National
Opposition hammers PM's absence
Tuesday 3 December 2013 | Published in National
The opposition Democratic Party came out swinging during Parliament yesterday, lashing out at the ruling Cook Islands Party over the absence of Prime Minister Henry Puna from the final session of the year. “Where is the prime minister?” said Rasmussen. “Why has he abandoned parliament?” Late last week, special advisor Trevor Pitt announced Puna will […]
Tax changes poised to begin January 1
Monday 2 December 2013 | Published in Local
Working Cook Islanders will be seeing more money on the bottom lines of their paycheques in the New Year as changes to the nation’s tax system become implemented, said finance Minister Mark Brown. Beginning January 1, 2014, cuts to personal income taxes will come into effect, giving a financial boost to workers. Also as part […]
Parliament begins today, without PM
Monday 2 December 2013 | Published in Local
The final sitting of the Cook Islands parliament for 2013 begins today. Five days have been set aside for the upcoming session, with possible sitting the following week if needed. Clerk of parliament John Tangi said the final day will be devoted for the conveying of seasons greetings by members of parliament – a traditional […]
Bush fire fuelled by dry grass, trees
Monday 2 December 2013 | Published in Local
A huge bushfire in the tinder dry hills of Amuri on Aitutaki on Saturday night had residents on red alert as neighbours banded together to help fight the fire which threatened a number of homes in the village. The fire was still burning at 2.30pm on Sunday however no homes were being threatened by the […]
Break the silence, end the violence
Monday 2 December 2013 | Published in National
Elimination of violence against women was the key message of a march organised by the Cook Islands police on November 25. Over 100 people took part in the march from Banana Court to the Punanga Nui markets, to commemorate White Ribbon Day. Cook Islands police launched White Ribbon Day with a big banner stating: “It’s […]
Out on top!
Monday 2 December 2013 | Published in National
Open mixed crew Patterson Lakes from Australia are pictured during prize giving on Thursday taking out first place and the Bob Worthington Memorial trophy. The team has improved from previous podium finishes winning 2nd in 2012 and 3rd in 2011’s round raro relay race. Fighting with local senior master men crew Te Tupu o Te […]
Fun and games for young paddling stars
Monday 2 December 2013 | Published in National
The adults stepped aside last Tuesday evening as close to 300 young up-and-coming paddling stars had their time in the spotlight at the mapu prize giving. The night went off without a hitch as the mapu were treated to a night of fun and games while acknowledging the achievements of their peers. The night was […]
Rebuilding of school aided by donated funds
Monday 2 December 2013 | Published in National
Just over $600 was donated to Avatea School by Mangaia School on November 26. The funds were raised through mufti days and sausage roll sales with the help of the staff and the Managaia student council. “From such a small community that has more issues to deal with than we do in Rarotonga, it is […]
Miss Cook Islands at Miss South Pacific pageant
Monday 2 December 2013 | Published in National
Miss Cook Islands Teuira Napa is currently in the Solomon Islands representing her island nations at the Miss South Pacific Pageant. Arriving at the Henderson International Airport on Thursday 28 November, Napa shared her flight with current Miss South Pacific Janine Tuivaiti of Samoa. Napa and her team were hosted to a welcome dinner by […]
Busy BTIB Vaka Eiva Trade Days
Monday 2 December 2013 | Published in National
Locals and paddlers formed the majority of the crowd on the last day of the Business Trade and Investment Board (BTIB) Vaka Eiva Trade days. The Trade Days took place over November 28 and November 29 across the Banana Court from 10am to 2pm and involved thirty vendors contributing to the event. “It’s been busier […]
Public to have say on aged care facility
Monday 2 December 2013 | Published in National
People living in Rarotonga will soon be invited to share their thoughts on whether the island needs some form of aged care facility. A period of consultation is set to kick off early next year and nine different parties have expressed interest in carrying out the work. The Ministry of Internal Affairs is currently looking […]
Prime Minister in Fiji for nature conference
Monday 2 December 2013 | Published in National
Prime Minister Henry Puna will be in Fiji while the remainder of cabinet attends the year’s final sitting of the parliament of the Cook Islands. “The Prime Minister will be on an overseas assignment next week,” said special advisor Trevor Pitt from the office of the PM in an email. Puna has been invited to […]
Muri market vendors have licences
Monday 2 December 2013 | Published in National
All of the vendors selling food at a night market in Muri have already been granted the required food handling licences, says the Ministry of Health. A group of local restaurant, cafe and resort owners went to the Business Trade and Investment Board (BTIB) two weeks ago to express concerns about a fast-growing market running […]
Government endorses tax review recommendations
Monday 2 December 2013 | Published in National
After fully consulting with most of the northern group, the southern group, and Rarotonga, the government has endorsed the recommendations of the tax review with a few minor changes. The changes to the tax system will be legislated over two sessions of parliament. The parliamentary session commencing on Monday December 2 will legislate changes which […]
The power of gratitude
Saturday 30 November 2013 | Published in Crime
Have you ever wondered what it takes to be truly happy? Many Cook Islanders know that it has very little to do with material things; How much we have, how much we can get. Having stuff is illusory. Even after we get something we’ve wanted for a long time, how quickly that initial satisfaction fades. […]
Superfund case concludes
Saturday 30 November 2013 | Published in Crime
The High Court of the Cook Islands concluded hearing arguments on Thursday in the high-profile superannuation case, which has been roughly five years in the making. What began as criminal proceedings into the issue of non-compliance with the Cook Islands National Superannuation Fund (CINSF) Act turned into a debate looking at the retirement scheme’s constitutionality. […]
Grey Power to march on parliament Monday
Saturday 30 November 2013 | Published in Local
Pensioner activist group Grey Power is planning to march on parliament on Monday for the first day of the house’s final sitting of 2013. Grey Power vice-president Dennis Tunui made the announcement yesterday, and said the group will be chanting slogans and waving placards as part of the march, which is scheduled for 2.30pm. The […]
Team effort!
Saturday 30 November 2013 | Published in Local
Jesse Rihari, Kingi Herewini, Tom Robinson and Ruamano Herewini from vaka team Fluffy Slippers, enjoyed a morning of celebration at Nikao Maori School yesterday. The paddling team ‘adopted’ the school last year, and visited the excited young students for a morning of celebration, including exchanging gifts and enjoying dance and haka performances. Related article(s):
Possible release next week for 'Colagate' report
Saturday 30 November 2013 | Published in Local
A second report looking into the practise of invoice splitting by the Cook Islands Audit Office could become a public document next week. Yesterday, director Allen Parker with the Cook Islands Audit Office confirmed the existence of a subsequent report on the practise, which was first dealt with by the audit office in 2011 under […]
Belles and Tahiti Nui crowned champs
Saturday 30 November 2013 | Published in National
Australian womens oe vaka crew Crown Beach Belles and French Polynesia mens team Tahiti Nui were crowned the ultimate Vaka Eiva paddling teams yesterday when they took out the pinnacle race of the paddling festival – the 36km round Raro Relay Race. The Crown Beach Belles gunned it home in a time of 3.25.53 to […]
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