Politics
Budget share is unfair: MP
Friday 19 June 2015 | Published in Politics
For a ‘customer-based budget’, the Appropriation Bill 2015/2016 leaves shoppers unsatisfied.
Coalition parties end speculation
Friday 19 June 2015 | Published in Politics
The announcement in Parliament this week by Teina Bishop that One Cook Islands (OCI) has formed and alliance with the Democratic Party (Demo) in a Coalition Partnership has ended speculation about the One Cook Islands party’s political intentions and the future role and direction the coalition will play in anticipation of a future change of government.
Coalition against flight ban
Thursday 18 June 2015 | Published in Politics
The Democratic Party and One Cook Islands coalition has finally announced its stance on Sunday flights to Aitutaki.
UN push nothing to do with aid, says PM
Thursday 18 June 2015 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
PRIME Minister Henry Puna says the pursuit of United Nations membership for the Cook Islands has nothing to do with foreign aid.
Puna pushes purse seining
Thursday 18 June 2015 | Published in Politics
The Prime Minister hoped to put the purse seine fishing issue to rest in parliament yesterday, but the Opposition was not convinced.
Fishing ban no solution says Brown
Thursday 18 June 2015 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Politics
THE purse seining protest is yet to be tabled in parliament but the Government has made its intentions on the issue clear.
No-confidence motion waits
Thursday 18 June 2015 | Published in Politics
A motion from Opposition leader William ‘Smiley Heather expressing no confidence in Cabinet has appeared on the Order Paper in Parliament since Monday and will remain on there unless Heather decides to bring it into the House or withdraws it, says Murienua MP James Beer.
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.
