Politics
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.
PM urges Cook Islanders to consider passport proposal despite opposition
Friday 3 January 2025 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Culture, Local, National, Politics
Prime Minister Mark Brown is urging Cook Islanders to ‘not be afraid of the discussions that may need to be had’ regarding the proposal for a Cook Islands passport.
Cook Islands drops bids for United Nations, Commonwealth membership
Tuesday 31 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Politics
Cook Islands will not pursue membership in the United Nations and the Commonwealth due to its inability to meet the criteria for UN membership and existing relationship with New Zealand, which fulfils Commonwealth membership requirements.
Seizure of Cook Islands-registered ship over alleged sabotage ‘creates a bad look’ for NZ
Monday 30 December 2024 | Written by RNZ | Published in National, Politics
A Cook Islands-registered ship being seized by Finnish authorities over a suspected incident of sabotage “creates a bad look” for New Zealand, an international law professor says.
Passport plan ‘not the best of the initiatives by the PM’: Government MP
Monday 30 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Politics
Government MPs remain uncertain about the proposed Cook Islands passport, intended to celebrate national pride and identity, with one MP stating that it is not among the Prime Minister’s best initiatives.
PM clarifies use of NGO logos in seabed mining consultation
Saturday 28 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, Local, National, Politics
Prime Minister Mark Brown has responded to concerns raised by two environmental groups, Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) and Korero o te Orau, regarding the government’s recent seabed mining consultation in New Zealand.
Heather opposes Cook Islands passport plan, warns of risks
Friday 27 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Politics
Cook Islands United Party leader Teariki Heather has opposed the Government’s proposal for a Cook Islands passport, stating that what Prime Minister Mark Brown and his team are pursuing for is not important.
Government focuses on growth and cost of living in 2025
Friday 27 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National, Politics
Prime Minister Mark Brown has outlined the Cook Islands Government’s key priorities for the upcoming year, focusing on continued economic growth, infrastructure development and addressing the cost of living.
Opposition leader slams passport push as ‘reckless’: PM Brown assures ‘We will remain NZ citizens’
Tuesday 24 December 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Local, National, Politics
Prime Minister Mark Brown has assured Cook Islanders that they “will remain New Zealand citizens, and that will not change” as he continues to advocate for a Cook Islands passport as a “symbolic representation of national pride and identity”.
Cook Islands and China discuss enhanced cooperation
Monday 23 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in National, Politics
A delegation from the People’s Republic of China visited Rarotonga last week with the aim of strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing the various areas of cooperation between the Cook Islands and China.
New Zealand rejects Cook Islands passport plan
Monday 23 December 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Local, National, Politics
Government’s proposal for a Cook Islands passport as a “national identity” to mark the country’s 60th anniversary in 2025 has been rejected by New Zealand.
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.
Diplomatic envoys from Canada and Papua New Guinea to visit Cook Islands
Tuesday 26 November 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in National, Politics
High Commissioners from Canada and Papua New Guinea will visit Rarotonga this week to present their Letters of Introduction to Prime Minister Mark Brown during a ceremony facilitated by Te Kauono Tutara e te Mana Tiaki – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI).
Pacific leaders meet in Rarotonga to discuss higher education
Tuesday 26 November 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, National, Politics, Regional
The 98th Meeting of the University of the South Pacific (USP) Council commenced yesterday at The Edgewater Resort and Spa, attracting Ministers and education leaders from across the Pacific to discuss the future of tertiary education in the region.
Opposition hopes for stability
Friday 8 November 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Politics
Opposition Leader Tina Browne has congratulated newly elected United States President Donald Trump encouraging the incoming US administration to strengthen Joe Biden’s Blue Pacific Strategy.
Browne questions government’s response to increasing insecurity
Thursday 17 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, National, Politics
The Leader of the Opposition has questioned the government’s role in addressing the growing insecurity in the country due to increasing crime rate, while also calling for a review of the legislation that governs the treatment of minors.
Minister Mokoroa defends Brisbane trip, emphasises youth commitment
Monday 7 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Politics
Minister Vaine “Mac” Mokoroa has defended his recent trip to Brisbane, Australia, to attend a church youth conference, emphasising the government’s commitment to Cook Islands youth.
New Zealand provides over $2 million in salary support to Cook Islands
Monday 16 September 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in BREAKING NEWS, National, Politics
New Zealand has provided over $2 million in salary support to the Cook Islands since 2020, funding various positions in government agencies and supporting initiatives in health, education, tourism, climate change and public sector strengthening.
Select committee to table interim report on Constitutional Amendment Bills
Monday 16 September 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament, Politics
The Constitutional Review Special Select Committee will table its Interim Report on its consultation work on the three Constitutional Amendment Bills already completed in Rarotonga (Te-Au-O-Tonga, Puaikura and Takitumu), Aitutaki, Mangaia and Nga-Pu-Toru.
