Politics
PM and ministers on Aitutaki
Tuesday 29 March 2016 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Prime Minister Henry Puna will be leading a team of ministers to the fifth Joint Ministerial Forum (JMF) between the Cook Islands and New Zealand on Aitutaki today.
Government records unexpected surplus
Tuesday 29 March 2016 | Published in Politics
GOVERNMENT recorded an unexpected net operation surplus of $7 million in the second quarter of the financial year ending in December 31 last year.
Norman's back and he's ready to take on PM
Saturday 26 March 2016 | Published in Politics
Veteran politician and lawyer Norman George plans to stand for parliament in the 2018 General Elections.
PAC gives scope for debate
Wednesday 23 March 2016 | Published in Politics
There is plenty of scope for Members of Parliament to come up with a debate to improve the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), says clerk of parliament John Tangi.
Advocating for good governance
Wednesday 23 March 2016 | Published in Politics
The Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI), in coordination with the Cooks Islands Audit Office, has held a high-level workshop for parliamentarians on the role of a Public Accounts Committee of Parliament.
Aitutaki MP to lead opposition
Wednesday 23 March 2016 | Published in Politics
A majority of opposition MPs has chosen a new leader to head the Democrats and First Cook Islands in Parliament – and Aitutaki MP Teina Bishop says he’s ready to fight.
Ministers attend accounts workshop
Monday 21 March 2016 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
It’s another week of “normal business” on the rock for the nation’s cabinet ministers.
Brych graves may be relocated
Saturday 12 March 2016 | Published in Politics
AS government still awaits funds to pay for remedial work at the Brych Yard cemetery, Minister for Finance and Economic Development Mark Brown says some of the graves may need exhuming and relocating.
PM not ready for parliament yet
Friday 11 March 2016 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Government is not ready yet to call the first sitting of parliament for the year, despite mounting pressure from the opposition to meet and discuss a range of pending issues.
Bishop ponders deputy offer
Wednesday 9 March 2016 | Published in Politics
In a political manoeuvre aimed at presenting a united front, the leader of One Cook Islands has been invited by the Democratic Party to take up deputy leadership of the opposition in parliament.
Call for more action in the House
Wednesday 2 March 2016 | Published in Politics
With the last two-day session of Parliament described as being “very insignificant,” the Opposition is hoping the next will be lengthier and far more substantial with important bills being presented, says deputy leader Tamaiva Tuavera.
Tax case adjourned again
Monday 15 February 2016 | Published in Politics
Strickland Motors Ltd did not appear at the Cook Islands High court again last week after being summoned for tax offences.
All in except PM Puna
Monday 15 February 2016 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
Except for Prime Minister Henry Puna, the remaining Cabinet ministers will all be in the country this week.
PM lacks courage says opposition
Friday 12 February 2016 | Published in Politics
As long as the deputy prime minister remains a cabinet minister, the Financial Intelligence Unit investigation into allegations of corruption will be compromised, says Opposition Leader William Heather.
Elections face dilemma of distance
Thursday 11 February 2016 | Published in Politics
With islands separated by vast ocean expanses, the Cook Islands is constantly faced with the dilemma of distance; the Electoral office is now preparing for the challenge of staging the next council elections for ten local administrations.
PM called to stand down Heather
Tuesday 9 February 2016 | Published in Politics
Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna is being asked by the opposition to exercise caution and stand down a cabinet minister while he is being investigated by the Financial Intelligence Unit.
All ministers home this week
Monday 8 February 2016 | Published in Politics
Everyone is back on the rock this week.
US treaty withdrawal effective next year
Wednesday 27 January 2016 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) says the decision by the US to withdraw from the 30-year Tuna Treaty with Pacific Island countries will not take effect until January next year.
Battle against corruption not just for leaders
Friday 22 January 2016 | Published in Politics
All sectors of society need to take responsibility for corrupt practices hampering the future of the Cook Islands.
MPs aim to combat corruption
Wednesday 20 January 2016 | Published in Politics
Combating corruption is the focus at parliament this week with a special United Nations workshop being held to address the contentious issue.
