Politics
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.
CIP wary of rules of engagement
Friday 13 April 2018 | Published in Politics
With the election date set for June 14, the Cook Islands Party (CIP) are looking to win their third consecutive term in government.
Opposition slams snap election
Friday 13 April 2018 | Written by Jaimie Keay | Published in Politics
General election now two months away – date set for June 14 The leaders of the Opposition have slammed prime minister Henry Puna for calling an early election date late Wednesday evening, calling it “a disrespectful act” and “neglectful of duty and responsibility”.
Open to electoral reform says PM Puna
Thursday 12 April 2018 | Published in Politics
The Cook Islands government is open to looking at electoral reform, says prime minister Henry Puna.
'State visit' well worth cost - Brown
Thursday 12 April 2018 | Published in Politics
Finance minister Mark Brown says the cost of last week’s state visit to New Zealand was justified by the benefits it will produce for the Cook Islands people.
Govts blamed for flooding
Wednesday 11 April 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Local businessman Sam Crocombe has blamed current and former governments for the flash flooding that affected a number of businesses at the Avatiu roundabout area on Monday night.
Puna signals closer ties with NZ Maori
Tuesday 10 April 2018 | Published in Politics
Cook Islands investment policies and procedures are being reviewed to ensure that they are conducive to promoting “mutually-advantageous initiatives”, whilst also catering for this country’s cultural and environmental vulnerabilities, says prime minister Henry Puna.
PM to attend 'smart island' meeting in Spain
Tuesday 10 April 2018 | Published in Politics
Prime minister Henry Puna is expected to attend the Smart Island World Congress (SIWC) later this month.