Parliament
Ombudsman advises to better inform public
Friday 20 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Parliament
Cook Islands Ombudsman Niki Rattle is calling for a public consultation to better inform the public following the Special Select Committee’s initiative to seek public views on the religious controversy around the Constitution and the Religious Organisation Restrictions Act 1975.
Trust industry booms in Cook Islands
Thursday 19 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, National, Parliament
The trust industry has proven to be resilient, robust and growing over the past four years from 2020 to 2023, according to the Cook Islands Financial Services Development Authority Report 2023-2024.
Ombudsman slams police for negligence in fatal crash probe
Thursday 19 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
The Cook Islands Ombudsman’s office handled 52 complaints and inquiries between 2022 and 2024, highlighting issues with police investigations and noise pollution.
Bill to fix company re-registration loophole referred to NZ Parliament Counsel Office
Monday 16 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, National, Parliament
The Companies Amendment Bill 2024, aimed at rectifying a legal loophole hindering company re-registrations, has been recommended for review by the New Zealand Parliamentary Counsel Office to identify potential unintended consequences before proceeding.
Cook Islands sees surge in suspicious activity reports
Thursday 12 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, National, Parliament
The Cook Islands Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) received 72 suspected activity reports (SARs) in the 2023-2024 financial year, the majority of which were domestic.
Public input sought on proposal to make Cook Islands a Christian nation
Wednesday 11 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Parliament
A proposal to amend the Constitution and declare the Cook Islands a Christian nation is being considered by a Special Select Committee established by Parliament a week ago to address the ongoing debate on religious organisations.
Solid and Hazardous Waste Bill referred to Parliament committee
Tuesday 10 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National, Parliament
The Solid and Hazardous Waste Bill 2024 that has been referred to the Bills, Petitions and Papers Committee is a culmination of many years of hard work of the current and previous heads of the Ministry of Infrastructure Cook Islands, says Deputy Prime Minister Albert Nicholas.
Government fends off cyberattacks, passes Bill to strengthen financial transparency
Tuesday 10 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament, Technology
Significant attempts were made from overseas to hack into the government’s central network a few weeks ago, revealed Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Government agencies fail to submit reports: PAC chair calls for action
Monday 9 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Parliament
Nearly half of Cook Islands government agencies have failed to submit their mandatory reports to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), and majority of those submitted are deemed substandard, according to PAC Chair Teokotai Herman.
Parliament briefs:
Monday 9 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
Government has not made any considerations to re-establish the Vaka Council, says Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Utilities Bill to ensure efficient services: PM
Saturday 7 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
Prime Minister Mark Brown says that the Utilities Regulations (Electricity, Water and Sewerage Services) Bill 2024 will ensure that electricity and water services are provided efficiently, safely, and reliably, while also being offered at fair prices for the long-term benefit of customers.
DPM defends CIIC finance and travel policies
Friday 6 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Parliament
Deputy Prime Minister, Albert Nicholas has defended Cook Islands Investment Corporation’s (CIIC) financial practices and travel policies which were raised in the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) annual review report for 2022-2023.
New cargo-passenger vessel to arrive in July 2025, confirms PM
Thursday 5 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Parliament
Prime Minister Mark Brown has announced that the new cargo-passenger vessel funded by the Japanese government is set to arrive in July 2025.
Parliament forms committee to examine religious restrictions
Wednesday 4 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, National, Parliament
A special select committee has been formed to examine the Religious Organisations Restrictions Act 1975 and address issues related to the introduction of new religious organisations in the Cook Islands.
Committee reviewing water petition: Vainerere
Tuesday 3 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
The Bills, Petitions and Papers Committee is still working on its final report on the Keep Our Water Free Petition.
Minister Elikana cautions against limiting religious organisations
Tuesday 3 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Parliament
Minister of Foreign Affairs Tingika Elikana fired back at the Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) for Matavera, Vaitoti Tupa, on his suggestion to revisit the Religious Organisation Restrictions Act 1975 to further limit religious organisations in the country.
Cook Islands Government withdraws controversial Cryptocurrency Bill for ‘redrafting’
Tuesday 3 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Parliament, Politics
Cook Islands Government has withdrawn the Tainted Cryptocurrency Recovery Bill 2023 following widespread criticism and a recommendation from the special select committee to remove the controversial bill.
Parliament to set 2025 sitting days amidst 2024 shortfall
Monday 2 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament, Politics
The final Parliamentary sitting of the year will begin today with the presentation of several reports and public bills.
Mangaia Science Expo: Island students explore ‘Beyond the Sky’
Thursday 28 November 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
Mangaia School students and island residents are being treated to a rare opportunity to participate in a science expo titled “Te Rangi Atea – Beyond the Sky,” held on the island this week.
SG chairs Companies Amendment Bill sub-committee
Tuesday 29 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
A parliamentary sub-committee chaired by the Solicitor-General Lauaki Annandale has been approved by Parliament to review the Companies Amendment Bill 2024.
