Politics
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Cook Islands Government has withdrawn the Tainted Cryptocurrency Recovery Bill 2023 following widespread criticism and a recommendation from the special select committee to remove the controversial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.
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.
Ngatangiia MP aims to revitalise Muri with police and public toilet
Thursday 12 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Politics
Plans are in place for Ngatangiia and Muri to revive their police post and build public toilets, but both projects depend on funding, according to their Member of Parliament, Tukaka Ama.
PM addresses water issues in Constitution Day speech
Tuesday 6 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Local, National, Politics
Cook Islands celebrated its 59th Constitution Day on Sunday, marked by remarkable milestones highlighting the country’s successful self-governance journey, while the Prime Minister addressed the current water tariff issue amidst global and regional turmoil.
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.
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.
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.
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.
