Politics
New Mitiaro mayor is to audit island operations
Friday 31 July 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Politics
Mitiaro and Atiu both elect new mayors in the outer islands.
Aitutaki: 'The people are the final court'
Friday 31 July 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Aitutaki mayor Tekura Po’o Bishop is ready to lead the island again after retaining the seat in the Islands Government elections on Wednesday.
Opposition rejects new water bill
Wednesday 29 July 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Politics
Democratic Party says they will not support the passage of the new water authority Bill through Parliament if it remains in its current form.
Islands go to the polls
Wednesday 29 July 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Politics
Polling stations in the Pa Enua open from 9am this morning to 6pm, for the voting of 56 councillors and nine mayors in the Island government elections today.
Details of Pacific's first air-bridge delayed again
Sunday 26 July 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Politics
The Cook Islands and New Zealand governments have again delayed announcing details of an air-bridge between the two countries.
Travel ban on election agenda
Monday 13 July 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Politics
There were unspoken concerns that New Zealand’s blockade of Cooks tourism was being driving by election campaign politics; now there’s no doubt about it.
Debate about who should lead fresh water consultation
Friday 10 July 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
The local anti-chlorine group has raised concerns about the appointment of Mark Brown to chair the select committee scrutinising the new water authority law.
Chair quits in clash
Thursday 9 July 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Minister George Maggie faces criticism from resigned public sector chair for ‘undermining board’.
Business woman challenges for mayor
Saturday 4 July 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Politics
Ngapare Tatira wants to encourage gender balance if she topples Tekura Po‘o Bishop as mayor of Aitutaki.
Reporting accurate, headline unfair – Speaker
Thursday 2 July 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Politics
Parliament’s Speaker Niki Rattle has ruled against banning Cook Islands News’ political editor Rashneel Kumar from reporting on Parliament.
Decision today on banning journalist
Wednesday 1 July 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Politics
Parliament’s Speaker Niki Rattle will announce today whether she will bar the Cook Islands News political editor from Parliament.
Delay on news reporter ruling
Saturday 27 June 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Politics
Speaker of the House Niki Rattle will determine next week whether a Cook Islands News article was incorrect and unfair and if the newspaper’s political editor will be barred from Parliament.
Cooks MPs 'shooting the messenger' – Pacific media groups
Friday 26 June 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Politics
Pacific media freedom groups have appealed to Cook Islands Parliament to step back from its attempt to ban a Cook Islands News journalist.
Speaker to decide this week on journalist ban
Thursday 25 June 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Politics
Parliament’s Speaker is to decide this week whether a Cook Islands News article was incorrect and unfair and if the newspaper’s political journalist will be barred from Parliament.
Land cruisers to 'show power, status': MP Napa
Wednesday 24 June 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Politics
Titikaveka MP Selina Napa raised the issue of the excessive number of government land cruiser vehicles on the roads and likened this to “showcasing power and status”.
Uncertainty over water petition
Wednesday 24 June 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Politics
Te Vai Ora Maori members are hopeful their petition will be referred to a select committee despite majority voting against it in Parliament.
MPs move to ban journalist for travel perks reports
Tuesday 23 June 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Politics
MPs have objected to what they say was incorrect reporting about MPs’ allowances, and asked the Speaker to require a Cook Islands News journalist’s withdrawal from Parliament.
Speaker: MPs working together in the future
Tuesday 23 June 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Politics
Parliaments around the Pacific are part of a new webinar series that gives opportunities for constitutional leaders to promote innovations and responses during the Covid-19 crisis.
Payment of MPs' allowance: You be the judge
Tuesday 23 June 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Politics
Parliament last night passed a motion criticising Cook Islands News’ report, “MPs seek allowance top-ups in downturn”. So are they right to be unhappy about the news report – or are they shooting the messenger?
MPs seek allowance top-ups in downturn
Friday 19 June 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Public dismay at politicians’ push for cash travel entitlements for their partners – at a time others are tightening their belts.
