Politics
Brown got it wrong, says Beer
Saturday 10 October 2015 | Published in Politics
The Opposition believes the government signed off spending $3.3 million of public money in Executive Council, not the $2.6 million as announced by Minister of Finance Mark Brown.
PM crash row 'smear campaign'
Saturday 10 October 2015 | Published in Politics
Attempts by the Democratic party to get answers from police for not following through with an accident case involving the prime minister have been derided by a government official as resembling a smear campaign.
Crash back to haunt PM
Friday 9 October 2015 | Published in Politics
A car accident late last year involving prime minister Henry Puna that police didn’t process like a normal case by laying charges and having it dealt with in the High Court, has come back to haunt the country’s leader a year later.
Korean fishing venture in hot water
Thursday 8 October 2015 | Published in Politics
Allegations of dodgy practices and law violations have emerged involving controversial Korean fishing company Dongwon, which is currently licensed to fish in Cook Islands waters.
Land concerns go to the top
Thursday 8 October 2015 | Published in Politics
The Koutu Nui have taken peoples’ concerns over the Land Court interpretation of occupation right to Minister of Justice Nandi Glassie.
'Sweetheart' deal used taxpayer funds
Tuesday 6 October 2015 | Published in Politics
Government used taxpayer funds and special conditions to give an unparalleled sweetheart deal to a company co-owned by a Cook Islands Party political stalwart who also sits on at least four major state boards.
Leaders in the learners' seats
Tuesday 6 October 2015 | Published in Politics
The nation’s leaders have become learners this week as part of a special United Nations Development Programme to better understand the workings of parliament.
Schooner report termed 'evasive'
Monday 5 October 2015 | Published in Politics
The Opposition is calling for the release of the full investigation into the government’s controversial contract with Pacific Schooners, describing a short press release by the Public Service Commissioner into the matter as “disturbingly evasive.”
MFAI head begins job
Monday 5 October 2015 | Published in Politics
The Office of the Public Service Commissioner says there has been a change to the start date of one of the new Head of Ministry positions CI News featured in a story on the front page of Friday’s newspaper.
Around the world
Monday 5 October 2015 | Published in Politics
Most Cabinet minister will be at different corners of the globe this week representing the government at high-level meetings.
Deal gave advantage and paid too much
Monday 5 October 2015 | Published in Politics
It has become clear not one official advised the Prime Minister or Minister of Finance against government entering into a contractual arrangement that was designed to give one company the advantage of getting into business here – while also being paid far to much for its intended services.
$2.6m signed off behind closed doors
Monday 5 October 2015 | Published in Politics
Minister of Finance Mark Brown is sticking by government’s decision to sign off on spending $2.6 million of public money without debate in parliament.
Controversial cars have 14 new owners
Wednesday 30 September 2015 | Published in Politics
The government’s venture into part-time car dealing is nearly over, with most of the 20 Hyundai vehicles bought for Te Maeva Nui celebrations now sold.
Political reform on top of Demo agenda
Tuesday 29 September 2015 | Published in Politics
The Democratic Party is challenging Prime Minister Henry Puna to call parliament and tackle political reform.
New Solicitor-General by the end of the year
Tuesday 29 September 2015 | Published in Politics
Crown Law is being led by local lawyer Cheryl King until a new Solicitor-General is appointed by Prime Minister and Attorney General Henry Puna.
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.
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.
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.