Local
Rain and wind lash Rarotonga
Thursday 12 May 2011 | Published in Local
Heavy rain and winds ripped across Rarotonga on Wednesday night, as a passing tropical depression brought wind gusts of up to 49 knots. Meteorological services director Arona Ngari said the depression passed eventually to the southeast of Rarotonga. Damage was reported in Mitiaro but the storm did not cause any significant damage on Rarotonga apart […]
Its $5-6m
Thursday 12 May 2011 | Published in Local
Between $5 and $6 million from the Avatiu harbour reconstruction project is expected to filter through local businesses, says Business Trade Investment Board (BTIB) chairman Grant Priest. After initially refusing to grant McConnell Dowell foreign enterprise approval, BTIB has allowed the firm to forge ahead provided it incorporates local contractors in the project. Priest said […]
Complaints over backdating new tariff
Wednesday 11 May 2011 | Published in Local
The Te Aponga Uira (TAU) tariff hike is hitting customers, who are indignant over the backdating of the price increase. The tariff increase went into effect on Monday, May 2. TAU chief executive Apii Timoti says while the tariff increase applies to electricity meters read on and after that date, it also applies to the […]
Rumours circulate over drugs bust
Wednesday 11 May 2011 | Published in Local
No new arrests have been made in Operation Eagle the countrys largest ever police investigation of any kind, and the largest investigation of drug importation and distribution. To date 13 men and women have been arrested during Operation Eagle, which has been ongoing for more than a year and has involved at least 11 New […]
George fronts up
Wednesday 11 May 2011 | Published in Local
Independent MP Norman George will today face the Parliamentary Privileges Committee as it decides if he acted in contempt of a summons from the Queens Representative. George is expected to be at parliament for the 10.30am sitting, which is the third of the committee since it was constituted last month. The committee will decide if […]
Govt meets Air NZ
Tuesday 10 May 2011 | Published in Local
A private briefing was held yesterday afternoon for Prime Minister Henry Puna and various ministers, following consultation between the Tourism Cook Islands Corporation (TCI) and Air New Zealand officials at present in the country. Cook Islands News understands TCI board members spent most of yesterday at Crown Beach Resort and Spa talking business with the […]
McCully visits
Tuesday 10 May 2011 | Published in Local
New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully will arrive in Rarotonga this week, after he takes a short trip to Tonga. The minister arrives in Rarotonga on Thursday afternoon, and according to a spokesperson from his office he will stay for just two days. In both Tonga and the Cook Islands, McCully has a similar agenda […]
Police praised for drug sting
Tuesday 10 May 2011 | Published in Local
Leader of the Opposition Wilkie Rasmussen is praising Cook Islands police officers for apprehending 13 people in the countrys largest ever drug bust. Rasmussen, Democratic Party deputy leader, says the party fully supports the investigation into the importation and distribution of class A and C drugs in the Cook Islands by local and New Zealand […]
Minister test drives new dental chair
Tuesday 10 May 2011 | Published in Local
Minister of Health Nandi Glassie makes himself at home in the chair as director of dental services George Hosking (back left) shows him the newly renovated dental clinic, along with Dr Rangiau Fariu and secretary of health Tupou Faireka. Report and photos, page 9. 11050529
Drug use by young people targeted
Monday 9 May 2011 | Published in Local
The use of illegal drugs by young people is a concern of local police, but they say compared to some neighbouring Pacific nations, illegal drugs are not as prevalent in Cook Islands society. Police commissioner Maara Tetava says illegal drugs of any kind and any level are a worry, and he is determined to identify […]
Triathlon turou at Muri lagoon on Saturday
Monday 9 May 2011 | Published in Local
Warrior Katu conducts a traditional turou (welcome) and blessing for the 150 athletes who took part in Saturdays Air New Zealand International Triathlon. Report and photos, pages 810.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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