Local
By-election to cost $30,000
Thursday 24 February 2011 | Published in Local
Finance Minister Mark Brown estimates that the by-election for the Pukapuka-Nassau seat will cost government around $30,000. Last Thursday afternoon, Justice Nicholson delivered a decision after hearing independent candidate Vai Peua’s electoral petition hearing, declaring the Pukapuka-Nassau election void. He has not yet handed down a written decision, which means Prime Minister Henry Puna and […]
Old gowns and patched wigs
Thursday 24 February 2011 | Published in Local
While MPs can wear new suits and ties thanks to their $5000 clothing allowance, spare a thought for parliament staff who must wear the clobber of ancient costumes when parliament is in session. And right now as they prepare for a ceremonial opening, the speaker, clerk and assistant clerk of parliament aren’t looking pretty – […]
Man drowns while kayaking
Wednesday 23 February 2011 | Published in Local
The tragic passing of Eugene Tutaka-George has left a void in the hearts of many on Rarotonga. Eugene, who drowned this week in what police say was an accident, will be sorely missed by those who knew him. Eugene is believed to have been kayaking alone on Sunday afternoon. Police received a call on Monday […]
Cook Islands doctor works 24-hour emergency
Wednesday 23 February 2011 | Published in Local
Cook Islands paediatric surgeon Dr Kiki Maoate who is based at Christchurch hospital says he hasn’t heard yet of any Cook Islanders being registered as missing persons. Dr Maoate says he’s been texting and receiving calls from Cook Islanders in Christchurch and “it sounds like everyone is fine.” Speaking from his mobile phone at 2.45pm […]
Flood and quake appeals combined
Wednesday 23 February 2011 | Published in Local
An appeal to raise money for victims of Australian flooding caused by the recent cyclone Yasi has been postponed, so that it can be combined with a drive to help people affected by this week’s devastating earthquake in Christchurch. The Ministry of Culture is organising the fundraising initiative, and secretary Sonny Williams says Prime Minister […]
Flags at half-mast for victims
Wednesday 23 February 2011 | Published in Local
Cook Islands flags will fly at half mast today as the country mourns with New Zealand the loss of lives and catastrophic destruction caused by the 6.4 richter scale earthquake that struck Christchurch. At time of going to press, 75 people had been confirmed dead and a further 300 were still missing. A letter of […]
'Uru i toou nio'
Tuesday 22 February 2011 | Published in Local
Inanai, te ra no Te Reo Tumu, kua aao te tamariki apii Iotepha Peata (St Joseph’s) i to ratou kakau pareu manea ei turu te ra. I te tae anga te nuti peapa ki te apii – kua kite ia mai teia au tamariki uki ou e uru ara i to ratou nio e te […]
Concern for quake victims
Tuesday 22 February 2011 | Published in Local
The government is working with the New Zealand High Commission to determine the welfare of Cook Islanders living in Christchurch after it was struck yesterday by an earthquake measuring 6.3 on the richter scale. Acting Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Marsters issued a statement yesterday that they are aware there are a large […]
Body found in sea near Avatiu
Tuesday 22 February 2011 | Published in Local
The body of a man believed to be in his early 40s was retrieved from the sea near Avatiu Harbour yesterday. At press time, police had not yet notified next of kin and refused to release the man’s name. Just after 7am yesterday, police received a call about a missing person. Officers conducted a search […]
Tax increase not on
Tuesday 22 February 2011 | Published in Local
Finance Minister Mark Brown said at a press conference on Friday that there is “no truth at all” to recent speculation that government has plans to increase taxes. “In fact, what we’re looking at doing is trying to provide an environment for business to actually thrive and adding taxes to the equation definitely doesn’t do […]
Big returns
Monday 21 February 2011 | Published in Local
It is estimated Aitutaki’s economy will benefit from an additional $2.35 million each year, as a result of the Ministry of Marine Resources’ new bonefish management scheme for the island’s lagoon. MMR regulations aimed at preserving the species in Aitutaki and Manuae were formally adopted in October and will begin to be enforced at the […]
Acting Finsec first woman
Monday 21 February 2011 | Published in Local
Office of the Public Service Commissioner chief executive Priscilla Maruariki has been appointed acting financial secretary. She will serve in the position until a permanent appointment is made – as the first woman ever to hold the post. “We have come to the conclusion that Priscilla Maruariki is the most experienced professional we have – […]
Sir Geoffrey back in parliament
Saturday 19 February 2011 | Published in Local
Former Prime Minister Sir Geoffrey Henry was sworn in as the Speaker of the House in Parliament yesterday. Prime Minister Sir Henry Puna nominated Sir Geoffrey as speaker, a motion which Deputy Prime Minister Tom Marsters seconded. Puna said he did not anticipate any “violent objections” to the nomination, as he considered Sir Geoffrey “one […]
Opposition back confidence vote
Saturday 19 February 2011 | Published in Local
Members of Parliament – including those occupying the bench of the Opposition – yesterday expressed their confidence in Prime Minister Henry Puna during the opening of the 47th session of the Parliament of the Cook Islands. Deputy Prime Minister Tom Marsters told parliament that he and other members present have known Puna for a while […]
PM delays NZ departure
Friday 18 February 2011 | Published in Local
A meeting that was to be held tomorrow between Prime Minister Henry Puna and the Cook Islands Taokotaianga Trust in Auckland has had to be cancelled. In order to be present for the opening of parliament today, Puna has had to reschedule his New Zealand departure until early tomorrow morning. Trust members had wanted to […]
Banker sees potential for food exports
Friday 18 February 2011 | Published in Local
ANZ Asia Pacific, Europe and America (APE&A) chief executive officer Alex Thursby speaks to local ANZ customers at a breakfast function yesterday. He believes the Pacific has potential as a food supplier to Asia. Report, page 9. 11021715
More pay for a foreign Finsec
Friday 18 February 2011 | Published in Local
If a new Financial Secretary is recruited from overseas, that person will be paid a higher salary than someone hired locally. The position of Financial Secretary commands a salary of about $120,000 for a local appointment. A salary top-up offered through the NZAid programme for an overseas recruit means the salary package will be considerably […]
Demos threaten parliament boycott
Friday 18 February 2011 | Published in Local
The Opposition Democratic Party opposition is threatening to boycott today’s sitting of Parliament if their MPs don’t receive written notices from the Queen’s Representative summoning them. Opposition leader Robert Wigmore says he’s discussed the matter with his team and they believe government should do the right thing and what has been practiced in the past […]
Parliament opens today
Friday 18 February 2011 | Published in Local
The 47th session of parliament was scheduled to get underway at 10 o’clock this morning now that the High Court has handed down a decision on the Pukapuka petition. Prime Minister Henry Puna confirmed yesterday that as soon as a Pukapuka decision was confirmed, parliament would go ahead today. The Opposition Democratic Party has been […]
Tribunal to hear police complaints
Thursday 17 February 2011 | Published in Local
Cook Islands Police will be establishing a formal tribunal to hear a number of outstanding public complaints lodged against officers. CINews understands that Police Commissioner Maara Tetava is in discussions with New Zealand police for a commissioned officer to be on the tribunal. Police are said to be reviewing disciplinary processes assisted by a NZ […]
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