Politics
Brazil, Cook Islands forge new relations
Saturday 5 September 2015 | Published in Politics
As part of his state visit to New Zealand, Prime Minister Henry Puna signed with Brazilian Ambassador to New Zealand Eduardo Gradilone a joint communique establishing diplomatic relations between the Cook Islands and Brazil.
Anti-purse seine petition languishes at Parliament
Saturday 5 September 2015 | Published in Politics
The 4000-plus signature petition calling for a total ban on purse seine fishing in the Cook Islands could be sitting in a box at parliament for months, with Prime Minister Henry Puna unwilling to set a date for parliament’s next sitting.
NZ Cook Islanders prefer to stay put
Saturday 5 September 2015 | Published in Politics
After meeting hundreds of Cook Islanders on his recent official visit to New Zealand, prime minister Henry Puna says he didn’t get the impression that there is keen interest amongst them to return home.
HOM naming delayed
Saturday 5 September 2015 | Published in Politics
Cabinet has delayed endorsing a list of preferred candidates for the country’s top jobs, in spite of the fact that the prime minister had given an undertaking the head of ministry jobs would be announced three days ago.
Govt sets payout precedent
Friday 4 September 2015 | Published in Politics
By advancing 10 Manihiki land claimants thousands in compensation money before all land claims were settled by the Land Court, government has set a precedent which could prompt others to also make demands for advance payments.
HOMs to be named today: PM
Thursday 3 September 2015 | Published in Politics
After a delay of over a month, Cabinet is today expected to announce the appointments of remaining Heads of Ministries.
Clinton's emails show China concerns
Thursday 3 September 2015 | Published in Politics
Hillary Clinton’s emails may shed some light on America’s controversial commitment to island nations at the Pacific Islands Forum on Rarotonga in 2012.
PM sidesteps gay issue
Wednesday 2 September 2015 | Published in Politics
Despite the growing movement to decriminalise homosexuality in the Cook Islands, the issue is not on Prime Minister Henry Puna’s agenda.
Judgement looms for tax protestors
Tuesday 1 September 2015 | Published in Politics
A judgement will ultimately have to be made as to how long Cook Islands tax officials can keep trying to work with pensioners who steadfastly refuse to comply with the law and pay tax on their New Zealand superannuation payments, says Financial Secretary Richard Neves.
Turepu defends HOM action
Tuesday 1 September 2015 | Published in Politics
Minister of the Environment Kiriau Turepu has defended criticism of his office’s handling of the departure of a senior and long-serving public servant.
Demos slam PM's 'favours'
Tuesday 1 September 2015 | Published in Politics
From the still-raging Pacific Schooners debacle to the Manihiki land compensation scandal, Democratic Party leader William ‘Smiley’ Heather says he has plenty of questions for Prime Minister Henry Puna.
Brown spends $60,000 on travel
Monday 31 August 2015 | Published in Politics
In just 10 months, $60,806 has been spent from the public coffers on travel for Finance Minister Mark Brown.
PM off to Papua New Guinea
Monday 31 August 2015 | Published in Politics
After just returning from New Zealand, Prime Minister Henry Puna is heading off the rock again this week.
Possible review for pension payouts
Saturday 29 August 2015 | Published in Politics
Inequality between pension payouts to locals and expats may be addressed with a review of the law.
Sea mining revenue up for discussion
Friday 28 August 2015 | Published in Politics
Deep sea mining is an emerging industry in the Pacific region and has the potential to become a major new revenue stream for Pacific Island countries.
Pensions issue still live for NZ Labour
Friday 28 August 2015 | Published in Politics
New Zealand MP and Cook Islander Poto Williams says the Labour Party has not given up on further easing the way for retiring Cook Islanders to collect their New Zealand pensions while living in the Cooks.
Govt wants comment on trade policy
Friday 28 August 2015 | Published in Politics
With agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership making international headlines, trade and its implications are more important than ever.
Threats prompt land payout
Friday 28 August 2015 | Published in Politics
Government has revealed that it was threats from some Manihiki landowners that drove the prime minister and officials to pay them out early.
PM meets South Island Cook Islanders
Friday 28 August 2015 | Published in Politics
Prime Minister Henry Puna was a long way from tropical temperatures when he visited the Cook Islands community in the chilly South Island last week.
Fresh faces to head two key agencies
Thursday 27 August 2015 | Published in Politics
Cabinet has announced fresh faces to head two the country’s most important government agencies.