Politics
No HOM names till party is over
Tuesday 28 July 2015 | Published in Politics
The shortlist for the country’s top jobs is with the prime minister, but Henry Puna says he doesn’t want to deal with this until after the Te Maeva Nui 50th celebrations.
PM challenges Ui Ariki
Saturday 25 July 2015 | Published in Politics
The 26 paramount chiefs of the Cook Islands have been given a clear message by Prime Minister Henry Puna: take a good, hard look your role; your contribution to tribe, the people of the country and nation before asking government for more money.
PM's 'car dealing' criticised
Thursday 23 July 2015 | Published in Politics
Opposition leader William Heather says that it’s with ‘real regret’ he has noticed that the Prime Minister Henry Puna is getting into the used car business.
MP's protest takes to road
Thursday 23 July 2015 | Published in Politics
When it comes to generating publicity, Tupapa MP George Maggie certainly isn’t shy.
Cartoon grievance returns to court
Wednesday 22 July 2015 | Published in Politics
Norman George and Cook Islands News got back in the ring at the Cook Islands High Court last week in relation to a five year old grievance.
PM losing touch, says Demo leader
Wednesday 22 July 2015 | Published in Politics
Prime Minister Henry Puna and his ‘cabinet circle’ are quickly losing touch with the people of the Cook Islands, says Opposition leader, William (‘Smiley’) Heather.
All cabinet ministers back on Rarotonga
Monday 20 July 2015 | Published in Politics
All cabinet ministers will be on Rarotonga this week gearing up for Te Maeva Nui celebrations.
Controversial cars arrive
Saturday 18 July 2015 | Published in Politics
Fresh off the boat, 20 new Hyundai vehicles worth $600,000 have arrived on Rarotonga ready to ferry around VIPs at Te Maeva Nui celebrations.
Ex-minister's case postponed
Saturday 18 July 2015 | Published in Politics
Lawyers involved in a case against a former government minister have asked for the matter to be deferred until a later date.
Parliament crowded for Apii Nikao pupils' visit
Friday 17 July 2015 | Published in Politics
“What does the Prime Minister do” was just one of many questions asked by budding young politicians at a special tour of Parliament on Wednesday.
HOMs face 'impossible' task
Tuesday 14 July 2015 | Published in Politics
It is almost impossible for Heads of Ministries to perform in an environment where cabinet ministers have absolute power over their appointments, says lawyer Mark Short.
MP drives home a strong message
Tuesday 14 July 2015 | Published in Politics
An Opposition MP is taking a stand against the government spending $600,000 on cars for VIPs at Te Maeva Nui celebrations.
Political reform vital, says Beer
Monday 13 July 2015 | Published in Politics
Reform of the Cook Islands’ Public Service cannot begin before the issue of political reform is tackled head-on, say Opposition MPs.
Worker scheme lacks appeal for Cook Islanders
Monday 13 July 2015 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
The inclusion of Cook Islands in the Australian Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP) could ultimately be of little significance to island residents.
Polynesian leaders meeting calls Puna
Monday 13 July 2015 | Published in Politics
Prime Minister Henry Puna is off the rock again this week, attending a meeting of Polynesian leaders in Tahiti.
Communication blamed for Parliament 'incident'
Friday 10 July 2015 | Published in Politics
An incident which led House of Ariki members to claim they had been barred from parliament chambers on Monday morning was due to a ‘miscommunication’, says acting Clerk of Parliament, Helen Maunga.
PM joins foreign ministers at Sydney meeting
Thursday 9 July 2015 | Published in Politics
Prime Minister Henry Puna is joining Pacific foreign ministers in Sydney today at the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting.
PM defends costly flight to Penrhyn
Wednesday 8 July 2015 | Published in Politics
Prime Minister’s advisor Trevor Pitt has defended Henry Puna’s pricey trip to Penrhyn to officially open the $1.4 million Te Tautua village solar project.
Most ministers away this week
Tuesday 7 July 2015 | Published in Politics
Most cabinet ministers will be off the rock this week, with two putting on their coaching hats at the Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea.
No end in sight for MP investigations
Monday 6 July 2015 | Published in Politics
Pressure is mounting on police to make a decision on high profile investigations into two Aitutaki Members of Parliament.
