Parliament
PAC maintains travel request info from CIIC
Monday 24 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Parliament
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) maintains that the request for travel expense information from Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) is made to ensure accountability and CIIC ‘must’ provide the requested data.
No cheaper travel options for MPs to the Pa Enua
Wednesday 19 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
There are no other cheaper travel options to the Pa Enua for Members of Parliament that can be explored, due to a lack of scheduled flights.
Ministry of Transport enhances marine safety investigation capabilities
Monday 17 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Parliament
The Ministry of Transport is participating in a Regional Foundation Course on Marine Casualty Investigation to ensure accurate and accountable marine safety investigation reports.
Opposition decries delay cost for battery replacement project
Thursday 13 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands, Parliament
Opposition leader Tina Browne has criticised the delay in the Northern Group Battery Replacement Project, saying it is costing taxpayers as island governments continue to spend large amounts on diesel to keep power running.
Visitor behaviour key focus in ensuring travellers engage respectfully with Cook Islands, Tourism tells PAC
Monday 10 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
Cook Islands Tourism says that while managing visitor behaviour is an ongoing effort, success depends on delivering clear messaging across multiple channels, reinforcing expectations through consistent signage, and providing accessible guidance.
MPs’ travel expenses exceed $350,000 in six months
Saturday 8 March 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
Cook Islands MPs spent over $350,000 on overseas travel in the first half of the 2024/25 financial year, with a significantly increased budget allowing for further expenditures and calls to upgrade MP travel classes.
DPM Nicholas clarifies allegations on contract distribution
Saturday 8 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Parliament
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI), Albert Nicholas, has dismissed allegations made by the leader of the United Party, Teariki Heather regarding the distribution of government contracts, particularly in the construction sector.
Multi-year budget limit leaves Parliamentary Services ‘understaffed’
Friday 7 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
Parliamentary Services is struggling to fill essential positions and support necessary functions due to fixed multi-year budget constraints, despite repeated requests for increased funding and acknowledged staffing needs.
MPs fail to settle travel accounts, despite policy
Thursday 6 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
Despite existing rules and a system in place, some Cook Islands MPs continue to disregard financial accountability for travel expenses, leading to overdue sums and a debate over the responsibility for chasing these debts.
Parliament brief
Wednesday 5 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
Member of Parliament Teokatai Herman in supporting the allocation of $2,395,516 for the Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR) in the Supplementary Budget said MMR must be supported and encouraged for the work they do.
29 teachers leave: Mokoroa explains teacher shortage and declining results
Saturday 1 March 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education, National, Parliament
A significant teacher shortage, with almost 30 teachers leaving last year, is impacting the Cook Islands’ education system.
Ngatangiia MP to hold community meeting post-China agreement
Saturday 1 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Parliament
Fresh from signing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) agreement between the Cook Islands and China, Associate Minister for Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for Ngatangiia, Tukaka Ama, is calling a meeting for his constituency.
Cook Islands seeking New Zealand expertise for Sovereign Wealth Fund
Saturday 1 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, New Zealand, Parliament, Regional
The Cook Islands government has taken further steps towards establishing a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), with officials currently in New Zealand holding discussions with financial experts, Prime Minister Mark Brown told Parliament this week.
Mangaia runway needs urgent repairs
Saturday 1 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Parliament
Mangaia’s airport runway is in dire need of government funding for improvements due to weather-related flight cancellations and deterioration, according to a Member of Parliament from the southern group island.
Decline in reo Māori speakers addressed in Parliament
Friday 28 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, National, Parliament
Minister for Education, Vaine ‘Mac’ Mokoroa has acknowledged that while language is important in the classrooms, it is also vital to remember that speaking reo Maori starts from home.
Govt reviews future of Auckland consulate office
Friday 28 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Parliament
The future of the Cook Islands Consulate office in Auckland remains uncertain as the government reviews its international diplomatic presence.
Government to seek update on China’s naval exercises
Thursday 27 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Parliament
As concerns continue to emerge over China’s ‘unusual’ naval exercises in the Tasman Sea raising eyebrows from New Zealand and Australia, the Cook Islands government was questioned for an update in parliament yesterday.
PM Brown writes to NZ PM Luxon: Time to sit and discuss matters through diplomatic channels
Wednesday 26 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Parliament
Prime Minister Mark Brown says it is time for the New Zealand and Cook Islands government to sit together and discuss matters through their diplomatic channels.
PM Brown and Cabinet survive vote of no confidence
Wednesday 26 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Parliament
Prime Minister Mark Brown has welcomed the democratic process that took place in Parliament yesterday after he and his Cabinet successfully defeated a vote of no confidence by 13 votes to nine.
Northern group to weigh in on proposed constitution changes
Tuesday 25 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
A Parliament committee was expected hold its final public consultations on three proposed constitutional amendment bills in the Northern Group islands later this month.