Politics
Battle of the Budget off to fiery start
Tuesday 16 June 2015 | Published in Politics
The Budget battle began in fierce fashion yesterday afternoon when Minister of Finance Mark Brown presented his Budget speech in parliament.
Coalition sparks jokes
Tuesday 16 June 2015 | Published in Politics
‘Romance’ was in the air during question time at Parliament yesterday afternoon, with Members of Parliament poking fun at the Democratic Party and One Cook Islands Movement coalition.
'What about our workers?' asks CIWA president
Monday 15 June 2015 | Published in Politics
Conflicting statements by government on the minimum wage increase is a concern, says the Cook Islands Workers Association (CIWA).
Private session clears issues on seabed bill
Monday 15 June 2015 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
PARLIAMENT had an in camera session at its Friday sitting on the Seabed Mineral Amendment Bill.
Sunday flights fuel debate
Saturday 13 June 2015 | Published in Politics
THE Opposition has accused the Government of playing ‘politics’ on the issue of Sunday flights to Aitutaki.
Retirement deals will cost $672,000
Saturday 13 June 2015 | Published in Politics
The Cook Islands Government has provided $672,000 in next year’s Budget to provide for a set of one-off retirement packages for public servants aged 60 and over.
Protestors make final statement
Saturday 13 June 2015 | Published in Politics
It’s been a long road for anti-purse seine campaigners, but all their hard work finally came together yesterday.
Cooks the newest member of ILO
Saturday 13 June 2015 | Published in Politics
The Cook Islands have made another national history by becoming the newest member of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
'No more secrets' is PM's promise
Saturday 13 June 2015 | Published in Politics
Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna has vowed that his government will not keep secrets from the people.
Time-wasting MPs chastised
Saturday 13 June 2015 | Published in Politics
A bold message was issued to the House of Parliament at yesterday’s sitting – stop wasting time and paper. Murienua MP James Beer issued the challenge following further disputes over incorrectly-tabled bills, printing errors and bill withdrawals.
PM defends wife's Manihiki trip
Friday 12 June 2015 | Published in Politics
Prime Minister Henry Puna has shed light on allegations against himself and his wife of having used government money for personal purposes.
Budget provides for health staff
Friday 12 June 2015 | Published in Politics
An extra $123,000 in next year’s Budget will be used to employ three additional health professionals in the Cook Islands. The money will be spent on appointing a paramedic on Rarotonga, a manager for mental health and a person to provide a rehabilitative service.
Government shows Budget intent
Friday 12 June 2015 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
THE GOVERNMENT has outlined its intentions for the 2015/16 Budget.
Gloves come off for round two...
Friday 12 June 2015 | Published in Politics
Politicians gathered again yesterday afternoon for round two in the ring of parliament.
Fellowship-filled morning for ambassadors
Friday 12 June 2015 | Published in Politics
In a historic event on Wednesday morning, five high commissioners and ambassadors presented their letters of credentials to Queen’s Representative Tom Marsters in what was a fellowship-filled morning.
PM sheds light on independence issue
Friday 12 June 2015 | Published in Politics
Just a day after returning from New Zealand with the Cook Islands’ hopes of a seat in the United Nations dashed, Prime Minister Henry Puna was faced on Wednesday with the task of quelling speculation its UN aspirations had put the country at risk of losing New Zealand citizenship.
PM to lay complaint over story
Thursday 11 June 2015 | Published in Politics
Prime Minister Henry Puna will lay a complaint to the New Zealand Media Council over false information and allegations made by online news website Stuff reporters.
Sitting stirs long-awaited debates
Thursday 11 June 2015 | Published in Politics
Long overdue debates caused tensions to rise and sparks to fly high at the first sitting of parliament yesterday afternoon.
Elderly prefer jail to back tax
Thursday 11 June 2015 | Published in Politics
Cook Islands Grey Power members say they are prepared to go to jail rather than pay back taxes on their New Zealand pensions.
Maggie makes statement in pink
Thursday 11 June 2015 | Published in Politics
Tupapa Member of Parliament George Maggie made a colourful statement at the sitting of Parliament yesterday, choosing to strut his stuff in a bright pink suit.
