National
Accused had CI licence
Saturday 7 May 2011 | Published in National
Former NZ Maori Language Commission deputy chief executive and frequent visitor to the Cook Islands Sharon Armstrong could face two decades behind bars in an Argentine prison on charges of drug smuggling. Armstrong was arrested last month with five kilograms of cocaine in a bag she was carrying for a UK man she met online. […]
Drugs offenders face stiff penalties
Saturday 7 May 2011 | Published in National
Some of those charged in relation to the Cook Islands largest drug importation and distribution investigation face a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail or a fine of up to $750,000 if convicted. Those penalties are the maximum sentences for convictions of selling class C drugs, including cannabis. To date 13 people nine men […]
Big clean up
Saturday 7 May 2011 | Published in Environment
This year at least four outer islands are organising their own activities to supplement the national programme to recognise Environment Week (May 30-June 3). Mauke island National Environment Service officers will work with the Island Secretary to coordinate an island-wide clean up of all whiteware, e-waste, batteries and other rubbish lying around the island. This […]
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 […]
Court told charge against registrar misconstrued
Friday 6 May 2011 | Published in Crime
Justice Hugh Williams will preside over a case against a court registrar charged with being in contempt of court, when he hears civil and criminal matters in the Cook Islands High Court at Avarua later this month. Claudine Henry-Anguna, registrar of the court, yesterday appeared before Justice of the Peace Tiki Matapo. She pleaded not […]
Interest grows in organics
Friday 6 May 2011 | Published in Environment
Organic growing advocate Teava Iro continues to spread the word about biological and ecological agriculture throughout the Cook Islands. Iro, a director of Cook Islands Noni Marketing Ltd and chairman of the Titikaveka Growers Association, gave a presentation on organic growing to about 40 people at a public meeting in Muri this week. The meeting, […]
Lagoon Day focuses on wetlands
Friday 6 May 2011 | Published in Environment
The spotlight is on wetlands for this years annual Lagoon Day education and awareness programme, now in its fourth year. Lagoon Day, on June 1 and 2, brings together experts in environment issues to raise awareness of the problems facing the lagoon environment and the possible solutions. Lagoon Day aims for positive change through hands-on […]
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 […]
Challenging seas keep Boiler Swim record unbroken
Friday 6 May 2011 | Published in National
All 66 swimmers who attempted yesterdays annual Boiler Swim all returned to shore after battling what were challenging conditions through Avarua harbour. Due to the rough conditions which had actually calmed a bit from what were described as dangerous conditions earlier in the day the record of 9 minutes flat remains unbroken. Jon Robinson was […]
Finsec appointment audited
Friday 6 May 2011 | Published in National
Former financial secretary Sholan Ivaiti was appointed to the role despite serious concerns about his ability to perform, an audit investigation into his recruitment has found. Ivaiti was found to have been involved in inappropriate public administration and project management practices in his capacity as financial secretary during an earlier audit investigation over the Toagate […]
Fire legislation a high priority
Friday 6 May 2011 | Published in National
Last weeks Pacific Islands Fire Services Association (PIFSA) executive board meeting was a success, says rescue fire chief Nga Jessie. The delegates present, including PIFSA president and Papua New Guinea fire chief Isaac Silas, discussed the high priority of fire legislation. Fire legislation was regarded as importance to the development and capacity building of the […]
New education HQ takes shape
Friday 6 May 2011 | Published in National
New premises for the Ministry of Education and its 46 staff should be ready in August one month ahead of schedule. The $1.5 million headquarters building is taking shape on site at Nikao, with walls and the roof now in place. Architect and project manager Romani Katoa is working alongside contractor Mike Rennie Builders Ltd […]
Fathers death led to tax offences
Friday 6 May 2011 | Published in National
A Rarotonga company has been fined $4700 on four charges of failing to furnish tax. G and S Contractors Ltd admitted four charges before Justice of the Peace Tiki Matapo in the Cook Islands High Court at Avarua yesterday, after six were withdrawn by crown prosecutor Martha Henry. The charges were of failing to furnish […]
Spotlight on employment rights
Friday 6 May 2011 | Published in National
Minimum wage and maternity entitlements are at the forefront of issues being discussed as part of a proposed set of standards for all employment relations throughout the Cook Islands. The draft Employment Relations Bill is circulating among the community while feedback is being sought on it ahead of its potential amendment and adoption into law. […]
Maitai: full steam ahead!
Friday 6 May 2011 | Published in National
I would like to thank Tim Arnold for his edification and enlightenment of the Cook Islands public to the true nature of the cast steel /iron structure protruding from the water at the entrance to the Avarua Harbour, a smoke signaller writes playfully in response to Arnolds letter to the editor in yesterdays CI News. […]
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 […]
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