Politics
Cabinet meets for first time in 2015
Monday 19 January 2015 | Published in Politics
The Government is preparing for its first Cabinet meeting of the year, to be held on Rarotonga tomorrow. Prime Minister Henry Puna announced the meeting last week and also agreed to a post-Cabinet press conference. It is expected topics will include upcoming legislative changes such as the Family Law Bill and the New Crime Act, both hoped to target family violence. All Ministers have indicated they will be staying on Rarotonga next week. The PM will attend a number of international meetings this year, but details are yet to be finalised.
Complaint to be investigated
Monday 19 January 2015 | Published in Politics
After a delay of five months the ombudsman has decided to investigate a CINews request for information from the Ministry of Marine Resources about a secret out of court settlement involving illegal fishing.
Campaign kicks off
Monday 19 January 2015 | Published in Politics
The Democratic Party and One Cook Islands (OCI) coalition launched their “Together for Kete Ioane” campaign on Wednesday night in Aitutaki.
Energy role comes to end
Monday 19 January 2015 | Published in Politics
Despite major progress made to power the Cook Islands with solar energy, the departure of the country’s Energy Commissioner has left the government trying to work out its next move in powering the country with solar energy.
Coalition option 'attractive'
Friday 16 January 2015 | Published in Politics
Prime Minister Henry Puna aims for unity in the community Prime Minister Henry Puna says he is not ruling out any political options in 2015 – including working with the Opposition to form a coalition Government with the Democratic Party.
Bishop case nears closure
Friday 16 January 2015 | Published in Politics
The drawn-out investigation into One Cook Islands Leader Teina Bishop may finally be drawing to a close and a decision could be reached within two weeks, says Police Commissioner Maara Tetava.
Self-government party cost 'excessive'
Wednesday 14 January 2015 | Published in Politics
The year-long celebrations planned to mark 50 years of self-government in the Cook Islands should be cut back to just three months, says Opposition Leader William ‘Smiley’ Heather Jnr.
Bishop confident of by-election win
Tuesday 13 January 2015 | Published in Politics
Confidence is key in the Aitutaki by-election, and the One Cook Islands Democratic Party coalition is certain they have what it takes to win, potentially gaining the ability to form a new Government.
Travel spending details could be available soon
Monday 12 January 2015 | Published in Politics
More up-to-date details of MPs’ travel spending are set to be released after the PM’s decision to lift the ban on public disclosure of civil list travel figures.
Ministers playing the waiting game
Monday 12 January 2015 | Published in Politics
With no Cabinet and Parliament sittings planned, Ministers are back to business as they wait for the February by-election in Aitutaki.
Demos ponder Ioane complaint
Monday 12 January 2015 | Published in Politics
The Democratic Party is considering whether to lodge a formal complaint to police against the Cook Islands Party candidate in the Vaipae-Tautu by-election, Mona Ioane, after he was found guilty of bribery by the Court of Appeal.
Budget blowout ahead predicts Demo leader
Monday 12 January 2015 | Published in Politics
Prime Minister Henry Puna’s ‘self-preservation postures’ show a man far removed from the reality of the financial situation of this country, the Democratic Party claims.
PM confident on year ahead
Friday 9 January 2015 | Published in Politics
Despite the volatile current political situation, Prime Minister Henry Puna says he is confident about his position and his ability to remain the country’s leader for the year ahead.
Muri needs helping hand
Friday 9 January 2015 | Published in Politics
Ngatangiia MP Tamaiva Tuavera says he has been wrongly criticised about infrastructure neglect in Muri.
Immigration policy set for revamp
Thursday 8 January 2015 | Published in Politics
Transparency is the key to the future of the Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, with new legislation and policies set to be implemented this year.
Strict rules regulate use of government vehicles
Wednesday 7 January 2015 | Published in Politics
Contrary to what some people appear to believe, public servants who drive Cook Islands government vehicles must abide by strict rules, says Public Service Commissioner Russell Thomas.
Now it's roadworks, by George!
Wednesday 7 January 2015 | Published in Politics
When Tupapa-Maraerenga MP George Maggie got fed up with waiting for repairs to be made on the rain-damaged road near his home, he decided to take matters into his own hands, got out his spade and did the work himself.
Political stability first priority for PM
Tuesday 6 January 2015 | Published in Politics
Prime Minister Henry Puna says his first priority is to provide a secure and stable government.
Government gift much appreciated by elderly
Monday 5 January 2015 | Published in Politics
In a well-established annual tradition, Cook Islands welfare beneficiaries have again received a Christmas gift from the government in the form of a $50 bonus.
Rasmussen calls out PM on 'sneak' mission to Mangaia
Monday 5 January 2015 | Published in Politics
Desperation drove Prime Minister Henry Puna to fly to Mangaia last Friday to try and persuade all three of the Mangaia MPs to join his government, alleges Democratic Party leader Wilkie Rasmussen.
