Politics
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.
PM inspects Raro roads for himself
Thursday 22 February 2018 | Published in Politics
Constant criticism about the state of the roads in Rarotonga led prime minister Henry Puna to get into his car and inspect them himself.
Minister defends 'legality' of tax break
Wednesday 21 February 2018 | Published in Politics
Finance minister Mark Brown called the controversial tax amnesty proposed by government ‘bold decision making to reduce tax’ during his ministerial statement in Parliament yesterday.
Spat earns rebuke from Speaker
Wednesday 21 February 2018 | Published in Politics
Question time in yesterday’s opening session of Parliament devolved into a squabble between members that left the Speaker Niki Rattle exasperated.
Puna raises concern on goodwill among MPs
Wednesday 21 February 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Informal agreements and goodwill among the Members of Parliament (MPs) is important and essential to supplement Standing Orders and the formal processes of Parliament, says Prime Minister Henry Puna.
PM says not to worry about snap elections
Tuesday 20 February 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Prime Minister Henry Puna told the Opposition not to bother about things “you can’t control” after question about the rumoured snap elections this May was raised in Parliament yesterday.
Brown sways Chamber on tax amnesty
Tuesday 20 February 2018 | Published in Politics
It is hoped a special meeting of the Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce with finance minister Mark Brown last week will be the start of “more regular and open dialogue with the minister” says chamber president Stephen Lyon.
PM Ardern visiting Cooks next month
Thursday 15 February 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern will be paying an official visit to the Cook Islands from March 6 to 8, PM Henry Puna confirmed yesterday
Developed status coming: PM
Thursday 8 February 2018 | Published in Politics
Developed nation status is coming for the Cook Islands, and that is something for the country to be proud of.
MPs learn to be more effective
Wednesday 7 February 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
New Zealand High Commissioner to the Cook Islands Peter Marshall challenged local Members of Parliament (MPs) to be on top of their game when it comes to scrutinising bills and attending select committee hearings.
Workshop helps MPs prepare for next sitting
Tuesday 6 February 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Cook Islands Parliament will run a two-day bills workshop starting today at the Crown Beach Resort and Spa in Arorangi.
New Aussie diplomat
Monday 29 January 2018 | Published in Politics
EWEN McDonald has been appointed Australia’s next High Commissioner to New Zealand, with non-resident accreditation to the Cook Islands and Niue.
Ministers expected home this week
Monday 22 January 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
All Cabinet ministers are expected to be in the country this week.
Manatua cable project set to start
Wednesday 17 January 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
The Cook Islands and other Pacific Island countries participating in the Manatua submarine telecommunications cable project are close to finalising the international tender to carry out this multi-million dollar development.
PM off to renewable energy meeting in Abu Dhabi
Tuesday 9 January 2018 | Published in Politics
Prime minister Henry Puna will attend the Eighth International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly which starts in Abu Dhabi this Friday.
Ministers to remain home
Monday 18 December 2017 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Prime minister Henry Puna is back in the country and is likely to remain in Rarotonga this week.
Parliament ends on high note
Thursday 7 December 2017 | Written by Chris Taylor | Published in Politics
The second sitting of parliament for 2017 ended on a high on Tuesday with prime minister Henry Puna’s announcement that the government will provide a bus for schoolchildren on Mangaia.
Ministers home for parliament
Monday 4 December 2017 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
All Cabinet ministers are expected to remain in Rarotonga for the second week of Parliamentary sitting.