Politics
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.
Te kura OIA e to'ou tika'anga
Monday 6 October 2014 | Published in Politics
E ture ta tatou ko te Kura OIA Kavamani 2008 koia te Official Information Act 2008.
OIA – a change in culture from secrecy to openness
Monday 6 October 2014 | Published in Politics
The Cook Islands Law Society through a number of planned articles will share information and explanations on laws that impact on people in their everyday lives.
CIP remains solid despite rumours
Monday 6 October 2014 | Published in Politics
Prime Minister Henry Puna has quashed rumours of an internal split within his government saying in a statement yesterday that the Cook Islands Party remains solid and confident.
Seized money to be returned: Puna
Monday 6 October 2014 | Published in Politics
A law change to return the seized money from the bank accounts of pensioners will be tabled and dealt with on Wednesday when Parliament resumes under the leadership of Prime Minister Henry Puna says a statement from his office.
CIP united ahead of Parliament sitting
Saturday 4 October 2014 | Published in Politics
The 12 elected Members of Parliament representing the Cook Islands Party will be going into next Wednesday’s scheduled sitting of the House as a united force, says the Party’s President.
Budget bill nowhere in sight
Friday 3 October 2014 | Published in Politics
Preparing and tabling a budget is expected to be the first order of business for an upcoming sitting of Parliament, but it appears the Government has other plans in the works.
Brown brushes up with Brunei's royalty
Wednesday 1 October 2014 | Published in Politics
Takuvaine Member of Parliament Mark Brown travelled to Brunei earlier this month to attend a regional telecommunications meeting.
