Parliament
Aitutaki’s ‘winds of change’ blow for gender equality: Browne
Saturday 14 September 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Education, Local, National, Outer Islands, Parliament, Politics
Opposition leader Tina Browne has hailed Aitutaki’s Island Council election a success, noting a significant increase in the number of women elected as council members.
Government MP to present petition against water tariffs in Parliament
Friday 13 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Parliament
A Government MP has expressed interest in presenting the ‘Keep Our Water Free’ petition, which opposes the incoming water tariffs, in Parliament next week.
Constitution Review Committee gathers feedback from Pa Enua
Thursday 22 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Outer Islands, Parliament
The Constitutional Review Special Select Committee will be conducting public consultations in Atiu, Mitiaro and Mauke, all in a single day.
Taxpayers foot $659,000 bill for MPs travel and allowance
Thursday 22 August 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
The annual travel and allowances for Cook Islands Members of Parliament exceeded $650,000 in the last financial year, a significant increase of approximately 51 per cent from the previous year. Losirene Lacanivalu and Rashneel Kumar reports.
Water petition endorsed: ‘We’re one step closer to keeping our water free’
Friday 16 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Parliament
The ‘Keep Our Water Free’ petition opposing the incoming water tariffs has been endorsed and will be tabled on September 16, the Clerk of Parliament has confirmed.
Opposition leader Browne declines invitation, MPs eye return to PAC
Friday 19 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
The Leader of the Opposition has declined to rejoin the Public Accounts Committee while two Opposition MPs have expressed interest in returning to the committee.
Govt, Opposition deadlocked on Public Accounts Committee chair
Thursday 11 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
The Government and Opposition MPs remain at loggerheads on who should be chair of the Public Accounts Committee after they failed to reach an agreement last week.
CIIC defends in-house projects after ‘high’ private sector bids
Tuesday 25 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Local, National, Parliament
Cook Islands government is prioritising keeping project costs affordable and will use the public sector model or engage private sectors selectively to deliver projects within budget.
Cook Islands laws now consolidated and freely accessible online
Tuesday 25 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Court, National, Parliament
The Parliament of the Cook Islands, the Crown Law Office and Aotearoa New Zealand’s LexisNexis have collaborated to make the laws of the Cook Islands consolidated, accessible and clear.
PM pledges return of community policing to tackle ‘rising crime’
Tuesday 25 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Local, National, Parliament
Prime Minister Mark Brown, who is also the Minister for Police, says he will ensure the re-establishment of community police to tackle the rising crime rate in Rarotonga.
Public Accounts Committee to elect chair and deputy ‘following Standing Orders’
Monday 24 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament, Politics
Public Accounts Committee’s newly appointed chair Teokatai Herman confirmed that the committee will be convening soon to elect both the chair and deputy chair, following the proper process outlined in the Standing Orders.
PM Brown: ‘Police portfolio is under my responsibility and I take that very seriously’
Monday 24 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, National, Parliament
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown will retain control of the Police portfolio despite a request from another Minister and will focus on improving police standards and staffing.
Parliament cuts debate time to pass $328 million Budget
Saturday 22 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
Parliament yesterday expedited the process to pass the $328 million 2024/25 Budget after only five half-days of debate on the appropriations.
Minister Angene makes ‘humble request’ for Police portfolio to address youth crime
Friday 21 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, Local, National, Parliament
Minister for Corrective Services George “Maggie” Angene has asked Prime Minister Mark Brown to consider giving him the Minister for Police portfolio.
Pay rise for teachers, Concerns remain about quality and qualifications
Friday 21 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education, National, Parliament
Parliamentarians discussed the Education Ministry’s budget increase, with some welcoming the teacher salary rise but highlighting the need for improved quality and qualified teachers, especially in the outer islands.
Airport upgrades key to unleashing economic potential of Pa Enua: PM
Friday 21 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands, Parliament
Prime Minister Mark Brown emphasises that the Manihiki Airport upgrade is not a political promise or a vote buying attempt but a project designed to improve the lives of people in the Pa Enua (outer islands).
Parliament News
Friday 21 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
Minister for Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) and Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) Albert Nicholas says they are surveying the Rutaki foreshore area.
Inmates enjoying ‘high standard’ of living
Thursday 20 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
Minister for Corrective Services George “Maggie” Angene says the inmate numbers at the Corrective Services in Arorangi have decreased since he took on the minister’s role in 2018.
Former PAC chair calls for scrutiny of both overspending and underspending
Thursday 20 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
Minister for Parliamentary Services, Foreign Affairs and Marine Resources Tingika Elikana says he hopes that the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will ensure that money appropriated by government will be spent accordingly.
Ombudsman awaits police updates on six complaints
Thursday 20 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
Minister for Ombudsman Vaine “Mac” Mokoroa says the Office of the Ombudsman has received eight complaints from the 2017-2024.
