Politics
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.
MFEM to review Act
Thursday 17 September 2015 | Published in Politics
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) has started a review of the MFEM Act 1996/97 with the aim of continuing the process of improving public finance management in a modern Cook Islands context.
Land court issue 'huge'
Wednesday 16 September 2015 | Published in Politics
Opposition to controversial new Land Court rules applying to the land occupation rights of Cook Islanders is fast gaining momentum and looks to become a huge national issue.
Demos copying the Aussies, reckons a 'confident' Puna
Wednesday 16 September 2015 | Published in Politics
Prime Minister Henry Puna believes the Opposition is taking a leaf out of the Australian political book by attempting to oust him as leader of the Cook Islands.
Demos: Snap election soon
Tuesday 15 September 2015 | Published in Politics
The Opposition coalition is preparing for what they believe is an imminent snap election after it was revealed that in June, Minister of Health Nandi Glassie was closer to becoming prime minister than he will publicly admit.
Tinomana decision fills courtroom
Tuesday 15 September 2015 | Published in Politics
There were few empty seats at Rarotonga’s High Court on Friday morning when Justice Isaac announced the right of Tokerau Munro to continue as Tinomana Tokerau Ariki – paramount chief of Vaka Puaikura.
PM's back in town
Monday 14 September 2015 | Published in Politics
Prime Minister Henry Puna will be back on Rarotonga this week, returning to business at home after a week at the Pacific Islands Forum.
Child protection focus of new bill
Friday 11 September 2015 | Published in Politics
This story is the first in a series about the Family Law Bill 2015. If passed by parliament the bill could drastically change the way child protection and domestic violence issues are dealt with in the Cook Islands. This story covers the ‘Care and Protection’ section of the proposed bill.
Chance to have your say
Friday 11 September 2015 | Published in Politics
The public will get a chance to have its say on the Family Law Bill 2015 by making public submissions to the special select committee made up of Cook Islands Party MP for Vaipae-Tautu Mona Ioane, Cook Islands Party MP for Rakahanga Toka Hangai, Cook Islands Party MP for Teenui-Mapumai Rose Toki Brown, Democratic Party MP for Tamarua Tetangi Matapo, Democratic Party MP for Titikaveka Selina Napa and One Cook Islands Party MP for Tupapa George Maggie.
Cabinet and HOM selectors at impasse
Thursday 10 September 2015 | Published in Politics
Cabinet has made no progress towards confirming who the new Heads of Ministries will be, the matter again being delayed indefinitely this week after a Tuesday meeting.