Politics
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.
Handover celebrates China links
Thursday 29 January 2015 | Published in Politics
The special relationship between the People’s Republic of China and the Cook Islands was celebrated yesterday, when more of the $10 million worth of Chinese machinery and other equipment was handed over in a special ceremony.
Shipping cuts unexpected says PM
Wednesday 28 January 2015 | Published in Politics
The cutting of shipping services to Aitutaki from two voyages to one a month came as a complete surprise, says Prime Minister Henry Puna.
ILO director's presence welcomed
Wednesday 28 January 2015 | Published in Politics
Labour mobility will be one of the subjects on the agenda during the Cook Islands Donor Round table Meeting next month, with International Labour Organisation (ILO) director David Lamotte leading discussions.
Panel to review minimum wage
Tuesday 27 January 2015 | Published in Politics
Minister of Internal Affairs Nandi Glassie has confirmed the selection of a panel to conduct this year’s review of the minimum wage rate in the Cook Islands.
New deal with Korean company will expand purse seine fishery
Tuesday 27 January 2015 | Published in Politics
The Cook Islands will expand its purse seine fishery this year through a new initiative approved by Cabinet last week.
Demos call for urgent meeting
Tuesday 27 January 2015 | Published in Politics
A special meeting of the Democratic Party Executive has been called for tomorrow night.
Proposal in pipeline
Tuesday 27 January 2015 | Published in Politics
A controversial proposal that could slash the price of petrol on Rarotonga has been sent back to a government committee before approval is given for public consultation.
Top diplomat to attend handover
Monday 26 January 2015 | Published in Politics
The Chinese ambassador to the Cook Islands, Wang Lutong, will attend a handover ceremony for heavy machinery and pearl industry equipment at the Punanga Nui market on Wednesday this week.
Cabinet set to discuss budget policy in detail
Monday 26 January 2015 | Published in Politics
Most members of Cabinet are staying on Rarotonga this week, set to discuss the latest budget policy statement tomorrow.
Election delays – and future options
Saturday 24 January 2015 | Published in Politics
The continuous delay and impasse from our recent July snap elections and the failure to reach a satisfactory outcome, needs to be critically analysed in order to find some possible solutions for the future.
