National
George independent?
Thursday 23 February 2012 | Published in National
Teenui-Mapumai MP Norman George is not as independent as he makes out, according to Democratic Party President Sean Willis. “Despite what George is saying, he was elected by the constituency as a member of the Cook Islands Party,” Willis said yesterday. George made a statement last week declaring that he had rejoined the Democrat Party […]
Deputy enjoys Speaker's job
Thursday 23 February 2012 | Published in National
Mauke MP Tai Tura has been filling in for Sir Geoffrey Henry this week, presiding over Parliament in his capacity as deputy speaker of the house. Sir Geoffrey Henry is in New Zealand receiving medical attention and has been absent from Parliament House all week. His family has confirmed that he is ill, and departed […]
Air Rarotonga fleet expands
Thursday 23 February 2012 | Published in National
Air Rarotonga’s fleet has expanded to take in two additional aircraft. The domestic airline has taken delivery of two additional Embraer Bandeirante to Rarotonga over the past week. The first flew in from Sydney last week after stopping en-route in Noumea, Fiji and Niue for fuel. The aircraft was prepared for delivery in Australia by […]
New pier used for the first time
Thursday 23 February 2012 | Published in National
The new section of Avatiu harbour pier is being used for the first time for international cargo shipping operations. The Southern Express came into port yesterday morning and docked further along the wharf than it typically would. It’s good news for port-watchers, but also good news for the development of Avatiu harbour. Constructors this month […]
Heavy road works underway
Thursday 23 February 2012 | Published in National
The old road surface in Nikao is making way for new tarmac, with heavy machinery now out in full force and in action. Motorists heading west on the main road are being diverted through the airport during this first stage of road laying as workers from T&M Heather and Triad Petroleum set about ripping up […]
Hero takes time out
Thursday 23 February 2012 | Published in Local
Chris Sharman has spent his days on Rarotonga avoiding any news of the one-year commemoration of the Christchurch earthquake. Instead he has spent his time reflecting on the tragic events of February 22 and enjoying the relaxed pace of the island. Sharman is one of 82 people from quake stricken Christchurch selected to take up […]
MPs voice their concerns over suicide
Thursday 23 February 2012 | Published in National
RAPPA member of parliament John Henry addressed the sensitive issue of suicide in Parliament House yesterday, inviting parents of young people to be part of the dialogue around the subject. “I trust we are all parents in our own constituencies and villages and homes and it is up to us to be aware of what’s […]
PM defends CISNOC
Thursday 23 February 2012 | Published in Local
Prime Minister Henry Puna yesterday defended CISNOC from allegations made by Norman George that the sports organisation was mismanaged. “What we are talking about is our athletes,” Puna said in an interview with CINews. “These men and women have trained hard and deserve to be rewarded for their hard work.” Puna said that his aim […]
Pacific Forum dates confirmed
Thursday 23 February 2012 | Published in National
The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat has confirmed dates for this year’s Pacific Leaders Forum. Secretariat secretary-general Tuiloma Neroni Slade told Cook Islands News earlier this month that dates had been finalised but that out of courtesy to Pacific leaders, his office would not release details to media until all participating countries had been notified. This […]
Finance minister defends CISNOC funding
Thursday 23 February 2012 | Published in Local
Finance minister Mark Brown justified the allocation to CISNOC in the supplementary budget in Parliament yesterday. He noted that $8000 was appropriated for a review of the sports body’s accounts, and that the $30,000 allocated for its operating costs covers salaries of those workers who have been labouring without pay. “This money is to pay […]
Te Kopapa Reo re-formed
Thursday 23 February 2012 | Published in National
In celebration of International Mother Language Day, culture minister Teariki Heather yesterday revived the dormant Te Kopapa Reo, or Te Reo Maori Commission. Heather formally re-appointed the former members of the commission, which for four years has been inactive. The commission was initially set up under the Te Reo Maori Act, which government passed in […]
Govt to develop marine resources in north
Thursday 23 February 2012 | Published in National
Opposition Leader Wilkie Rasmussen raised the first question in yesterday’s session of Parliament, opening by joking that usually “independent pro-CIP member” Norman George is the first to rise. Given George’s absence from the House, Rasmussen said he would “reluctantly” do the honours instead. In a question to minister of marine resources Teina Bishop, he sought […]
Claims of irresponsible spending 'unfounded'
Thursday 23 February 2012 | Published in National
Finance minister Mark Brown defended the supplementary budget yesterday in Parliament, accusing the opposition of making ‘gross overstatements’ in its criticism of the Appropriation Amendment bill. “Under the laws of the MFEM Act this budget that we are presenting is a responsible budget. It’s responsible because we are not making any rash decisions. “Those areas […]
New leader gets official nod
Thursday 23 February 2012 | Published in National
Wilkie Rasmussen has been officially confirmed as the new Leader of the Opposition following Monday’s announcement that he will take over the role from Robert Wigmore, says Democratic Party President Sean Willis. This was formalised through a party caucus agreement this week and announced on Monday at the opening of parliament for 2012. Willis said […]
Opposition calls budget 'irresponsible'
Thursday 23 February 2012 | Published in National
Nukuroa MP Tangata Vavia called last year’s budget ‘irresponsible’ in Parliament yesterday. Directing a question to finance minister Mark Brown, Vavia raised the issue of government’s withholding tax, which was imposed in an effort to generate $1 million in revenue. “After looking through the supplementary budget and the revenue on behalf of the crown, it […]
Fence to 'keep stormin Norman' out
Thursday 23 February 2012 | Published in National
In jest cabinet minister Teina Bishop raised concerns in Parliament about something that has been ‘bugging’ him for ‘many months’. He noted that in past years, the opposition office has been open ‘at any time’ and that market-goers have been ‘most welcome’ to park at the opposition office on Saturday mornings. “Now I see there’s […]
Whip offers to help pa enua
Thursday 23 February 2012 | Published in National
Cook Islands Party whip George Maggie Angene sought funding for the roads and beautification of Tupapa-Maraerenga in Parliament yesterday. “I’d like to ask you to increase my constituency’s fund because I have more voters in my constituency compared to any of you. I also would like you to increase Aunty Mau’s constituency’s fund but make […]
Supplementary budget passed, parliament adjourns
Thursday 23 February 2012 | Published in National
The third day in parliament for 2012 was rushed – it was also the final day of the first sitting. Prime Minister Henry Puna’s government pushed through the supplementary budget with little resistance from the opposition. Finance Minister Mark Brown, speaking in parliament shortly before the bill’s second reading, reiterated that the current government is […]
Island Feast comes to the Cooks!
Wednesday 22 February 2012 | Published in National
The flavours and curiosities of Cook Islands cuisine will be introduced to an estimated 50 million people in 100 countries though Australian celebrity chef Peter Kuruvita. The chef and a five-man film team have just returned to Australia from the Cook Islands as the final destination for Kuruvita’s upcoming television series Island Feast with Peter […]
Govt 'not running to big daddy'
Wednesday 22 February 2012 | Published in National
Finance minister Mark Brown says his government will ‘deal with’ the budget blowout rather than running to the New Zealand government for help. He was responding to a question from Teenui-Mapumai member of parliament Norman George – the first parliamentary question of the year. “Minister,” George said, “in view of the additional $4 million that […]
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