Politics
NZ 'super' change finally comes a step closer
Wednesday 6 May 2015 | Published in Politics
A bill aimed at extending access to New Zealand Superannuation and the Veteran’s Pension to people living in the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau has passed its second reading.
'Pleased to meet you, Prime Minister…'
Wednesday 6 May 2015 | Published in Politics
Newly-appointed New Zealand High Commissioner to the Cook Islands Nick Hurley (left) officially met Prime Minister Henry Puna yesterday in a meeting described as ‘warm and friendly’.
Long-awaited fishing meeting may come 'soon'
Tuesday 5 May 2015 | Published in Politics
After more than a year of trying to set up a meeting with Prime Minister Henry Puna to discuss issues surrounding purse seining in Cook Islands waters, Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) technical director Kelvin Passfield is optimistic that a meeting will happen ‘soon’.
It's time we called a spade, a spade
Monday 4 May 2015 | Published in Politics
I was somewhat bemused when the Prime Minister announced that Mona Ioane, the re-elected MP for Vaipae-Tautu Aitutaki in the by-election there recently, cannot be appointed as a Cabinet Minister because he is the subject of a police investigation for corruption.
Prime Minister back to business
Monday 4 May 2015 | Published in Politics
With Prime Minister Henry Puna back on the rock it will be a busy week for Cabinet.
Peters supports Cook Islands bid for NZ super
Sunday 3 May 2015 | Published in Politics
New Zealand First wants a law change so Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau residents are not required to live five years over the age of 50 in New Zealand to be eligible for NZ Super.
Demos disappointed with cost of living rejection
Sunday 3 May 2015 | Published in Politics
Leader of the Opposition William ‘Smiley’ Heather says he is disappointed that Financial Secretary Richard Neves has rejected any review of public sector wages against rises in the cost of living.
'Captain Tama' new Demo deputy
Sunday 3 May 2015 | Published in Politics
Political reform is top on the agenda for the new deputy leader of the Cook Islands’ main opposition party.
Electoral officer monitors UK elections
Friday 1 May 2015 | Published in Politics
The Cook Islands chief electoral officer has headed to Glasgow to monitor voting in the United Kingdom’s general election.
Minimum wage to increase to $6.25
Thursday 30 April 2015 | Published in Politics
Workers dreams of increasing the Cook Islands minimum wage to be on par with New Zealand and Australia took a small step in the right direction yesterday.
Minister gets familiar with disability needs
Thursday 30 April 2015 | Published in Politics
Newly appointed Minister of Internal Affairs Albert Nicholas has familiarised himself with the work and programmes being delivered by the disability division during a recent ministerial visit.
Brushing shoulders with Bainimarama
Thursday 30 April 2015 | Published in Politics
On Tuesday (local time) a group of Cook Islands politicians got the chance to brush shoulders with Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama.
PM hopes to fast track Apii Nikao
Wednesday 29 April 2015 | Published in Politics
Prime Minister Henry Puna hopes to fast track the construction of Apii Nikao, working with China to come up with the best way forward for the uncertain future of the school.
Cabinet defers until next week
Wednesday 29 April 2015 | Published in Politics
Cabinet ministers who met yesterday have decided to defer most matters until the return of Prime Minister Henry Puna next week.
Catches fluctuate daily – MMR
Tuesday 28 April 2015 | Published in Politics
The Ministry of Marine Resources believes the withdrawal of sponsorship for the Cook Islands Game Fishing Club’s annual Weighmaster’s Fishing Competition is unfortunate.
Mona Ioane will not join Cabinet – PM
Monday 27 April 2015 | Published in Politics
It is not proper for Cook Islands Party Member of Parliament for Vaipae-Tautu Mona Ioane to be a cabinet minister while currently under police investigation.
Low voter turnout for referendum
Monday 27 April 2015 | Published in Politics
Results of Wednesday’s controversial Sunday flights to Aitutaki referendum had a low voter turnout and Vaipae-Tautu had the highest turnout of voters.
Purse seine protest gains traction
Monday 27 April 2015 | Published in Politics
After a whirlwind effort at the protest on Friday, purse seine protestors are continuing to make waves across the country in a push for a total ban on the controversial fishing industry in the Cook Islands.
PM's veiled majority margin wears thinner?
Monday 27 April 2015 | Published in Politics
He’s not exactly my favourite singer but Kenny Rogers has belted out some lyrics telling stories of tears and hardship.
PM, Brown off the rock
Monday 27 April 2015 | Published in Politics
Cabinet will be missing both the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance this week.