Politics
Minister Arioka 'well suited' for BTIB portfolio, says PM
Monday 12 October 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
The Opposition has cautioned the government against spending money on establishing Punanga Nui Market as a separate Crown agency through legislation.
PM Brown to divest key portfolios in 2021
Friday 9 October 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
The Prime Minister confirmed other Cabinet ministers are keen to take on more responsibilities.
PM takes on 17 portfolios
Thursday 8 October 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Politics
The makeup of Prime Minister Mark Brown’s Cabinet since taking office last week has been revealed.
'Democracy must be served'
Wednesday 7 October 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Politics
Local water lobby group Te Vai Ora Maori is calling for the resignation of the Speaker of the House Niki Rattle.
'Separation of powers'
Monday 5 October 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Politics
Speaker Niki Rattle reiterated that Parliament cannot tell government to stop whatever they are doing due to its separation of powers.
'Horse trading' in power transition
Saturday 3 October 2020 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Politics
The Opposition made attempts to bolster their numbers in the House in the lead-up to the swearing-in of Mark Brown as the new Prime Minister.
Parliament drama 'totally unnecessary'
Friday 2 October 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
A former Clerk of Parliament says the confidence motion in the new prime minister tabled by former PM Henry Puna “was not required”.
'The journey has been worth it'
Thursday 1 October 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Politics
Henry Puna stepped down from Prime Minister’s role with message of togetherness.
Man of the moment
Thursday 1 October 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Politics
During these tough times, a nation needs strong leadership - Mark Brown and his new Cabinet members have stepped up to take on the challenge.
Two key bills deferred
Tuesday 29 September 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Politics
Select committee reports on two key bills deferred for three months, while Immigration Bill select committee goes behind closed doors to flesh out their report.
'Frustrating the democratic process'
Saturday 26 September 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Politics
A local lobby group hope that the Speaker of the House will have a change of heart and refer their petition to a select committee.
Governing party to vote for Mark Brown as new leader
Friday 25 September 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Politics
Cook Islands Party deny any unrest among its members ahead of next week’s leadership election.
Bills take a back seat to Covid concerns
Thursday 24 September 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Politics
The select committee’s interim report of the Agriculture Bill was tabled at Parliament’s sitting but committee chairman Patrick Arioka asked for a three-month extension, while Parliament adjourns until Monday.
'Our people are fine'
Thursday 24 September 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Politics
Excitement is at fever pitch for this year’s Cook Islands Games with MPs even chipping in to declare their undying dedication to their respective islands.
Major bills in spotlight in Parliament
Wednesday 23 September 2020 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Politics
Upcoming session of Parliament is a test of democracy, observers say.
Demos appoint new CEO, Sec-Gen Drollet resigns
Monday 21 September 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Democratic Party leader Tina Browne called Eddie Drollet’s resignation from executive secretary general role “unexpected and unexplained”.
Opposition select committee MPs to hold their own public meetings
Thursday 17 September 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Government says select committee members cannot run their own meetings separate of other members.
Bills top agenda in Parliament
Thursday 17 September 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Politics
Acting Clerk of Parliament Jeannine Daniel has confirmed Parliament will sit on Wednesday next week.
Putting their differences aside
Wednesday 16 September 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Politics
Former clerk of parliament and Speaker of the House have agreed to move forward and put the past behind them.
Transition talks with constituencies
Tuesday 15 September 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Politics
Prime Minister Henry Puna is set to hand over the reins of the country’s leadership to Deputy Prime Minister Mark Brown at the end of this month.