Parliament
Proposed vaping ban: $1 million fine for businesses breaching ban
Friday 3 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National, Parliament
A proposed ban on all imitation tobacco products, including vape/e-cigarettes, is included in the Tobacco Products Control Amendment Bill 2024 which will be tabled in Parliament this month.
Parliament urged to focus on results, not just sitting time
Saturday 27 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Parliament
The difficulty of drafting a Private Members’ Bill, which can be introduced to Parliament by any member who is not a Minister, has been discussed in Parliament House.
Crypto Bill threatens anti-money laundering efforts: Ora Partners
Friday 26 April 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National, Parliament, Technology
While serious concerns over the integrity of the Tainted Cryptocurrency Recovery Bill 2023 remain, “witnessing the wheels of our democracy at play during the select committee hearing was an awe-inspiring experience”, says Puai Wichman.
Constitution Amendment Bill public consultations planned for Pa Enua
Monday 22 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
The Parliamentary Select Committee handling the three Constitution Amendment Bills is planning to conduct public consultations for Ngaputoru- Mitiaro, Atiu and Mauke.
Local MPs discuss challenges with NZ Speaker Parliamentary delegation
Friday 19 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, New Zealand, Parliament, Regional
Cook Islands parliamentarians engaged in open discussions with Aotearoa New Zealand’s Speaker of the House of Representatives Gerry Brownlee and his delegation at Parliament House yesterday morning.
New Zealand Parliament Speaker visits Rarotonga
Thursday 18 April 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in National, Parliament
Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives, Gerry Brownlee is visiting Cook Islands this week.
Chamber calls out ‘favouritism’ in Cryptocurrency Recovery Bill
Thursday 18 April 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in National, Parliament, Politics
Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce is concerned the Tainted Cryptocurrency Recovery Bill gives preferential treatment to a USA company Drumcliffe to do business in the Cook Islands.
‘I was not consulted’: Minister blindsided by crypto bill drafted by private firm
Tuesday 16 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Parliament, Technology
The Cabinet Minister, who tabled the controversial Tainted Cryptocurrency Recovery Bill 2023 in Parliament last year, says he wasn’t consulted on the legislation drafted by a US-based private firm.
Parliament upskills government agencies on Cabinet submissions
Thursday 28 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
Cook Islands Parliament hosted a one-day training for government agencies boosting their knowledge on how they can produce high-quality Cabinet submissions.
Minister Elikana meets NZ Deputy Prime Minister
Friday 22 March 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in National, Parliament, Politics
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Tingika Elikana paid a courtesy call on New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters in Wellington yesterday.
May deadline for Bill to regulate smoking, vaping
Thursday 21 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National, Parliament
A new Public Health Bill granting Te Marae Ora (TMO) Ministry of Health the power to regulate smoking and vaping in the Cook Islands will be presented to Parliament in May.
Public Accounts Committee members in Wellington for study visit
Tuesday 19 March 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in National, Parliament, Politics
Cook Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand Kairangi Samuela welcomed the Cook Islands Public Accounts Committee delegation upon their arrival to Te Whanganui a Tara, Wellington over the weekend.
Cook Islands to seek rebate on New Zealand tyre levy
Monday 18 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Parliament
The Cook Islands government will approach New Zealand regarding a newly imposed tyre levy, seeking an exemption or rebate similar to VAT exemption on exports.
The monumental task of fixing our land laws
Sunday 17 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Court, Features, Local, National, Parliament, Weekend
The Cook Islands Ministry of Justice is reforming land laws to deal with issues like absentee landowners and fragmented ownership, but the proposals are facing criticism for not being clear and for not respecting traditional customs.
Public up in arms over proposed expansion of Cabinet, proxy voting
Thursday 14 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Parliament
Parliament is holding public meetings to discuss proposed amendments to the Constitution, with Rarotonga residents strongly opposing an increase in Cabinet Ministers and a measure allowing MPs to vote by proxy.
Immigration officers shouldn’t advice on employment contracts, says Elikana
Friday 1 March 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in National, Parliament
It is not the place of immigration officers to advise an employment relationship, Immigration Minister Tingika Elikana told Parliament yesterday.
Parliament approves budget increase, leaders clash over economic outlook
Friday 1 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
The Appropriation Amendment Bill 2024 (Supplementary Budget), seeking a top-up of $16.5 million to the 2023/24 budget, was passed in Parliament yesterday.
Nobody is interested: Opposition leader says no one wants $1.7m electric vehicles
Thursday 29 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
No one is interested in purchasing the $1.7 million fleet of electric vehicles bought by the Government last year, the Opposition Leader told Parliament yesterday.
New Deputy Speaker and Leader of the House set to be elected
Wednesday 28 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
Parliament resumes today with the election of the Deputy Speaker at 1pm and the Public Accounts Committee report on the Appropriation Amendment Bill 2024 (Supplementary Budget).
Parliament appoints ‘expert’ sub-committee to review Land Bills
Friday 23 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
A sub-committee of lawyers with expertise in Cook Islands land matters has been formed for the first time to review key Land Bills for lawmakers.
