Politics
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.
Top-up for disaster fund
Thursday 11 June 2015 | Published in Politics
Finance Minister Mark Brown says an Executive Order will see $300,000 transferred into the Natural Disaster Response Fund in the 2014/15 year, bringing it up to $1 million.
Flight issue needs united front, says PM
Thursday 11 June 2015 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
PRIME Minister Henry Puna has asked Members of Parliament to stop playing ‘politics’ on the issue of Sunday flights to Aitutaki.
No-confidence vote likely
Wednesday 10 June 2015 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
The Opposition will table a vote of no confidence against the Government in Parliament today.
Bid to revive project petition
Wednesday 10 June 2015 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
The Opposition will table a motion in Parliament today to revive the Te Mato Vai project petition.
Budget set for Monday
Wednesday 10 June 2015 | Published in Politics
This year’s Budget will be tabled in Parliament on Monday, June 15.
Business neglect fails the people
Wednesday 10 June 2015 | Published in Politics
The CIP Government has failed all Cook Islanders by not concentrating on developing the business economy, which in turn would provide jobs and opportunities, says Opposition Leader William ‘Smiley Heather.
Extra funds will pay for ICI support
Wednesday 10 June 2015 | Published in Politics
There will be more money in the Budget to provide engineering support for Infrastructure Cook Islands, the Minister for Infrastructure Teariki Heather says.