Politics
Cabinet finalises 2014-15 budget
Wednesday 22 October 2014 | Published in Politics
The Government has put the final touches on the 2014-15 Budget which will see a small underlying budget surplus in 2014-15, says Minister Mark Brown.
Demos look into Parliament controversy
Wednesday 22 October 2014 | Published in Politics
Democratic Party Leader Wilkie Rasmussen says he is seeking advice on whether further action should be taken regarding the Government’s inaugural sitting of Parliament.
George slams police integrity
Wednesday 22 October 2014 | Published in Politics
Lawyer Norman George is slamming the conduct of police in relation to two key investigations involving two of the nation’s leading politicians.
CIP to appeal Mitiaro decision
Tuesday 21 October 2014 | Published in Politics
The Cook Islands Party has announced it has filed an appeal of a High Court’s decision concerning a petition filed for the constituency of Mitiaro.
Puna congratulates Key on UN security council victory
Monday 20 October 2014 | Published in Politics
Prime Minister Henry Puna has formally congratulated Kiwi counterpart John Key over New Zealand’s successful bid to gain a seat on the United Nation’s security council.
Demo workers victimised: Rasmussen
Saturday 18 October 2014 | Published in Politics
The toxic effects of party politics have crept up in the outer island of Penrhyn, claims Democratic Party Leader Wilkie Rasmussen.
Politics affecting family life in Pa Enua
Friday 17 October 2014 | Published in Politics
Party politics in the outer islands during the recent general elections have had a negative effect on workers and their families, says workers rights advocate Anthony Turua.
PM announces key appointments
Thursday 16 October 2014 | Published in Politics
With the nation’s political situation yet to be solidified, Prime Minister Henry Puna has gone ahead with a number of key appointments.
Political integrity before reform: PM
Wednesday 15 October 2014 | Published in Politics
Politicians must improve their integrity before the nation’s political system can be reformed, says Prime Minister Henry Puna.
Mystery surrounds Bishop's majority
Tuesday 14 October 2014 | Published in Politics
An air of mystery continues to surround a folder displayed last week in Parliament that claims to include the names and signatures of 12 Members of Parliament from three parties, sufficient to form a majority.
Clerk defends Parliament's 'integrity'
Tuesday 14 October 2014 | Published in Politics
Clerk of Parliament John Tangi is defending his fellow staff members amidst mounting criticism after last week’s controversial sitting.
Demo plans long relationship with OCI
Monday 13 October 2014 | Published in Politics
"it will work in one way or another, hand in hand with OCI"- Wilkie Rasmussen
Fresh faces
Friday 10 October 2014 | Published in Politics
The seriousness of politics was cast aside for a portion of Wednesday evening’s inaugural sitting of the 48th session of Parliament.
Pensioners to receive money 'within days'
Friday 10 October 2014 | Published in Politics
A number of embattled pensioners collecting New Zealand superannuation are on the verge of claiming victory after the passing of an income tax amendment by Parliament.
Puna wins confidence of majority of MP's
Friday 10 October 2014 | Published in Politics
Opposition MP’s outraged, call confidence vote ‘illegal’
Demo appeals filed
Thursday 9 October 2014 | Published in Politics
The Democratic Party is hoping it can bolster its presence in Parliament after filing appeals of four petition decisions that were recently handed down by the High Court.According to a Demo statement, the Party is appealing the decision on a petition filed by Party Leader Wilkie Rasmussen – who lost his Penrhyn seat to Willie John of the Cook Islands Party.Petitions have also been filed for the island of Manihiki and the constituencies of Vaipae-Tautu and Tengatangi-Areora. Rasmussen said an appeal for Teenui-Mapumai will be filed next week.The Party says it has sought the services of a New Zealand law firm and members of the Queen’s Counsel, who have identified “some fundamental issues to appeal”. The decision to appeal has been endorsed by the puna committees, caucus, and the Demo executive, said Rasmussen. “I am greatly encouraged by the insights of our lawyers in New Zealand who have read through the respective minutes of the High Court,” said Rasmussen. Out of a total of six petitions heard by the High Court last month, five were dismissed. Only the Demo’s petition contesting the results for the constituency of Tamarua in Mangaia was upheld.The petitions dealt with issues surrounding voter qualification, and contained numerous allegations of bribery and treating, all of which were dismissed apart from one count of bribery upheld in Vaipae-Tautu - implicating victorious Cook Islands Party candidate Mona Ioane.With only nine of the 24 seats in Parliament occupied by the Demos, the appeals represent an opportunity to close in on the CIP’s 12 seats, and possibly for a majority government without the need for a coalition with One Cook Islands. “I believe the Democratic Party will succeed with these appeals and it will then have the majority to govern,” he said. “We stand with great hope and pride that sooner or later we will claim victory and have justice,” said Rasmussen.
New faces in the house for Parliament's first sitting
Thursday 9 October 2014 | Published in Politics
The 48th session of Parliament kicked off yesterday afternoon with the six new Members present in the House.
Rattle re-selected as Speaker
Thursday 9 October 2014 | Published in Politics
Parliamentary Speaker Niki Rattle was chosen yesterday to return for another term as Speaker of the House, but not before some controversy.
Prime Minister Teina Bishop?
Wednesday 8 October 2014 | Published in Politics
The role of Prime Minister and Minister of Finance has been offered to Aitutaki Member of Parliament Teina Bishop under a potential coalition agreement between the Democratic Party and One Cook Islands.
OCI, Demos shrug off CIP allegations
Tuesday 7 October 2014 | Published in Politics
Possible coalition partners, One Cook Islands and the Democratic Party, have shrugged off Prime Minister Henry Puna’s allegations that they are destabilising the Cook Islands Party-led government.