Politics
Government's 'secret' trip to NZ
Wednesday 4 April 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
The Opposition has lambasted the government for its lack of information regarding their participation in the annual Joint Ministerial Forum in Wellington this week.
Tight turnaround if snap election called
Tuesday 3 April 2018 | Published in Politics
The Cook Islands Electoral Office will be put under a huge strain should rumours be confirmed and a snap election is called.
Signing boosts information-sharing
Sunday 1 April 2018 | Published in Politics
The Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) and the New Zealand Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) have signed a partnership agreement and an information sharing agreement.
Govt clears $12.4m Toagate saga
Thursday 29 March 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
The final payment to Toa Petroleum under the multi-million Toagate scandal was made in December last year, confirmed Finance minister Mark Brown.
Cook Islands cabinet off to New Zealand
Wednesday 28 March 2018 | Published in Politics
A delegation led by Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna will be heading off to New Zealand this Sunday to participate in the annual Joint Ministerial Forum in Wellington.
Candidacy row heads for court
Monday 26 March 2018 | Published in Politics
Members of the Titikaveka Cook Islands Party (TCIP) committee are likely to face court action after they failed to confirm Margaret Matenga as their candidate for this year’s general election.
New parliament recording equipment
Saturday 24 March 2018 | Published in Politics
New parliament recording equipment got its first run this Tuesday at a select committee sitting, replacing some gear that was likely 20 years old.
Water solution in sight for Mitiaro
Wednesday 21 March 2018 | Published in Politics
Mitiaro is soon to get relief for its failing water supply system.
NSDP goals 'progressing well'
Wednesday 21 March 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Cook Islands is progressing well towards its goals in the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) within its available resources, says the Office of the Prime Minister chief of staff, Bredina Drollet.
Preserving culture everyone's responsibility
Monday 19 March 2018 | Published in Politics
This is the fifth and final in a series of CINews articles on the new National Culture Policy initiated by the Ministry of Cultural Development. The policy addresses five strategic goals, and while its effects may not be noticed until later this year, it will introduce a number of significant changes. The final strategic goal is support and coordination.
Govt underspends on capital projects
Monday 19 March 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
The government only spent half of its capital expenditure budget in the last financial period, according to the December 2017 quarterly financial report.
Cable dispute continues
Monday 19 March 2018 | Published in Politics
Telecommunications minister Mark Brown has hit back at claims by the Opposition that the planned Manatua submarine cable won’t necessarily result in lower prices for consumers and businesses.
Speaker checks out Fiji parliament
Friday 16 March 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Cook Islands Parliament Speaker Niki Rattle is in Fiji, observing the Fijian Parliment sitting in an effort to review and improve national Parliamentary Standing Orders, among other things.
National plan goals 'off-track'
Friday 16 March 2018 | Published in Politics
The Cook Islands have a long way to go in achieving all the 16 goals in the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) by 2020.
Bid to boost business ties with NZ Maori
Thursday 15 March 2018 | Published in Politics
Last week’s visit by New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern has reignited discussions between the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) and the Federation of Maori Authorities (FOMA).
Longtime NZ Super campaigner 'delighted'
Wednesday 14 March 2018 | Published in Politics
‘Lost Tribe’ campaign stalwart Les Priest says he’s “obviously delighted” that after years of fruitless lobbying for changes to the New Zealand pension eligibility laws, those rules will finally be altered in favour of realm countries such as the Cook Islands.
Pension portability changes 'best news yet'
Wednesday 14 March 2018 | Written by Jaimie Keay | Published in Politics
Last week while here in Rarotonga, New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern announced changes to the pension portability scheme.
National goals 'off track'
Wednesday 14 March 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
A recent report has revealed that certain indicators measuring progress towards achieving 11 out of the 16 goals in the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) are either “of concern” or “off track”.
On course for deeper cooperation
Monday 12 March 2018 | Published in Politics
New Zealand Prime minister Jacinda Ardern and Cook Islands prime minister, Henry Puna, concluded successful discussions in Rarotonga this week, at the tail end of New Zealand’s week long Pacific Mission which also featured visits to Samoa, Niue, and Tonga.
Ministers remain on Rarotonga
Monday 12 March 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Prime minister Henry Puna and his Cabinet ministers will remain on the island next week.