Politics
Tapaitau tops preliminary count
Wednesday 13 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Outer Islands, Politics
The preliminary results of the Penrhyn by-election held yesterday shows a close race between Sarakura Tapaitau, wife of the former MP, and Cook Islands Party candidate Vaine Wichman.
Penrhyn ‘ready to vote’
Tuesday 12 March 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Politics
Voters in the Cook Islands’ northern group island of Penrhyn head to the polls today for a by-election.
Opposition leader calls for review of treaty obligations after immigration ruling
Tuesday 12 March 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Politics
The Leader of the Opposition is calling on Government to review and reconsider its approach to treaty obligations and the legislative process, to ensure that future legislation fully complies with the constitutional requirements and principles of separation of powers.
Four-way battle for Penrhyn seat
Saturday 24 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Politics
Four candidates, including the wife of the former MP and deputy prime minister, will contest the 2024 Penrhyn by-election to be held next month.
Cooks women MPs at Power Forum
Thursday 22 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Parliament, Politics
Cook Islands women parliamentarians are in New Zealand attending a Pacific Women in Power Forum that began this week.
Cook Islands Party picks Wichman for Penrhyn by-election
Monday 19 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in National, Politics
Development economist Vaine Iriano Wichman is the Cook Islands Party candidate for the Penrhyn (Tongareva) by-election to be held next month.
Government seeks $16.5m in Supplementary Budget
Monday 19 February 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in National, Parliament, Politics
The Government seeks an additional $16.5 million through a Supplementary Budget to be tabled in today’s first Parliament sitting of the year.
Nicholas ‘honoured’ to be appointed Deputy Prime Minister
Saturday 17 February 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in National, Politics
Prime Minister Mark Brown yesterday appointed Albert Nicholas as the country’s Deputy Prime Minister (DPM), breaking a longstanding leadership convention. Rashneel Kumar reports.
Albert Nicholas appointed Deputy Prime Minister
Friday 16 February 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in BREAKING NEWS, National, Politics
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has confirmed the appointment of Albert Nicholas as the country’s Deputy Prime Minister (DPM).
Foreign Affairs Minister Elikana co-chairs Pacific-Japan ministerial meet
Tuesday 13 February 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in National, Politics
The newly-appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Tingika Elikana co-chaired the 5th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) Ministerial Interim Meeting in Suva on Sunday with Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa.
‘Stick to politics’: Te Ipukarea Society slams Peters’ deep sea mining comments
Tuesday 13 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Environment, National, Politics
Cook Islands environmental organisation Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has slammed comments made by New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters about deep sea mining.
Penrhyn ‘one of our safe seats’: PM Brown
Monday 12 February 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in National, Outer Islands, Politics
Prime Minister Mark Brown, leader of the Cook Islands Party (CIP), expressed confidence in retaining the Penrhyn seat during the March 12 by-election.
The race for Deputy PM: ‘The needs of the country must come first’
Monday 12 February 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in National, Politics
The Cook Islands Prime Minster hasn’t decided on a new Deputy PM, but is considering both Rarotonga and Pa Enua candidates, prioritising national needs over tradition.
New Minister ‘hits the ground running’
Friday 9 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in National, Politics
The newly-appointed Cabinet Minister Tingika Elikana hit the ground running, travelling to Fiji yesterday afternoon, hours after he was sworn in at the Office of the Prime Minister in front of the King's Representative, other Cabinet Ministers, and families. Candice Luke reports.
Elikana sworn in as new Cabinet Minister
Thursday 8 February 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Politics
Pukapuka-Nassau MP Tingika Elikana is the new Minister for Foreign Affairs, Marine Resources and Parliamentary Services.
Penrhyn by-election date confirmed
Wednesday 7 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Outer Islands, Parliament, Politics
Cook Islands United Party will not nominate a candidate for the Penrhyn By-election.
No person is above the law: Brown
Saturday 3 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Economy, Local, National, Politics
Prime Minister Mark Brown confirmed Tongareva seat is vacant after former deputy prime minister Robert Tapaitau’s conviction, triggering a by-election within 60 days.
Tapaitau remains in office, awaiting removal process
Friday 2 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Economy, National, Parliament, Politics
Cook Islands Deputy Prime Minister remains in office despite conviction while awaiting formal removal process and potential appeal.
No charges against Ex-NZ MP: Daughter speaks following explosive family feud on Aitutaki
Wednesday 10 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Politics
Cook Islands Police will not pursue charges against former New Zealand National Party government minister who was alleged to have assaulted his sister at their mother’s funeral in Aitutaki. Candice Luke reports.
Family feud explodes at mother’s funeral in Aitutaki
Tuesday 9 January 2024 | Written by RNZ | Published in Local, National, New Zealand, Outer Islands, Politics, Regional
A former New Zealand National Party government minister has been interviewed by Cook Islands Police after a family feud turned violent as the coffin of his late mother was being carried into her Aitutaki home last week.
