflect greater tourist numbers, but that doesnt mean were going to sit back on our laurels, says Beattie. CIT is rolling out its Destination […]
Uirangi retires after 5th win
Saturday 30 April 2011 | Published in Local
Taking to the stage for the final time in the dancer of the year competition was an emotional time for champion dancer Uirangi Bishop who on Thursday night defended her champion dancer title for the fifth year in a row. Bishop says she felt she danced her best ever on Thursday night because it was […]
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