Politics
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.
India to boost Pacific funding
Thursday 20 November 2014 | Published in Politics
The Cook Islands will receive almost double its present grant funding from the Government of India, following an announcement by its Leader, Narendra Modi, in Fiji on Monday.
China and India court Pacific nations
Wednesday 19 November 2014 | Published in Politics
Rival suitors India and China step up their courtship of Pacific island nations this week when Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping head to Fiji following the Group of 20 summit in Australia.
Speaker settling into second term in Parliament
Monday 17 November 2014 | Published in Politics
Despite a “rough” start the speaker of the House is looking forward to Parliament resuming, and even more so to the 50th anniversary of Cook Islands independence. Speaker of the House Niki Rattle said despite a tough start to her second term as Speaker of Parliament she is more comfortable in the role. “I always remain impartial, but I always seem to get dragged into the mud – that’s the nature of politics.” But she said she is looking forward to the busy agenda.
Mitiaro votes signed, sealed, delivered
Thursday 13 November 2014 | Published in Politics
Voters went to the polls in Mitiaro on Tuesday to have their say in a by-election that has a Government on a knife’s edge.
Mitiaro still the hot seat
Wednesday 12 November 2014 | Published in Politics
Voters went to the polls in Mitiaro yesterday to have their say in a by-election with the power to define the government or potentially produce a hung parliament.
Mitiaro residents head to the polls
Tuesday 11 November 2014 | Published in Politics
The future of the Cook Islands Party Government is holding onto a slim one-seat majority as the Mitiaro By-Election is set to be the deciding seat in Parliament.
Welfare Act amendments passed
Monday 10 November 2014 | Published in Politics
Parliament has approved amendments to the Welfare Act 1989 now making it easier for local pensioners seeking reinstatement of their pension if they have lost eligibility for being out of the Cook Islands for more than six months.
Relief as budget is passed
Friday 7 November 2014 | Published in Politics
Relief was felt by the Government when the 2014/2015 budget passed with full support from members of both the Cook Islands Party and One Cook Islands Party.
New lineup for Demo Party
Thursday 6 November 2014 | Published in Politics
Leadership in the Democratic Party is a team affair with three names taking up major spots in the party’s frontline.
Government defends budget attacks
Thursday 6 November 2014 | Published in Politics
The Government fought back against criticism from the opposition as the second reading of the latest budget continues.
Aunty Mau elected Demo Deputy Leader
Wednesday 5 November 2014 | Published in Politics
A long-standing Member of Parliament was elected as thenew Democratic Party Deputy Leader in Parliament yesterday.
