Parliament
PM accuses NZ media, experts of thinking ‘we are too dumb’
Tuesday 25 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Parliament
Cook Islands Prime Minister has hit out at the New Zealand media and experts for their ‘ludicrous’ and ‘ignorant’ perspectives on the Cook Islands’ recent deals with China, implying they view the island nation as ‘too dumb’ to understand the implications of its own decisions.
Protesters rally for new leadership amid no-confidence delay
Tuesday 25 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Parliament
A small group of women protesters, who supported last week’s rally against the government and its decision-making on key national issues, were out again with their placards, calling for new leadership.
Corrective Services claims policies ensure transparency, accountability
Monday 24 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
The Ministry of Corrective Services secretary Teokotai Joseph has responded to the Public Accounts Committees Annual Review 2022-2023 recommendations, stating that they have policies in place to ensure transparency and accountability- preventing the misuse of power.
Police welcome financial support ‘if directed at staffing needs and operations’
Monday 24 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Parliament
Cook Islands Police Service welcomes any new or additional financial support, if directed at staffing needs and operations, says Police media and strategic advisor Trevor Pitt.
Appropriation Amendment Bill tabled, referred to PAC
Wednesday 19 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
The Appropriation Amendment Bill for 2025 that was tabled in Parliament by Prime Minister Mark Brown on Monday has been referred to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that is expected to scrutinise and report on the Bill when Parliament reconvenes on February 24.
PM emphasises ‘mutual’ relationship with NZ
Tuesday 18 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, New Zealand, Parliament, Politics, Regional
Prime Minister Mark Brown says he is looking forward to his next discussions with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon “in due course” to promote and strengthen the countries’ collaboration while recognising and respecting the sovereign status of both countries.
Cook Islanders rally to protect NZ citizenship, protest government decisions
Tuesday 18 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Parliament
As hundreds gathered in protest against the government yesterday at Parliament in Nikao, one of the main concerns for many protesters was the fear of losing their New Zealand citizenship, or “risking” it, due to the government’s decisions.
Govt publishes China agreement, Opposition still demands answers
Tuesday 18 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
Cook Islands Government yesterday released the China agreement text following criticism over a lack of consultation, with New Zealand now reviewing its implications.
MPs’ travel costs double in $68 million Supplementary Budget
Monday 17 February 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
The Supplementary Budget seeks an extra $68 million, including doubling of MP travel allowances, sparking criticism of wasteful spending and misplaced priorities. Rashneel Kumar reports.
‘We live in free democracy’: PM welcomes public protest
Monday 17 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
Prime Minister Mark Brown is confident he can handle the motion of no confidence and welcomes the public protest that will be held outside Parliament House this morning.
No-confidence motion against PM and his Cabinet faces delays
Saturday 15 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Parliament
A motion of no confidence against the Cook Islands Cabinet, filed on February 11, faces delays due to parliamentary procedure, specifically the 14-day notice requirement and the precedence of an Appropriation Amendment Bill.
Faith vs rights: Cook Islands debates declaring itself a Christian nation
Saturday 15 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, National, Parliament
Parliament is considering a constitutional amendment to declare the nation a Christian state, sparking debate about religious freedom, human rights and the separation of church and state, with various religious leaders and legal experts presenting their views to a special committee.
Religious groups and CI Law Society weigh in on Christian nation proposal
Thursday 13 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Parliament
A special select committee is reviewing submissions on a proposed constitutional amendment to declare the nation a Christian state.
Opposition files no-confidence motion against Prime Minister
Wednesday 12 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in BREAKING NEWS, National, Parliament, Politics
A vote of no confidence motion has been filed against the Prime Minister and his Cabinet following the recent fiasco involving the now-abandoned Cook Islands passport proposal and the comprehensive strategic partnership the country will sign with China this week.
Government seeks funding boost for ‘critical priorities’
Monday 20 January 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
Government will be tabling a supplementary budget in Parliament next month, seeking a top up to the $328 million 2024/25 budget to fund ‘critical priorities’ in the remaining half of the financial year.
Private members’ bills expose Govt’s legislative failures: Opposition leader
Saturday 11 January 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in National, Parliament, Politics
The three private members’ bills presented by the Opposition in Parliament in 2024 show the Government’s failure to address critical legal anomalies affecting people, says Tina Browne.
‘Lack of business’: Opposition slams Govt over Parliament sitting days
Monday 6 January 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in National, Parliament
Cook Islands Parliament has been recommended to sit for 39 days this year, after sitting for only 14 days in 2024 – 28 days less than the number of sitting days originally planned.
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.
