National
Heather unopposed
Friday 22 January 2010 | Published in National
Teariki Heather has been confirmed as the Cook Islands Party candidate in Akaoa at the next general elections. The sitting MP’s nomination was the only one to be tendered at a meeting of party faithful in the constituency on Wednesday night. The CIP executive is absolutely delighted at the outcome of the meeting which was […]
Dean resignation requires an explanation
Friday 22 January 2010 | Published in National
Opposition leader Tom Marsters fears that tourism head John Dean’s resignation may have a negative impact on the industry. “Already ripples of concern are sweeping through the industry and the rumour mill is busy,” says Marsters in a media release yesterday. “All sorts of allegations are being made and are further fuelled by statements made […]
PM plans reform conference
Friday 22 January 2010 | Published in National
Prime minister Jim Marurai plans to host a conference on political reform early next month to hear more ideas and questions on the issue. He wants to know if there is a national consensus for political reform and what that preference would be. Marurai aims to consult widely on the best way forward for the […]
Political reform – an historic opportunity to address a long overdue issue
Friday 22 January 2010 | Published in National
An historic opportunity to address the long standing unresolved issue of political reform – The events of the last three weeks have highlighted the urgent need for change in the government of the country – Political Reform is a long standing unresolved issue – Political Reform is fundamental to the long term future of the […]
Show those greedy, overpaid, anti-reformist nutcases
Friday 22 January 2010 | Published in National
Dear Editor, I’d like to take out two birds with one stone in this letter. First, I commend ‘6-month-6-year-old car’ for pointing out to government the state of Tepuka Road and reminding everyone there’s a world beyond the realm of politics. Meanwhile, some feel the need to debate the uses of porcelain cleaners and the […]
One laptop per child on Mitiaro
Friday 22 January 2010 | Published in National
Every child at Mitiaro School will receive a surprise when they start school this year – a state-of-the-art laptop. It may have taken more than a year but the One Laptop Per Child pilot project is finally all go. About 70 of the laptops are now in Mitiaro – secretary of education Sharyn Paio says […]
Flight Centre aims for CI growth
Friday 22 January 2010 | Published in National
Cook Islands Tourism invited a representative of one of NZ’s largest travel retailers, Flight Centre, to speak at the opening of the industry’s biennial forum on Monday. James Brooker manages the relationship between Flight Centre and CI Tourism. The Australian-headquartered Flight Centre is a global company in eight countries and has 13,000 staff – in […]
Proposal aims to change constituency seats
Friday 22 January 2010 | Published in National
Combining constituency seats to create fairer representation is a major recommendation of the new proposal for political reform. Prime minister Jim Marurai released the proposal yesterday saying he hoped it would generate public debate and put extra pressure on MPs to consider just how reform should happen. Under the proposal put together by political reform […]
National seats like NZ's list seats
Friday 22 January 2010 | Published in Local
Introducing national seats to the Cook Islands Parliament is one of the more far-reaching and important reforms proposed. Advocate Tata Crocombe says it would be moving in the direction of other jurisdictions such as New Zealand where half the seats are national or ‘list’ seats, putting a large focus on addressing national issues. “Most issues […]
The 12 reforms
Friday 22 January 2010 | Published in Local
The 12 recommended reforms are: 1) Direct election of the prime minister by all voters. 2) PM to appoint cabinet from among all voters (currently he can only choose from the other 23 MPs – or more accurately the ruling party). 3) Cabinet appointments approved by parliament (ensures process is transparent, allows for public to […]
Radical reforms
Friday 22 January 2010 | Published in Local
The new 12-point political reform proposal was released by prime minister Jim Marurai yesterday. The major changes proposed include direct election of the prime minister by all voters, creation of five national seats, limits to the PM’s terms and to the term of parliament, and combining nine of the current constituency seats into four seats. […]
Kia Orana Air gets thumbs up
Friday 22 January 2010 | Published in Local
The proposed low-cost domestic airline Kia Orana Air has cabinet excited about better travel options for locals and visitors. Last week prime minister Jim Marurai said cabinet was supportive of the proposal after being briefed about the application by the airline for an air service licence and its aim to start its operations by mid-year. […]
Mango catcher spotted
Friday 22 January 2010 | Published in National
A potential future Cook Islands cricketer was spotted in Aitutaki recently practising his fielding skills by catching mangoes. Twelve-year-old Wesley Robert has been holidaying on Aitutaki with his parents Nana Tiamoke from Atiu and Robert. Wesley has been playing cricket since he was six, and plays for the under 14 Illawara Region back home in […]
MPs to see reform proposal next week
Thursday 21 January 2010 | Published in National
Prime minister Jim Marurai’s plan for MPs to see the new 12-point political reform proposal is now likely to take place early next week. Marurai had hoped to have the two political parties briefed on the proposal this week after cabinet gave it a thumbs up. He is calling for all MPs to support the […]
19 by-elections?
Thursday 21 January 2010 | Published in National
Dear Editor, The Gang of 19 led by CIP’s Henry Puna is calling for elections. Why do they bother the prime minister and cabinet with this matter when they can have their elections if they want? It’s simple, Henry. All 19 MPs can resign from parliament immediately thereby forcing 19 by-elections. Of course, the remaining […]
Blame shifting criticised
Thursday 21 January 2010 | Published in Local
The Democratic Party executive say that prime minister Jim Marurai is good at shifting blame, especially when he claims to know nothing of matters that passed under his nose and got his approval. The Demos, through a media release, say that Marurai claims that the former DPM appointed mediation consultant, Queen’s Counsel Kit Toogood. “It […]
Wigmore defends seabed job ad
Thursday 21 January 2010 | Published in National
Dear Editor, With regard to the position of Commissioner of the Seabed Minerals Authority, I believe that we have to walk before we run. The Cook Islands have no mining activity and there won’t be any for several years. However, opportunities can exist for interested companies to apply for an Exploration Licence once the required […]
DPM defends ad
Thursday 21 January 2010 | Published in Local
Deputy prime minister Robert Wigmore has responded to criticism over the recent advertising of the position of seabed minerals commissioner, which was authorised by his office. As minister responsible for minerals and natural resources, Wigmore says, through a letter to the editor, that opportunities exist for interested companies to apply for an exploration licence once […]
Mou Piri asks for wide access to 1998 report
Thursday 21 January 2010 | Published in National
The group for political reform, Mou Piri, is calling on government to provide better public access to the 1998 Commission of Political Review report. Mou Piri believes the government-commissioned report is an excellent document that provides detailed results from public meetings on all islands, submissions from a broad spectrum of society as well as professionals […]
PM won't quit
Thursday 21 January 2010 | Published in Local
Prime minister Jim Marurai says he refuses to resign despite the calls from the Democratic Party for him to step down now. Marurai says he is not considering a move to resign as a way to resolve the current political turmoil. “Why should I resign? What have I done wrong?” he asks. Late last week […]
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