Politics
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.
Court writ filed for information release
Wednesday 20 January 2016 | Published in Politics
The opposition Democratic Party on Monday filed an application for a writ of mandamus with the High Court of the Cook Islands, seeking to compel the Government to release information related to unauthorised expenditure.
Politics is not a game of tiddly winks
Monday 18 January 2016 | Published in Politics
Ever since I was a wee toddler, I was well versed in one thing and that is I am just as important as the next person.
We could be world leaders in conservation
Monday 11 January 2016 | Published in Politics
With less than two percent of the world’s ocean under marine protection, should the Cook Islands eventually legislate the intended marine managed area, it will place this country amongst world leaders in marine conservation.
Last year an eye-opener, says former Demo leader
Tuesday 5 January 2016 | Published in Politics
Former Democratic Party leader and CI News columnist Wilkie Rasmussen says 2015 was an “eye-opener” for him.
MPs' stance disappoints road safety council head
Wednesday 23 December 2015 | Published in Politics
Politicians who continue to pay lip service to the community-wide initiative to make motorcycle helmets compulsory by law probably haven’t even bothered to read the 2015 Strategic Road Safety Plan, says Road Safety Council chairman Brent Fisher.
Leaders drop ball on issue
Wednesday 23 December 2015 | Published in Politics
The leaders of the Cook Islands missed the opportunity to put the helmet issue back on the table this week and the Clerk of Parliament is calling for the two major parties to start working together.
More schooner scandal
Saturday 19 December 2015 | Published in Politics
Henry never intended to sail schooner north, report says
Short sitting brings attack
Friday 18 December 2015 | Published in Politics
The Opposition is criticising the government for a short sitting of parliament where national leaders were unable to discuss of the nitty-gritty issues impacting the country.
Trifling query prompts self- congratulation
Wednesday 16 December 2015 | Published in Politics
Question time has been the liveliest part of parliament this week, with new kid on the block Minister of Internal Affairs Albert Nicholas causing eyes to roll when he asked another Minister a “patsy” question.
Parliament over for the year
Wednesday 16 December 2015 | Published in Politics
And that’s a wrap… Prime Minister Henry Puna closed the doors on parliament yesterday afternoon after a record short two-day sitting.
Cabinet gets down to business
Monday 14 December 2015 | Published in Politics
All six members of Cabinet will be in Rarotonga this week as parliament begins its sitting today.
Rumours rifeas MPs gather at parliament
Monday 14 December 2015 | Published in Politics
Rumours are rife ahead of today’s sitting of parliament with the government remaining tight-lipped about what’s on the agenda.
Committed to battle corruption
Friday 11 December 2015 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
As the world marked International Anti-Corruption Day this week, the Cook Islands showed a new commitment towards fighting corruption in this country.
