Politics
Battle over consulate future
Wednesday 15 May 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
The Opposition Democratic Party has questioned the government’s motive behind plans to shift the Cook Islands Consulate Office in New Zealand to become a division of the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).
Brown in Fiji, Puna off to NZ
Monday 6 May 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Deputy prime minister Mark Brown is still in Fiji and will this week attend the Pacific Islands Forum Economic Ministers Meeting. The three-day meeting starts today.
Demos ask govt to increase days in Parliament
Friday 3 May 2019 | Published in Politics
As the government is poised to give MPs a reported 45 per cent pay hike, the prime minister has been challenged to change the Constitution and implement a 45 per cent increase to the number of days parliament is legally required to sit.
$2m to fund political pay rises
Friday 26 April 2019 | Published in Politics
The Opposition Democratic Party is expecting across the board remuneration increase for all MPs to be as high as 45 per cent, which would effectively cost the country’s taxpayers in excess of an additional $2 million.
Speed of MP pay debate 'wrong'
Friday 26 April 2019 | Published in Politics
The speed at which government is trying to implement a pay increase for all MPs, without any debate in Parliament and input from the Opposition is completely unprincipled, says Democratic Party Opposition leader Tina Browne.
Public vent at MP pay push
Friday 26 April 2019 | Written by Richard Moore | Published in Politics
Cook Islanders are having their say on a proposed pay increase for Members of Parliament and it will not be pretty reading for politicians.
PM 'entitled' to first-class travel
Friday 26 April 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
The prime minister of the Cook Islands is entitled to first-class travel when traveling outside of the Cook Islands on official business.
Brown attending Beijing forum
Wednesday 24 April 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Deputy prime minister Mark Brown is in China attending the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation to be held this week in Beijing.
MPs get extra 180k for travel
Tuesday 23 April 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Government’s allocation of $180,000 for Members of Parliament (MPs) travel in the Appropriation Amendment Bill copped criticism in Parliament recently.
Tribunal to examine MPs' pay
Saturday 20 April 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Deputy prime minister Mark Brown says increase in the remuneration of Members of Parliament has not been passed yet contrary to claims that it has been approved.
PM Puna warns on opponents' overseas comments
Thursday 18 April 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Prime minister Henry Puna has warned the Opposition against carrying and promoting their own agenda while representing the country at international meetings.
Brown rejects more cash for Ag
Thursday 18 April 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Suggestions for millions more dollars to be put into the agriculture appropriation in the Budget is a wrong call, says finance minister Mark Brown.
Committee MPs chosen
Wednesday 17 April 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Parliament last week endorsed new members for various committees looking into the Bills, Standing Orders and the public accounts.
Better support for processing country's Budget
Friday 12 April 2019 | Published in Politics
An important component of the 2019/20 Cook Islands Government Budget process has been the establishment of the Budget Support Group (BSG) which commenced its role in February.
MPs deserve more pay, says Brown
Friday 12 April 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Deputy prime minister Mark Brown says he believes the remuneration of the Members of Parliaments (MPs) needs to be upgraded.
Parliament in Briefs
Wednesday 10 April 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Govt retains Bluesky share
Surplus for resilience: Brown
Wednesday 10 April 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Finance minister Mark Brown says the surplus government is making on a quarterly and annual basis is used for strengthening the financial resilience of the country.
$5.3m top up to Budget
Wednesday 10 April 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
The government is proposing topping up the current 2018/19 Budget by $5.3 million in an Appropriation Amendment Bill that was tabled by finance minister Mark Brown in Parliament on Monday.
'Inspired' Nicholas returns
Tuesday 9 April 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
With a reignited desire to help his community and people, Albert Nicholas took the oath of allegiance in Parliament yesterday, pledging to bring more good changes in his second term as Avatiu-Ruatonga-Palmerston MP.
Tura appointed deputy Speaker
Tuesday 9 April 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Tai Tura, Member of Parliament for Mauke, has been appointed the new deputy Speaker of Parliament.
