Politics
Trade deal approval on hold
Wednesday 31 October 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
The Cook Islands has decided to put its ratification of the regional trade deal known as PACER (Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations) Plus on hold.
Water project is 'still affordable'
Tuesday 30 October 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Despite a $75 million bill that the government is paying for the Te Mato Vai project, financial secretary Garth Henderson says it is still “affordable”.
Parliament of little interest to most Cook Islands youth
Tuesday 30 October 2018 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Politics
The problem of engaging with youth to encourage them to take more of an interest in Parliament was addressed at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) conference last week.
TMV cost pushed 'incorrectly'
Tuesday 30 October 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
The government’s ambitious Te Mato Vai (TMV) project was never a $60 million scheme, says financial secretary Garth Henderson.
Report backs TMV quality concerns
Saturday 27 October 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Financial secretary Garth Henderson has confirmed there are ongoing issues concerning the Te Mato Vai (TMV) stage one project, built by a Chinese contractor.
It's official - QR to be knighted by Queen
Thursday 25 October 2018 | Published in Politics
It’s been possibly one of the worst-kept secrets on Rarotonga, but now it’s official: Queen’s Representative Tom Marsters is about to become a Knight of the British Empire.
Need for gender equality stressed
Tuesday 23 October 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Speaker of the Parliament Nikki Rattle reiterated her desire to increase the number of women in the local Parliament, at the opening of the 37th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Australia and Pacific Regional Conference 2018 yesterday.
$76m green windfall for Cooks
Tuesday 23 October 2018 | Written by Jaimie Keay | Published in Politics
The Cook Islands can now access climate related finance of up to about $76.3 million (US$50 million) per project directly from the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
PM, Maggie in Perth
Monday 22 October 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Cultural Development minister George Maggie is part of a Cook Islands delegation visiting Perth, Australia, for the 10th Te Maeva Nui celebration this weekend.
MP 'honours list' proposed
Monday 22 October 2018 | Published in Politics
The new Association of Retired MPs (RMP) wants to establish an honour’s list of all past members from the former Executive Council, the Legislative Assembly and parliament.
Ex-MPs unhappy with treatment
Monday 22 October 2018 | Published in Politics
The new Association of Retired MPs (RMP) is unhappy at the way in which former MPs and a former Queen’s Representative were treated at the opening of parliament at the National Auditorium last month.
Parents must apply to get child benefit
Friday 19 October 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
The parents of children who qualify for the increase in the age of child-benefit scheme will need to apply in order to benefit from the initiative.
Cooks host parliamentary conference
Thursday 18 October 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Cook Islands will host the 37th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Australia and Pacific Regional Conference 2018, starting on Monday next week.
Glassie warns of looming crisis
Wednesday 17 October 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
A former government minister is warning the Cook Islands faces a similar situation to the 1996 economic crisis that almost left the country bankrupt.
Puna issues challenge at law officers' meeting
Thursday 11 October 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Prime minister Henry Puna has challenged participants in the 37th Annual Pacific Islands Law Officers’ Network (PILON) meeting to consider how the Pacific countries might address their survival of the effects of climate change at an international judicial level.
PSC silent on Ponia issue
Thursday 11 October 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
The Public Service Commission (PSC) remains tight-lipped about the outcome of an investigation into senior public service staff Ben Ponia, who was appointed Chief of Staff at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) last week.
PM's $20,700 jet flight
Wednesday 10 October 2018 | Published in Politics
Prime minister Henry Puna and a government delegation took a $20,700 flight to Manihiki yesterday morning to attend the official opening of the island’s new airport terminal.
Elikana heads new public accounts body
Wednesday 10 October 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Government MP Tingika Elikana will chair the new Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that was established by Parliament late last month.
Ponia optimistic over Cooks' future
Tuesday 9 October 2018 | Published in Politics
The Public Service Commissioner is pleased to announce the appointment of Ben Ponia as the new Chief of Staff of the Office of the Prime Minister.
SG praises conference on political parties
Tuesday 9 October 2018 | Written by Richard Moore | Published in Politics
The Cook Islands Solicitor-General, David James, has praised the recent conference on Legal and Regulatory Frameworks for Political Parties in Vanuatu as a “particularly stimulating and productive conference”.