National
Finsec faces possible suspension
Friday 8 January 2010 | Published in Local
Financial secretary Sholan Ivaiti faces possible suspension following his return to the position this month after taking leave over Christmas. Ivaiti was out of the country when news broke of government’s $1.75 million out of court settlement with Toa Petroleum last month following the collapse of the controversial fuel farm scheme. Newly appointed finance minister […]
Cabinet still to discuss report
Friday 8 January 2010 | Published in National
Cabinet has yet to discuss the final report compiled by government’s legal consultant into the TOA fuel farm deal. Former executive officer for the office of the deputy prime minister, Florence Syme-Buchanan said that a submission was prepared last month for cabinet to discuss the report by New Zealand Queen’s Counsel Kit Toogood. “But then […]
QR quiet on requests from MPs
Friday 8 January 2010 | Published in National
The Queen’s Representative Sir Frederick Goodwin will not comment on being asked to call an immediate sitting of parliament to meet on the issue of confidence in the prime minister. His office has confirmed only half of the claim that the Democratic Party MPs outside of cabinet and the Cook Islands Party MPs sent him […]
Descendants of Taarua and Maora reunite
Friday 8 January 2010 | Published in National
More then 300 people came together for a family reunion held at Titikaveka last month. Descendants of Taarua and Maora Iro Ou (aka Hio Ou) spent three days from December 27 to 30 renewing ties and getting to know each other. Family travelled from New Zealand, Australia, Mangaia and Atiu to attend the first family […]
President says PM is a Demo
Thursday 7 January 2010 | Published in Local
The Democratic Party has not quite sacked prime minister Jim Marurai from its ranks, despite recent statements which have suggested otherwise. Yesterday party president Makiuti Tongia said of the five MPs currently in cabinet, all are still Democratic Party members except Penrhyn MP Wilkie Rasmussen whose membership has been cancelled. “Rasmussen has been sacked from […]
Avaiki marketers being sought
Thursday 7 January 2010 | Published in Local
The pearl authority is seeking locals to market Avaiki, the new Cook Islands premium pearl brand, to the international jewellery trade as part of the brand’s development. Launched last September, Avaiki now needs a network of wholesalers and marketers as well as manufacturing and retail jewellers here and overseas to attain higher prices for the […]
PM's priority is to cut costs
Thursday 7 January 2010 | Published in Local
Cutting the cost of government is the top priority going into the New Year for prime minister Jim Marurai. The prime minister and cabinet have endorsed a review of the burgeoning cost of government to find ways to use funds with greater efficiency. Marurai has already taken the first step by deciding to reduce costs […]
Travelling art exhibition opens today
Thursday 7 January 2010 | Published in Local
The travelling visual art exhibition – The Banyan Tree – opens today at the Cook Islands National Museum in Tupapa. The general public, local artists and art enthusiasts are all invited to view this exciting exhibition. Inspired by the banyan tree and the artwork of many countries and cultures, the exhibition combines tradition and modernity […]
Flowers everywhere for Emily
Thursday 7 January 2010 | Published in National
One person not sleeping through the current muggy weather is Avatiu resident Emily Russell. Russell was contentedly sewing ei for the Tourism Corporation on Tuesday to “keep busy”. “Being busy that’s what keeps life interesting, not sleeping,” said the ninety-year-old, who still walks to church. Russell has long been surrounded by flowers. Her parents were […]
Global crisis a challenge
Thursday 7 January 2010 | Published in National
Whilst frequently facing natural disasters, the Pacific region is now dealing with the global economic crisis. Although the effects of the crisis have not fully reached the Pacific countries yet, there is clear evidence that its consequences will be dramatic if not tackled properly. The issue will be discussed extensively over the three day Pacific […]
Fish no-go for pets
Thursday 7 January 2010 | Published in National
The Esther Honey Foundation is thankful to all those who spared a thought — and some food — for the clinic’s animals in 2009. And in 2010, the clinic would appreciate more donations of canned food – but no fish. This is because many animals are being taken to the clinic with fish poisoning. “We […]
Leading the way to Manukau City
Thursday 7 January 2010 | Published in National
The Cook Islands Youth Association (CIYA) is leading the way in organisational expertise. Boasting a legal advisor and a treasurer as well as a secretary and media communications advisor, the young committee is gearing up for the first Pacific Youth and Sport conference to be held in Manukau City in March. The conference will bring […]
Start made on sustainable energy initiatives
Thursday 7 January 2010 | Published in Environment
Progress has already been made on the country’s sustainable energy action plan which was submitted to cabinet last month. Spearheaded by the national energy committee, the policy was presented to cabinet by former energy minister Tangata Vavia and ratified two days before he quit his position last month. He has since been replaced as energy […]
Rheumatic fever medication problem causes upset
Wednesday 6 January 2010 | Published in Local
The recent shortage of the antibiotic injection for rheumatic fever patients prompted one local to send his 11 year old granddaughter to New Zealand for treatment last week. She was seen by a doctor at Auckland’s Starship Hospital – the same hospital that has now advised Rarotonga hospital to use an alternative injectable antibiotic for […]
Tough times ahead: Wilkie
Wednesday 6 January 2010 | Published in Local
Cabinet minister Wilkie Rasmussen — now the new finance minister — has warned the country faces difficult times ahead as government struggles to curb its spending in the face of falling revenues. He has vowed to put in ‘maximum effort’ in managing the financial affairs of the nation saying that the level of borrowing has […]
New portfolios allocated to ministers
Wednesday 6 January 2010 | Published in Local
Jim Marurai “/> Robert Wigmore “/> Wilkie Rasmussen “/> William Heather Jnr “/> Apii Piho “/> The ministers of the country’s new five-member cabinet were allocated their responsibilities within government yesterday with Wilkie Rasmussen scoring the key finance portfolios. Rasmussen said he was happy to be allocated the responsibilities of the finance and economic management […]
Met service warns public to prepare
Wednesday 6 January 2010 | Published in National
Cyclone season is upon us and the meteorological service is warning people to be prepared. Meteorological service director Arona Ngari says history has shown the sea waters becomes warmer during this time of year. Higher sea temperatures act as “fuel” in generating cyclones. “We could see something in six to 12 weeks, based on the […]
Sir Terepai still mum on situation
Wednesday 6 January 2010 | Published in National
Democratic Party leader Sir Terepai Maoate still does not want to say anything regarding the country’s political situation. A staff member of his office – which has until Friday to vacate the premises – said yesterday that “it would be premature to make any statements at this stage”. When contacted last week, Sir Terepai said […]
Still dancing at 100
Wednesday 6 January 2010 | Published in National
Keeping the katakata spirit alive at one hundred years of age, former resident of Rarotonga Mavis Scarborough is still doing the ura. Scarborough made headlines in Auckland, New Zealand recently, crediting “marrying the right man” as part of the secret to a long happy life. That man was William Scarborough and the couple spent 18 […]
Banker back after stint in Samoa
Wednesday 6 January 2010 | Published in National
Jackson Enua is back on our shores after being in Samoa for just over two years. The banker has chosen to bring his skills in banking back to Rarotonga as part of the Westpac Avarua branch team and he will officially head consumer and financial services. Enua has spent 27 years in banking and was […]
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