Politics
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.
Flash new cars come with catch
Thursday 2 July 2015 | Published in Politics
Twenty new Hyundai cars will be available for sale soon – but there’s a catch.
PM stands firm on UN
Tuesday 30 June 2015 | Published in Politics
Prime Minister Henry Puna has hit back at claims he is ‘out of his depth’ and ‘poorly advised’ in his pursuit of the Cook Islands becoming a member of the United Nations.
Family law bill reaches next step
Monday 29 June 2015 | Published in Politics
COOK ISLANDERS will soon get a chance to have their say on a piece of legislation set to radically change the way domestic violence is tackled in this country.
Better, but still not great
Saturday 27 June 2015 | Published in Politics
Political stability in the Cook Islands is getting better, but party loyalty is still not strong.
Hurley at home in the Pacific
Saturday 27 June 2015 | Published in Politics
With a wealth of diplomatic experience across the pacific, it seems New Zealand High Commissioner to the Cook Islands Nick Hurley may be the best fit to step into the challenging role.
Mismanagement of BTIB funds
Friday 26 June 2015 | Published in Politics
Claiming over $100 on toilet paper, family trips to the Pa Enua and double payment to a family member are just some of the ways a government financial manager abused her position of power.
ICI financial management still in question
Friday 26 June 2015 | Published in Politics
It is too early to comment on whether improvements have been made to reported financial mismanagement of Infrastructure Cook Islands.
Expert advice on Marae Moana Marine Park policy
Friday 26 June 2015 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
THE POLICY framework of the proposed Marae Moana Marine Park has received some feedback from the Commonwealth Secretariat.
ICI mismanages public funds again
Thursday 25 June 2015 | Published in Politics
Leaders of Infrastructure Cook Islands have been again asked to clean up their act and fix the financial mess in one of country’s largest government departments.
Opposition 'scare tactics' repulsive, says Puna
Thursday 25 June 2015 | Published in Politics
Rubbish and repulsive – that is how Prime Minister Henry Puna is describing the ‘continued scare tactics’ of the Democratic Party/One Cook Islands coalition.