Politics
A week at home
Monday 28 September 2015 | Published in Politics
All six Cabinet ministers will be on Rarotonga for the majority of the week.
Family meetings crucial part of new law
Saturday 26 September 2015 | Published in Politics
This story is the second in a series about the Family Law Bill 2015, which – if passed by parliament – could drastically change the way child protection and domestic violence issues are dealt with in the Cook Islands. This story covers the new Uipa’anga Kopu Tangata process in the Care and Protection section of the Bill.
CIWA seeks law changes
Saturday 26 September 2015 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
The Cook Islands Workers Association (CIWA) says health and safety legislation in this country is outdated and needs a review to avoid a major mishap in the future.
UN dream not over yet, says academic
Saturday 26 September 2015 | Published in Politics
Questions are being raised over New Zealand’s continued dismissal of the Cook Islands’ dream of a seat in the United Nations.
PM's comments rile Demos
Saturday 26 September 2015 | Published in Politics
Prime Minister Henry Puna’s suggestion that the Opposition needs to create a sound policy plan has riled the Demo Party.
Key won't budge on UN seat
Friday 25 September 2015 | Published in Politics
The government’s dream to secure a seat at the most powerful table in the world has been sidelined while Prime Minister Henry Puna deals with important matters on home soil.
Discussion needed now
Friday 25 September 2015 | Published in Politics
Cook Islanders need to start talking about the Family Law Bill if they want to avoid the appalling outcomes experienced by some New Zealand children who end up in state care.
HOMs finally announced
Thursday 24 September 2015 | Published in Politics
The nervous wait for Heads of Ministries (HOMs) applicants is finally over with Cabinet Ministers putting aside their differences to approve names for the 12 coveted positions.
PM called out on 'power abuse'
Thursday 24 September 2015 | Published in Politics
The Miss Cook Islands Pageant Association has fired back at the Prime Minister for getting involved in pageant conflict, claiming he is abusing his position of power.
PM weighs in on beauty row
Wednesday 23 September 2015 | Published in Politics
The Prime Minister has weighed in on the Miss Cook Islands dispute, writing his own statement to the Rarotonga High Court ahead of today’s court conference.
PR process in for major overhaul
Wednesday 23 September 2015 | Published in Politics
Prime Minister and Minister of Immigration Henry Puna wants no new permanent residency (PR) permits granted until a full review of immigration policy is done.
Most aronga mana pay own way
Wednesday 23 September 2015 | Published in Politics
Up to 16 aronga mana from the House of Ariki are in New Zealand for meetings with Cook Islands communities before travelling to Australia.
Draft policy to control whale-watching
Wednesday 23 September 2015 | Published in Politics
Watching massive humpback whales perform spectacular leaps from the water as they pass through Cook Islands waters is an amazing sight and one that increasing numbers of visitors want to experience for themselves.
PM stands by Manihiki advance
Tuesday 22 September 2015 | Published in Politics
Prime minister Henry Puna is sticking by his decision to advance $41,000 to 10 Manihiki land claimants saying it was needed to diffuse an unstable situation on the island.
Political reform not needed, says Puna
Monday 21 September 2015 | Published in Politics
Prime Minister Henry Puna does not believe political reform is required to reduce the flow of people leaving Cook Islands’ shores.
Cabinet to decide HOMs tomorrow
Monday 21 September 2015 | Published in Politics
All six Cabinet ministers will be back on Rarotonga this week and are finally expected to make an announcement on Heads of Ministry (HOMs) positions in their weekly meeting tomorrow.
Vaka united on land rules
Saturday 19 September 2015 | Published in Politics
Opposition to the practice note on land occupation rights is gaining momentum in Rarotonga, with all three Vaka standing together against rules that will affect every landowner in the country.
Police complaint over land deal
Thursday 17 September 2015 | Published in Politics
A formal police complaint has been laid by a local businessman against Manihiki land claimants who allegedly threatened to vandalise the islands’ two solar power plants if government didn’t advance them land compensation monies.
Heather hits at 'double standards'
Thursday 17 September 2015 | Published in Politics
Opposition Democratic Party leader William “Smiley” Heather says he is surprised at the Prime Minister’s “double standards”.
Occupation right changes stir action
Thursday 17 September 2015 | Published in Politics
It appears likely a call for a moratorium on the Land Court dealing with occupation right applications will be made by the three Vaka on Rarotonga.