Politics
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.
Constitution overhaul aims for smoother government operation
Friday 5 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament, Politics
Cook Islands Prime Minister has defended proposed constitutional amendments to increase ministerial numbers, enable proxy voting, and expedite post-election parliament, emphasising improved government efficiency.
‘No guts’: Senior lawyer slams proposed cannabis legislation
Tuesday 12 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Health, National, Politics
A senior lawyer has lambasted proposed legislation supporting availability of cannabis in the Cook Islands, saying it has ‘no guts’.
Cooks warms to cannabis debate
Monday 11 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Health, Local, National, Politics
‘Hemp could have a commercial benefit for Cook Islands’
Opposition Leader’s $30,000 New York ‘lunch’ draws flak
Friday 3 November 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in National, Politics
The Leader of the Opposition has copped criticism for spending over $30,000 on a New York trip to celebrate the anniversary of a non-profit foundation that operates as a global network of female political leaders at the national level.
Pardon for Papa Arapati long overdue: PM Brown
Thursday 2 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Politics
Cook Islands ‘godfather of modern politics’ and first premier, the late Albert Royle Henry or better known as Papa Arapati, has been given a formal pardon by the King’s Representative (KR) Sir Tom Marsters.
