National

Draft UNDAF document prepared

Wednesday 21 September 2011 | Published in National

A Cook Islands draft document has been prepared for inclusion in the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF). The document is a result of yesterdays consultation on Rarotonga between UN officials and representatives of various government departments and organisations of the Cook Islands. The UN framework will guide the organisations work in the Pacific region […]

National

Report completed

Wednesday 21 September 2011 | Published in National

Audit director Paul Allsworth has completed a report of his investigation into the departure tax exemption awarded to New Zealand foreign affairs minister Murray McCully and his large delegation to the Cook Islands. Allsworths report, which has been released to interested parties for formal response, includes recommendations to financial secretary Richard Neves, foreign affairs and […]

National

Audit looks into payments on behalf of the crown

Wednesday 21 September 2011 | Published in National

A performance audit of the Cook Islands largest payments on behalf of the crown (POBOC) has begun. The audit, of POBOC totalling $12.1 million, will review ways of improving procedures and systems in collaboration with senior government officials including Ministry of Internal Affairs secretary Bredina Drollet. Audit director Paul Allsworth says the review will also […]

National

Refund coming from CPA

Wednesday 21 September 2011 | Published in National

Financial secretary Richard Neves says the $6000 government expects to be refunded, for international travel costs of independent member of parliament Norman George, is likely to be paid by the Commonwealth. In early July George attended a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference in Sri Lanka, representing speaker of the house Sir Geoffrey Henry. Money taken out […]

National

Changes to Sydney flight

Wednesday 21 September 2011 | Published in National

The direct flight linking Sydney with Rarotonga has undergone some scheduling changes, meaning Australian passengers are now arriving in the Cook Islands on a Saturday. The flights moved from their regular Tuesday departure to the Saturday departure from Sydney this month, with the first Saturday arrival touching down on September 3. Flight NZ60 now departs […]

National

Rounding up Rarotongas rubbish

Wednesday 21 September 2011 | Published in National

The Pacific Islands Conservation Initiative is running a rubbish roundup during the month of September so far, volunteers like this diver have collected over 400kg of rubbish from Avana, Nikao and Avaavaroa. To help out, get down to Avarua harbour this Saturday PICI will be there from 10am providing rubbish bags, gloves, nu and bananas […]

National

Virtues looking to run workshops with businesses

Wednesday 21 September 2011 | Published in National

Non-government organisation Virtues Cook Islands is looking to run a series of in-country workshops with local businesses, the first of which was held at the Chamber of Commerce a few weeks ago. Eight businesspeople turned up for what Virtues hopes will become a regular workshop. Acting on its desire to see a resurgence of respect, […]

National

Inspiration for agriculture revitalisation

Wednesday 21 September 2011 | Published in National

Director of Research at the ministry of agriculture William Wigmores is preparing to present before Cabinet a summary of lessons learnt during a recent growers jaunt to Tahiti. Headed by agriculture minister Nandi Glassie, a delegation of 32 local growers visited Tahitian farms and factories last month to observe the work of their French Polynesian […]

National

New Manihiki councillor

Tuesday 20 September 2011 | Published in National

Justine William is set to be the latest member of the Manihiki Island Council, following her success in a recent by-election. Earlier this year Tauhunu council member Taromi Solomona passed away, leaving his seat vacant. The preliminary results for the by-election favour William over fellow candidate Takairahi Toka 35 votes to 26. Ministry of Infrastructure […]

National

Peace day celebration

Tuesday 20 September 2011 | Published in National

Rarotonga joins the rest of the world in celebrating International Peace Day tomorrow. In recognition of the peace that pervades Cook Islands society, the peace council of the Pan-Pacific and Southeast Asian Womens Association (PPSEAWA) has organised a celebration for 5pm in the Peace Garden tomorrow. The programme includes peace readings and prayers, which will […]

National

NCW welcomes patron and guests

Tuesday 20 September 2011 | Published in National

The Cook Islands National Council of Women (CINCW) has formally welcomed its new patron Te Ariki Rongomatane during an evening function. Last Thursday nights event at Takuvaine marked the councils acknowledgment of Rongomatanes significant support to the development of her island people, to historic and conservation activities, and to women in the Cook Islands through […]

National

MP proud of Penrhyn islanders abroad

Tuesday 20 September 2011 | Published in National

Deputy leader of the opposition and Tongareva MP Wilkie Rasmussen is proud of his people in Australia, who he says are making considerable contributions to their adopted communities. Rasmussen stays in contact with Penrhyn islanders overseas via a Facebook page he set up for that express purpose. The site is called Tongareva Soasoa Club and […]

National

NGO funding now available

Tuesday 20 September 2011 | Published in National

The Ministry of Internal Affairs is calling for applications from non-government organisations (NGO) for crown funding. Financial assistance is provided on a competitive basis to NGOs which deliver assistance to vulnerable members of the community such as elderly, women, youth and people with disabilities. In the 2011-2012 financial year a contestable fund of $75,000 is […]

National

Penrhyn islanders build landmark

Tuesday 20 September 2011 | Published in National

Penrhyn islanders were part of a work crew that recently completed the construction of an historic bridge in Innisfail, Queensland. Foreman Mark Ford, Robert Tapaitau (son of the late QBE Tepure Tapaitau), Tavake Paulo and Petero Mamia all of whom lived on Penrhyn before migrating to Australia were part of the $21.6 million project. Earlier […]

National

Bail not a penalty: JP

Tuesday 20 September 2011 | Published in National

Bail is not a penalty, Cook Islands police officers have been told by the countrys senior Justice of the Peace. JP John Kenning presided over the Cook Islands High Court at Avarua on September 15. He questioned the justification of certain bail conditions sought by police prosecutor Senior Sergeant Ruth Hosking-Tane in relation to a […]

National

Puna commits to One China

Tuesday 20 September 2011 | Published in National

Top-level discussions in China between the Cook Islands government and that of the Peoples Republic of China are going well. Prime Minister Henry Puna and five other delegates, including immigration and foreign affairs secretary Jim Gosselin, have met with several Chinese officials, including the vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political […]

National

Ride the rock on Friday

Tuesday 20 September 2011 | Published in National

Rarotonga is throwing its support behind the Move Rarotonga campaign, which is scheduled to begin this Friday. Fitness Revolution is keen to support the event and will be sponsoring prizes for the Best Environment Message displayed during the bike rally. Other prizes for best dressed individuals, best dressed groups, best dressed bike and best messages […]

National

High commissioner praises HTTC

Tuesday 20 September 2011 | Published in National

Dear Editor, My wife Leoni and I had a very pleasurable experience when we recently dined for lunch at the Hospitality and Tourism Training Centre. Alongside our host, Frances Topa-Apera, we were treated to a wonderful dining experience by the students at Kai Reka. The meal was first-class, the setting was ideal and the service […]

National

No decision

Tuesday 20 September 2011 | Published in National

An environment impact assessment (EIA) report for the upgrade to Rarotonga hospitals septic system is still being considered by the National Environment Service (NES). Despite public concerns about the installation of a new septic system at the Arorangi hospital, no submissions were made to the NES on whether a permit for the work should be […]

National

World labour organisation embraces Cooks

Tuesday 20 September 2011 | Published in National

The Cook Islands might become a member of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which is a United Nations technical agency devoted to advancing opportunities for workers. ILO is the only tripartite UN agency, in that it brings together representatives of governments, employers and workers to jointly shape policies and programmes. Accordingly, members of the Cook […]

National

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