Politics
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.
Demos win Mitiaro,petition continues
Friday 5 December 2014 | Published in Politics
The Democratic Party has won the Mitiaro Electoral seat by one vote in a recount; however the Court’s warn this is “no more than one step” towards concluding drawn out petition matters.
Frustration grows over Mitiaro re-count
Wednesday 3 December 2014 | Published in Politics
Frustration is growing among politicians as the fate of the infamous Mitiaro electoral seat recount remains unknown, despite a recount last week.
Business as usual for Cabinet ministers
Monday 1 December 2014 | Published in Politics
This week sees Ministers come back down to earth with business as usual and a Cabinet meeting set for Tuesday.
Mitiaro back to recount
Saturday 29 November 2014 | Published in Politics
The Cook Islands’ Chief Justice has struck off a vote in the Mitiaro electorate and ordered a recount.
PM completes diplomatic sweep in Korea
Thursday 27 November 2014 | Published in Politics
The Prime Minister completed his diplomatic sweep of strengthening ties with a string of major development partners this week, contributing to the talks between the Pacific Region and the Republic of Korea.
Mitiaro drama continues
Tuesday 25 November 2014 | Published in Politics
Mitiaro Election drama continues as a High Court date to rehear the petition on the Mitiaro seat has not been set.
PM raises the level of engagement with China
Tuesday 25 November 2014 | Published in Politics
The Cook Islands and China have pledged to work more closely together to strengthen their ties and elevate the level of cooperation to a new level of engagement.
Jet setting cabinet
Monday 24 November 2014 | Published in Politics
The majority of Cabinet is not on the rock this week with many taking advantage of Parliament’s break by attending offshore meetings.
China's president invites Pacific island allies to ride the Chinese 'express train' of development
Monday 24 November 2014 | Published in Politics
China's president has announced a range of initiatives to increase Beijing's engagement with eight countries in the Pacific region.
PM signs off on $4.1 million from China
Monday 24 November 2014 | Published in Politics
The Government of the People’s Republic of China has provided the Cook Islands with a fresh grant of $4.1 million, under the umbrella of economic and technical cooperation between the two countries.
PM signs off on immigration cooperation in the region
Saturday 22 November 2014 | Published in Politics
The Cook Islands has finalised its membership to the Pacific Immigration Directors Conference (PIDC) – the regional body established in the 1990s for cooperative relations between Pacific nations on matters related to border management and control.
CIP win Mitiaro Appeal
Saturday 22 November 2014 | Published in Politics
Three strikes and they’re out – was the message from the Cook Islands Party when their electoral petition on the Mitiaro seat was upheld against a petition by the Democratic Party in the Court of Appeal.
Too much funds for independence party?
Saturday 22 November 2014 | Published in Politics
The significant allocation of funding set aside to celebrate 50 years of independence should be questioned and attention should instead be turned to helping industries such as shipping, say members of the opposition.
Glassie attends conferences in Bangkok
Friday 21 November 2014 | Published in Politics
Ministers have been jet setting this week attending a number of high profile conferences in Bangkok, Thailand.
Petition result expected today
Friday 21 November 2014 | Published in Politics
A highly-anticipated Court of Appeal decision on a controversial appeal against the Mitiaro Election Petition is expected to be announced today.
Diplomatic relations with all Pacific Island Forum members complete
Thursday 20 November 2014 | Published in Politics
The Prime Minister’s action-packed month abroad has seen the formalisation of diplomatic relations with all of the Pacific Island Forum members completed.
