Politics
Brown signs up Paris agreement
Monday 27 June 2016 | Published in Politics
FINANCE minister Mark Brown yesterday signed the Paris Agreement in New York making the Cook Islands the 176th country to sign up.
Neutrality of advice questioned
Friday 24 June 2016 | Published in Politics
Queen’s Representative Tom Marsters should not have sought legal advice from the government’s Solicitor General because the Crown Law office lacks impartiality, says former Speaker of Parliament Norman George.
No job threat, says PM
Friday 24 June 2016 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
PRIME Minister Henry Puna says his leadership is under no threat despite the attempt from the Opposition coalition to overthrow his government earlier this week.
QR's decision quicker than thought
Thursday 23 June 2016 | Published in Politics
Up until Tuesday afternoon, Cook Islanders at home and abroad believed Queen’s Representative Tom Marsters had not reached a decision on the opposition coalition-initiated parliamentary sitting that took place on Monday.
Prime Minister expected to speak today
Thursday 23 June 2016 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
PRIME Minister Henry Puna is expected to comment on the latest political upheaval in the country in his absence, today.
CIP to Rose Brown: “You're forgiven'
Wednesday 22 June 2016 | Published in Politics
THE RULING Cook Islands Party has acknowledged that although MP Rose Brown crossed the floor to support the opposition coalition this week, she’ll be welcomed back because they need her support.
QR sides with government
Wednesday 22 June 2016 | Published in Politics
THE QUEEN’S Representative has agreed with the government’s position that parliament was properly adjourned sine die on Friday, effectively quashing intense speculation that the country would be led by a woman prime minister for the first time.
Tangi could be in for challenge
Wednesday 22 June 2016 | Published in Politics
THE NEUTRALITY of the Clerk of Parliament is likely to be challenged by the opposition coalition following his actions to try and prevent them from having a proper sitting on Monday.
Coalition action labelled as bordering on treason
Tuesday 21 June 2016 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
THE COOK ISLANDS Party government has labelled the Opposition coalition’s attempt to overthrow them and elect Rose Toki Brown as the new prime minister of the Cook Islands as illegal and bordering on treason.
Brown could be new PM
Tuesday 21 June 2016 | Published in Politics
Parties play waiting game as takeover attempt checked out
TMV select committee eyes August deadline
Monday 20 June 2016 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
The CHAIRMAN of the select committee set up to look at grievances regarding the Te Mato Vai (TMV) project is hoping to submit a complete report on its findings to parliament in August.
All eyes on Parliament today
Monday 20 June 2016 | Published in Politics
Speaker’s ruling could put government in sticky position
Two bills pushed through
Monday 20 June 2016 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
GOVERNMENT managed to push their way through to get the Appropriation Bill 2016 and the Transport Amendment Bill passed before the Parliament was adjourned to a later date yesterday.
Helmet law could be finalised today
Friday 17 June 2016 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
If all goes according to plan, the Transport Amendment Bill, which will make it compulsory for motorcyclists aged 16 to 25 years to wear a helmet, will be passed today.
Bill will go through, says Brown
Friday 17 June 2016 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Despite opposition’s disapproval of the Appropriation Bill 2016, Finance minister Mark Brown is adamant the bill will sail unscathed through parliament, which ends today.
Parliament comes to a rapid finish
Thursday 16 June 2016 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
GOVERNMENT has cut the opening Parliament sitting of the year short, citing official overseas engagements for some of its ministers.
Outlook not so bright, says Bishop
Thursday 16 June 2016 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
OPPOSITION LEADER Teina Bishop has taken some of the gloss off the financial statement presented by the Minister of Finance Mark Brown in which he bragged about the country’s continued growth under the Cook Islands Party government.
PM to launch landmark plan
Wednesday 15 June 2016 | Published in Politics
PRIME MINISTER Henry Puna and Finance minister Mark Brown will launch the new National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) 2016-2020 at the Office of the Prime Minister on Thursday morning.
Bid to improve digital payment system
Wednesday 15 June 2016 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
GOVERNMENT has made provisions in its 2016/17 budget appropriation to integrate the local digital payment system with that of New Zealand.
Appropriation Bill hits rough patch
Wednesday 15 June 2016 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
The Appropriation Bill 2016 hit another rough patch yesterday after the opposition brushed aside Government’s disapproval on their stance to oppose the second reading of the bill, which contains the proposed 2016/17 budget.
