Politics
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.
PM abandoning ship, say Demos
Thursday 18 June 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Politics
Opposition leader Tina Browne says she’s extremely disappointed the Prime Minister has decided to step down in the country’s time of need.
PM to step down
Wednesday 17 June 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Politics
A succession process for transition to new leadership is underway, after Prime Minister Henry Puna announces he’s standing down.
Island elections delay leaves councils in limbo
Friday 12 June 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Politics
Pa Enua residents are hoping for a new election date to be set, after their island council elections were delayed by Covid-19 and legal challenges.
Raised voices in protest at helmet rally
Saturday 6 June 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Politics
Motorbike helmets rallies will head to Parliament this month, protest organisers say.
Up for the challenge
Wednesday 3 June 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Politics
New Zealand Labour Party candidate Nerissa Henry is a proud Cook Islander who is contesting a seat that is usually predominately held by the Opposition National Party.
PM decides 'sacred right'
Saturday 2 May 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
The power to allow Cook Islanders and permanent residents to return home lies in the hands of Prime Minister Henry Puna.
Parliament sits to pass Covid law
Wednesday 29 April 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Parliament has announced a special sitting tomorrow afternoon, to pass changes to the Covid-19 emergency powers.
Politicians under pressure to sacrifice pay
Saturday 18 April 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Government leaders dismiss pressure for ministerial pay-cuts as political posturing, but say they’ll consider it anyway.
Demos leader makes 'conscience' decision to take 15% pay cut
Saturday 18 April 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Opposition leader Tina Browne says she will take a 15 per cent pay cut over the next six months in response to the Covid-19 financial crisis.
Demos leader makes 'conscience' decision to take 15 per cent pay cut
Saturday 18 April 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Opposition leader Tina Browne says she will take a 15 per cent pay cut over the next six months in response to the Covid-19 financial crisis.
PM's new advice to stranded CIs in NZ: Stay put for four weeks
Sunday 29 March 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Politics
Plans to isolate stranded Cook Islanders in a hotel near Auckland International Airport have been abandoned for now.
Diplomats warn Cook Islanders in NZ against travelling to quarantine hotel
Sunday 29 March 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Politics
Cook Islands High Commission has sent an urgent email to Cook Islanders in New Zealand, warning them to "shelter in place" and not make their own way to the country's quarantine centre near Auckland International Airport.
MP returns after three weeks injured in hospital
Friday 27 March 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
MP Albert Nicholas spent about three weeks at Rarotonga hospital after sustaining injuries in last month’s serious accident in Nikao.
Parliament to address urgent Covid-19 measures
Wednesday 25 March 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Politics
The 49th Cook Islands Parliamentary sitting, the first for 2020 will commence today, Wednesday March 25 starting at 1pm.
'I could have caused headaches for the PM'
Thursday 19 March 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Sacked minister acknowledges ‘wheeling and dealing’ with government to fix flood problems that were inundating his home and his neighbours.
Demos pay letter writer
Wednesday 11 March 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Politics
A prolific critic of Government in letters to the country’s newspapers has confirmed he is paid by the Democratic Party to write the letters.