Politics
PM 'blown away' by warm welcome
Thursday 8 March 2018 | Published in Politics
New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern told the House of Ariki yesterday she was “blown away” by the warmth and hospitality shown by the Cook Islands on her first visit to the country.
Good news on pension scheme
Thursday 8 March 2018 | Published in Politics
Changes to the pension portability scheme, which will make it easier for qualifying Cook Islands to claim New Zealand superannuation, were announced by New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern yesterday.
Nothing will change, says new NZ PM
Thursday 8 March 2018 | Published in Politics
New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern has assured the Cook Islands that if it achieves developed nation status, the current relationship between the two countries will remain unchanged.
Puna Ruaau set for election
Wednesday 7 March 2018 | Published in Politics
The Cook Islands Party Ruaau Puna is ready for Election 2018.
Pension rule on today's meeting agenda
Wednesday 7 March 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Discussion on the New Zealand pension rules are expected to take place between the Cook Islands government and New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern today.
New Zealand leader in for busy day on Rarotonga
Wednesday 7 March 2018 | Published in Politics
Last night New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern and her delegation touched down in Rarotonga as part of the “Pacific Reset” Mission.
Culture on display at state dinner
Tuesday 6 March 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
The Ministry of Cultural Development is putting the finishing touches on the venue in preparation for tomorrow’s state dinner.
Ministers home to welcome Pacific Mission
Monday 5 March 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
All cabinet ministers will remain in Rarotonga for the Pacific Mission visit this week.
Political speed dating
Monday 5 March 2018 | Published in Politics
Cook Islands Members of Parliament, civil servants and Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) staff will have a chance to meet some of their New Zealand counterparts at a special function being held in Tupapa when New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern leads a delegation to Rarotonga this week.
By-elections confirmed
Monday 5 March 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Island council by-elections for vacant seats in the district of Ngatiarua in Atiu and in Mauke will be held on April 3.
Suggestions for 'Cindy'
Friday 2 March 2018 | Published in Politics
WITH THE impending arrival of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, CINews asked our readers what they’d like to see her do while on the rock.
Busy 2 days
Thursday 1 March 2018 | Published in Politics
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will have an action packed two-day stay in Rarotonga as part of her 2018 Pacific Mission.
Electoral roll call no indication of snap election
Tuesday 27 February 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
The call to update Cook Islands electoral rolls does not indicate an early General Election, says chief electoral officer Taggy Tangimetua.
2 Ministers overseas this week
Monday 26 February 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Finance minister Mark Brown left the country on last Friday on a personal trip to Australia.
Tax measures 'absolutely wrong'
Monday 26 February 2018 | Published in Politics
The announcement that some government departments will benefit from the massive tax write-off reminds former Finance minister Wilkie Rasmussen of the political misdeeds in the early 1990s.
Spruce up at Opposition office
Saturday 24 February 2018 | Published in Politics
The Opposition Office is getting a makeover in anticipation of New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern’s Pacific Mission arrival to Rarotonga on March 6.
UN issue not in the agenda
Saturday 24 February 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
The United Nations (UN) issue will not be raised by the Cook Islands government and the Opposition during the Pacific Mission visit to the country next month.
Tax bills passed
Friday 23 February 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Parliament passed the Income Tax Amendment and VAT Amendment Bill before calling it sine die on Wednesday night.
Govt entities owing tax to benefit from write-off
Friday 23 February 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Some government departments are among 1433 entities that will benefit from the massive tax write-off.
MPs sit into night to pass tax bill
Thursday 22 February 2018 | Published in Politics
Parliament sat late last night with the goal to pass the Value Added Tax (VAT) bill, as yesterday’s sitting was the last for the opening Parliamentary session of the year.