Politics
Turnout not an issue: Beer
Friday 20 April 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
A poor turnout at the Democratic Party public meeting for the upcoming General Elections does not indicate a lack of support for the party, says Murienua MP James Beer.
CIP focus on infrastructure
Thursday 19 April 2018 | Published in Politics
The Cook Islands Party (CIP) plans to continue focusing on infrastructure heading into the June 14 election.
Early reform questions still valid
Wednesday 18 April 2018 | Published in Politics
In 2004, the Group for Political Change put the following question to our political leaders:
Demos release policy document
Wednesday 18 April 2018 | Published in Politics
A $10 minimum wage, home ownership schemes, a halt to Chinese borrowing, income tax exemptions for local growers and farmers, a better shipping service, reduced reliance on foreign workers, a government minister code of conduct and the establishment of an Independent Commission Against Corruption.
Reform issues still alive
Wednesday 18 April 2018 | Published in Politics
Lynnsay Rongokea has plenty of experience with political reform in the Cook Islands.
Demos 'ignorant' says Brown
Wednesday 18 April 2018 | Published in Politics
Finance minister Mark Brown says criticism of the setting of the June 14 election date by parliamentary leader for the Democratic Party, William “Smiley” Heather shows the opposition’s “total ignorance and lack of understanding” regarding financial management and government processes.
Matenga issue 'storm in a teacup'
Tuesday 17 April 2018 | Published in Politics
Leaders of the Cook Islands Party (CIP) have responded to the Margaret Matenga’s claims of corruption and bias in the runoff for the Titikaveka CIP candidacy.
Under spend issues complex says Wichman
Tuesday 17 April 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Local economist Vaine Wichman says the reason a substantial part of the capital expenditure budget has not been spent by the government is based on complex issues involving land and community feedback.
Less mud-slinging forecast
Tuesday 17 April 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
The early election should bring the best out of the contesting politicians and parties, says local economist Vaine Wichman.
Ministers to stay in Rarotonga
Monday 16 April 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Prime Minister Henry Puna and his cabinet ministers will remain home this week.
Opposition ready for elections
Monday 16 April 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
“We are more than ready!” Those were the words of opposition deputy leader and spokesperson James Beer following last week’s announcement of an early general election on June 14.
Demos standing up against corruption
Monday 16 April 2018 | Published in Politics
In the lead-up to the June 14 general election, the Democratic Party has promised to establish an independent committee against corruption.
Closing date set for candidates
Monday 16 April 2018 | Published in Politics
The closing date for nominating candidates entering the 2018 General Election has been set for April 30, with each applicant also required to pay $500.
PM looks to strengthen ties with US
Monday 16 April 2018 | Published in Politics
Prime minister Henry Puna has met with United States ambassador Scott Brown to discuss security considerations, including transnational criminal activity and initiatives for strengthening defence capabilities.
Puna happy with pension portability
Monday 16 April 2018 | Published in Politics
Cook Islands prime minister Henry Puna has said he is happy with the steps that the New Zealand government has taken with the pension portability changes.
CIP candidates endorsed
Monday 16 April 2018 | Published in Politics
Cook Islands Party candidates for the June 14 elections, were endorsed at a meeting at Rutaki on Wednesday night.
NZ citizenship sacred, says Puna
Monday 16 April 2018 | Published in Politics
Prime minister Henry Puna has made a promise that the Cook Islands will never give up New Zealand citizenship, as the current agreement is “sacred”.
Puna fails to front up on election call
Friday 13 April 2018 | Published in Politics
Prime minister Henry Puna was noticeably absent at yesterday’s election press conference, as finance minister Mark Brown fielded questions about the June 14 general election date announced late on Wednesday evening.
Flooding – no time to point fingers
Friday 13 April 2018 | Published in Politics
Prime Minister Henry Puna has hit back at claims in Wednesday’s CINews that the government is to blame for recent flooding around Rarotonga by saying that “it is unhelpful to waste time pointing fingers”.
Electoral Office braces for busy period
Friday 13 April 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
The Electoral Office is bracing for a busy period in the upcoming weeks following the announcement of an early election in June.
