Parliament
PM Brown expresses optimism for Cook Islands’ 2032 FestPAC bid
Wednesday 19 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Culture, Entertainment, National, Parliament
Cook Islands government is keeping its fingers crossed as it awaits the decision of the Pacific Arts Council regarding the host of the 2032 Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture.
Demos have ‘no desire’ to rejoin Government-dominated Public Accounts Committee, says Browne
Wednesday 19 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament, Politics
Opposition leader Tina Browne says the Democratic Party MPs have no desire to re-join the ‘Cook Islands Party/Coalition Public Accounts Committee’ after resigning last month over difference of opinion.
‘Focus on policing’: MFEM to take over Cook Islands Police finances
Wednesday 19 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
Prime Minister Mark Brown says police will now focus on policing matters while the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) manages their finances to improve budget management and staff retention.
PAC recommends passing Budget, Opposition cites procedural issues
Tuesday 18 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
The Government MPs-led Public Accounts Committee’s only recommendation is that the 2024-2025 Appropriation Bill (Budget) be passed in Parliament, says its new chair.
Budget takes centre stage
Monday 17 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
This week’s Parliament Sitting, which begins today and is expected to run for five days, will focus on the 2024-2025 National Budget.
Opposition discusses returning to PAC, but concerns remain
Saturday 15 June 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in National, Parliament, Politics
The Democratic Party MPs will be meeting today to discuss the possibility of rejoining the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) after resigning last month over the appointment of the new chair.
Opposition MPs walk out of PAC over chair appointment
Friday 31 May 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Features, National, Parliament, Politics
The three Opposition Members of Parliament have quit the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) over the appointment of the new chair, leaving four Government MPs reviewing the Appropriation Bill 2024-25.
Government and Opposition leader clash over motives behind CIIC Bill
Thursday 23 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Parliament
Parliament passed a bill to amend the qualifications for appointing directors to the Cook Islands Investment Corporation, with disagreements between the government and opposition on whether the amendment was designed for a specific person.
Cook Islands open to airlines, eyes North American expansion
Monday 20 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Economy, National, Parliament, Tourism
Cook Islands welcomes any airline interested in flying to the country, especially those that can expand the country’s reach to North America and Europe, says Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Bill to safeguard Manatua Cable passed with fines up to $250,000
Monday 20 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament, Politics
A monetary fine will be imposed on anyone who breaches the Manatua Cable Protection Bill 2024.
Parliament clerk Vainerere explains bill process
Monday 20 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament, Politics
Clerk of Parliament Tangata Vainerere says there is a process for each bill that goes through Parliament before it becomes law.
Cook Islands passes Health Bill to improve health outcomes
Saturday 18 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National, Parliament
The Cook Islands Public Health Bill 2024 that aims to protect and promote the health of all people of the Cook Islands by reducing the incidence of disease and ill-health was passed on Thursday.
Parliament fixes ‘oversight’ on preferential residency for Kiwis
Friday 17 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, New Zealand, Parliament, Regional
Parliament has passed a bill to amend the Immigration Act in order to comply with a court ruling that found a residency regulation giving preferential treatment to New Zealand citizens to be invalid.
Cook Islands bans vapes, raises smoking age to 21
Friday 17 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National, Parliament
Cook Islands Parliament passed a bill banning imitation tobacco products like e-cigarettes and raising the smoking age to 21.
‘I vow to be a fierce advocate for our needs’: MP Tapaitau
Thursday 16 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Parliament, Politics
Independent candidate Sarakura Tapaitau was sworn in as the new MP for Penrhyn/Tongareva and has pledged to represent the people’s interests.
Parliament briefs
Thursday 16 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
Six Bills were presented and tabled during yesterday’s Parliament sitting.
‘Budget prioritises vulnerable’
Thursday 16 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
In supporting the most vulnerable, the Government has allocated funds for caregivers, patient referrals, increasing the minimum wage, and supporting non-government organisations (NGOs) for the next financial year.
Government aims to stimulate economy through infrastructure spending
Thursday 16 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
Government’s focus on infrastructure investment to deliver key projects such as roads, Manihiki Airport upgrades, and Aitutaki’s water project has been proposed in the 2024/2025 Budget. Yesterday, Prime Minister Mark Brown, who is also the Minister for Finance, tabled the Appropriation Bill 2024 in Parliament where Government has proposed $328million for the 2024-2025 Budget. In […]
Govt set to amend immigration law following High Court ruling
Tuesday 14 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Parliament
Parliament will meet for its second session for the year tomorrow at 1pm, with a number of Bills on the agenda for presentation, including the 2024/25 Budget.
Proposed law on tainted cryptocurrency ‘terrible’ for human rights, says expert
Monday 6 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National, Parliament, Technology
A Cook Islands cryptocurrency expert is critical of a proposed law targeting tainted cryptocurrency, arguing it undermines human rights and doesn’t address the real channels of money laundering.
