Politics
Water project manager sought
Monday 12 November 2012 | Published in Politics
The Cook Islands’ largest infrastructure project will see new water works started at the beginning of next year.
Party-hopping discussed
Monday 12 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Opposition Leader Wilkie Rasmussen started debate in Parliament last week with greetings to members of the house and public – and ruffled Norman George’s feathers by referring to him as a Cook Islands Party member.
Atiu mayor 'sneaked' back into power
Saturday 10 November 2012 | Published in Politics
During question time in Parliament yesterday, Teenui-Mapumai MP Norman George broached an issue which he also brought up last time Parliament sat in June – about a potential political rival who is the current Atiu mayor.
PM: not a prisoner of the law
Saturday 10 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Parliament convened on Thursday with a minute’s silence for members who had died this year, including Tamarua MP Pukeiti Pukeiti, who passed away earlier this month. A by-election has not yet been called.
Puna in Dubai, Glassie in Seoul, Bishop in Shanghai
Saturday 10 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Cabinet, along with other members of parliament, have been hard at work the last couple of days answering pertinent questions and debating bills during the first sitting of Parliament since June. Parliament has now adjourned for two weeks, allowing three cabinet ministers to jet off overseas.
New employment law ready
Saturday 10 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Groundbreaking changes have been made by government to protect the rights of workers within the Cook Islands.
Energy head to sit on board
Saturday 10 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Power company Te Aponga Uira is the most ruthless business entity operating in this country, said Opposition Leader Wilkie Rasmussen in Parliament yesterday.
TAU charges 'exorbitant'
Saturday 10 November 2012 | Published in Politics
The opposition leader brought up the “exorbitant charges” that Te Aponga Uira charges to connect power to resident’s houses – quoting recent correspondence to the editor of Cook Islands News where a reader complained of having to pay $30,000 for a substation.
5 bills, 16 papers
Saturday 10 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Two bills were tabled in the second day of Parliament – both to do with justice.
New ombudsman sworn in
Saturday 10 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Newly-sworn in ombudsman Tearoa Tini is set to take on his role as chief problem solver.
New woman MP sworn in
Friday 9 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Parliament opened promptly at 1pm yesterday with the swearing in to the House of its newest female member.
TAU bill for good of 'our people'
Friday 9 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Three bills, three audit reports and 13 papers were tabled for discussion in Parliament yesterday.
PM: No public servant interference from top
Friday 9 November 2012 | Published in Politics
The opposition leader brought up an issue close to his heart during question-and-answer time in Parliament yesterday – allegations that public servants are threatened with losing their jobs for speaking out against the government.
Public prompted MMR probe
Thursday 8 November 2012 | Published in Politics
It was the power of the public voice through the media which prompted the government watchdog to investigate the marine resources ministry.
Seabed mining protested in PNG
Thursday 8 November 2012 | Published in Politics
More than 24,000 Papua New Guineans have signed a petition calling for the government to stop the controversial plan to mine the seabed in the Bismarck Sea.
Treasure hunters visiting
Tuesday 6 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Members of the treasure-hunting company which discovered a wreck sunk in World War II carrying around seven million ounces of silver is arriving in Rarotonga today.
PSC hits back at job loss claims
Friday 2 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Public service commissioner Russell Thomas has invited Opposition leader Wilkie Rasmussen to talk over his claims that public servants are being threatened with losing their jobs should they speak out against the government.
PB Matua could 'isolate' northern Cooks
Thursday 1 November 2012 | Published in Politics
A proposed chartered shipping service by a vessel servicing Tokelau could be in doubt as a result of Uma Shipping Cook Islands’ successful licence.
Abolition a 'total lie'
Wednesday 31 October 2012 | Published in Politics
The president of the Cook Islands Party says rumours of the Tamarua seat being abolished are a “total lie” being propagated by the opposition leader Wilkie Rasmussen.