Politics
Bishop investigation drags on, but police decline to comment
Monday 29 December 2014 | Published in Politics
An investigation into Aitutaki MP Teina Bishop is continuing and it appears no progress has been made on a case that has dragged on for almost two years.
Act gives you right to appeal denial of official information
Monday 29 December 2014 | Published in Politics
The Cook Islands Law Society through a number of planned articles aims to share information and explanations on laws that impact on people in their everyday lives.
BCI move to NZ payments system could have wide-ranging benefits
Monday 29 December 2014 | Published in Politics
Minister of Finance Mark Brown is appointing a team to look into the feasibility of the Bank of the Cook Islands (BCI) joining the New Zealand payments system.
Troubled' party to appeal again
Wednesday 24 December 2014 | Published in Politics
Just when you thought the electoral petition drama was over, the Cook Islands Party has announced plans to appeal High Court decision on Mitiaro.
Date set for February by-election
Wednesday 24 December 2014 | Published in Politics
A date has been set to decide the last seat in parliament, hopefully signalling an end to months of waiting and speculation over the final outcome of the general election.
QR declines to make comment
Tuesday 23 December 2014 | Published in Politics
Queens Representative Tom Marsters has no comment to make on the latest round of political wrangling says his official secretary, Anthony Brown.
Henry Puna – 'I'm here to stay'
Tuesday 23 December 2014 | Published in Politics
Prime Minister Henry Puna has finally broken his silence on threats against his government by the Democratic Party, alleging he is here to stay.
Bishop in line to be next Prime Minister
Saturday 20 December 2014 | Published in Politics
One Cook Islands leader Teina Bishop could be the leader of a Government in the making if a coalition between One Cook Islands and the Democratic Party is accepted, ending the reign of the Cook Islands Party.
Norman asks the crucial question
Friday 19 December 2014 | Published in Politics
If they want to form a government the Democratic Party must act quickly or face the dissolution of parliament, says a lawyer and political veteran.
Demo caucus consider next move
Thursday 18 December 2014 | Published in Politics
The Democratic Party caucus and party leader Wilkie Rasmussen met today in a closed session to discuss the “way from here” in the wake of Tuesday’s court decisions.
Demos to form a Government?
Wednesday 17 December 2014 | Published in Politics
Following yesterday’s petition decisions the Democratic Party is confident it can form a Government to oust the Cook Islands Party.
Christmas comes early for Demos as Vaipai-Tautu takes the spotlight
Wednesday 17 December 2014 | Published in Politics
Just when everyone thought it was all over, the future of the Government now rests on a by-election in Aitutaki.
Govt's future down to two voters
Tuesday 16 December 2014 | Published in Politics
The future of the Cook Islands Government still hangs in the balance, resting on the eligibility of two voters as the Mitiaro Election Hearing continues today.
Politicians wait for the 'crunch'
Monday 15 December 2014 | Published in Politics
Although the year winds down for Christmas, it is also crunch time for Government.
Crucial hearing looms...
Saturday 13 December 2014 | Published in Politics
With the Mitiaro Petition High Court Hearing set to start on Monday, many are asking whether the Cook Islands will have a new Government by Christmas.
Busy day at Government House
Thursday 11 December 2014 | Published in Politics
Government House was buzzing with activity yesterday as Queen’s Representative Tom Marsters and his wife Tuaine accepted the credentials of two new foreign diplomats.
Close to Christmas, Cabinet staying home
Tuesday 9 December 2014 | Published in Politics
Most of Cabinet is sitting tight in Rarotonga this week with business as usual as the Christmas wrap up draws near.
Government anti-corruption processes in place
Monday 8 December 2014 | Published in Politics
Financial Secretary Richard Neves says government agencies in the Cook Islands are not resting on their laurels when it comes to preventing corruption around procurement. Neves was speaking on International Anti-Corruption Day – a United Nations initiative which supports the United Nations Convention Against Corruption. “Corruption is a problem in all countries, some more so than others. We have a good reputation internationally and we work hard to maintain that reputation. “But by ensuring we have robust systems and processes in place we reduce opportunities for corruption. “If there is any sign of corruption it is imperative that it is handled appropriately, sending a clear message that such behaviour is just unacceptable.” Neves cited the government’s procurement portal (procurement.gov.ck) as a good example of the government’s anti-corruption practice. “This website is accessible to all, and has been updated to allow people to easily see what tenders are underway, which ones have just closed, and, once awarded, who the successful tenderer was and for how much. All government agencies are required to put their tenders on the procurement portal. “Often I get complaints that procurement processes take time and hold up work. Yes the process is probably not as quick as what would happen in the private sector where people sit down and work it out quickly between them. “But we don’t manage our own money, we manage public money and the public needs to be confident that value for money is being obtained by government with their money.” Neves said the government had put a complaints procedure in place so members of the public could raise any concerns about procurement directly. The procurement guidelines outlined the process and easy to fill out forms that would enable the public to raise their concerns.
Government to educate public on 'anti-corruption'
Monday 8 December 2014 | Published in Politics
The Government is using today’s International Anti-Corruption Day to help the public understand how they can help keep the Cook Islands to be corruption-free.
Pension back tax is bad business: Demo
Friday 5 December 2014 | Published in Politics
One voice, one choice, no back tax. Continuing to back tax pensioners after a wealth of controversy is just bad business, says the Democratic Party finance spokesperson.
