Politics
Civil list budget at zero, says Heather
Monday 9 February 2015 | Published in Politics
The civil list budget has been blown out and overspent because of Ministers’ high travel costs, says Democratic Party deputy leader and Leader of the Opposition, William “Smiley” Heather.
Meeting keeps Ministers here
Monday 9 February 2015 | Published in Politics
Cabinet Ministers will be on Rarotonga this week, as not to miss a vital opportunity to mix and mingle with development partners at the 2015 Development Partner’s meeting.
PM's welcome to launch big week
Monday 9 February 2015 | Published in Politics
While the 2015 Development Partners annual meeting starts its main sessions tomorrow, February 10, there will be an opportunity for participants to mix and mingle tonight.
Meeting checks labour issues
Monday 9 February 2015 | Published in Politics
The link between the movement of Cook Islanders overseas and the impact on our labour force will be discussed at this week’s Development Partners meeting next week.
Have your say on minimum wage
Friday 6 February 2015 | Published in Politics
All workers in the Cook Islands are being urged to have their say on the minimum wage review.
Pipeline plan up for comment
Friday 6 February 2015 | Published in Politics
A controversial proposal for an “over-the-reef” pipeline that may drastically drop the price of petrol is now out for public consultation.
Last-minute entries boost award nominations
Friday 6 February 2015 | Published in Politics
After getting off to a slow start the 2015 Development Awards to celebrate 50 years or development since self-government in 1965, attracted nearly 70 nomination forms covering over 110 nominations, some of them covering several decades.
Kete in NZ for treatment
Friday 6 February 2015 | Published in Politics
The Democratic Party has confirmed their candidate for the upcoming Vaipae-Tautu by-election is in New Zealand seeking medical treatment.
Puna has busy time
Friday 6 February 2015 | Published in Politics
Prime Minister Henry Puna had a busy time in New Zealand this week, including a meeting with the ambassador of the Czech Republic.
Donation criticism is 'naive'
Thursday 5 February 2015 | Published in Politics
Criticism by Opposition MPs of China’s donation of heavy machinery for the outer islands shows naivety and lack of understanding, says Minister of Finance Mark Brown.
Machinery 'gift' raises questions
Tuesday 3 February 2015 | Published in Politics
In the wake of more than $6 million worth of heavy machinery being handed over to the Cook Islands by the Government of China last week, questions are being asked about the motives behind the generous gifts.
Fishing deal may be long-term
Tuesday 3 February 2015 | Published in Politics
The Ministry of Marine Resources hopes a historic bilateral purse seine fishing arrangement between South Korea and the Cook Islands worth an estimated $4 million will turn into a longer term partnership.
Minimum wage panel wants your ideas
Monday 2 February 2015 | Published in Politics
The Minimum Wage Review Panel has produced an Issues Paper for public consultation.
Bishop still waiting for some answers
Monday 2 February 2015 | Published in Politics
Sitting with Teina Bishop at Aitutaki Village, it is hard to imagine that 12 months ago today the New Zealand Serious Fraud Office were conducting a raid on his home in Aitutaki.
PM takes knife to travel budget
Monday 2 February 2015 | Published in Politics
VFebruary will be a month of budget planning and tightening the belt for Cabinet, as the Prime Minister announces it is time to cut down civil list spending.
All hands on deck in Murienua
Saturday 31 January 2015 | Written by Supplied | Published in Politics
The people of Murienua got down and dirty for the good of their community last weekend, urgently cleaning out the Muri a Vai to improve the health and safety of their homes.
Change will be 'super' news for pensioners
Saturday 31 January 2015 | Published in Politics
The Cook Islands Government wants New Zealand to allow Cook Islanders who return to their home country before turning 50 to apply for their superannuation from the Cook Islands once they turn 65, instead of first having to live in New Zealand for at least five years.
'Confident' Demos set their date
Friday 30 January 2015 | Published in Politics
The Democratic Party caucus say they are united and stronger that ever before, despite an urgent meeting that was called on Wednesday night.
Award nominations needed right now
Friday 30 January 2015 | Published in Politics
Minister of Finance Mark Brown is encouraging Cook Islanders to think hard and get their nominations in for a series of special awards to celebrate 50 years of development.
Funding major boost for local agriculture
Friday 30 January 2015 | Published in Politics
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has entered into an arrangement with the Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce to provide $180,000 worth of funding support for local agriculture.