Politics
Petitions go high-tech, saving thousands
Wednesday 3 September 2014 | Published in Politics
Tens of thousands of dollars will be saved in charter costs after an announcement by the Cook Islands High Court that it will be using Skype when electoral petitions are heard for Manihiki and Penrhyn.
Countdown to the New Zealand election
Monday 1 September 2014 | Published in Politics
With only three weeks to go until the New Zealand election, the High Commission has issued a guide for voters in the Cook Islands.
Election: Petitions begin Monday
Saturday 30 August 2014 | Published in Politics
Finalisation of the next government of the Cook Islands is imminent, with the beginning of the High Court’s petition hearings next week.
Politics behind suspensions in Atiu?
Friday 29 August 2014 | Published in Politics
Democratic Party Leader Wilkie Rasmussen is alleging three public servants in Atiu have been suspended to intimidate them into not participating in next week’s petition hearings.
CIP ship is sinking, says Opposition
Saturday 23 August 2014 | Published in Politics
Democratic Party leader Wilkie Rasmussen says a government announcement of heavy machinery destined for the outer islands is part of the Cook Islands Party’s broader post-petition agenda.
Puna to attend conference in Apia
Friday 22 August 2014 | Published in Politics
The Cook Islands has a long-standing commitment to participating in the upcoming Small Island Developing States Conference in Samoa, says caretaker Prime Minister Henry Puna.
Puna to attend office opening in Auckland
Thursday 21 August 2014 | Published in Politics
Caretaker Prime Minister Henry Puna has been invited by non-governmental organisation Conservation International to attend the opening of their New Zealand office.
Election: Petition likely in Mitiaro
Wednesday 20 August 2014 | Published in Politics
Mitiaro’s next Member of Parliament could be decided by the High Court, as it appears the island’s election results will be the subject of two petitions.
Money on three more election petitions
Saturday 16 August 2014 | Published in Politics
Security costs have been paid for three more petitions, including two that will decide the political fates of Prime Minister Henry Puna and Opposition Leader Wilkie Rasmussen.
Demos continue support for Rasmussen
Friday 15 August 2014 | Published in Politics
The Democratic Party is firmly behind the leadership of Wilkie Rasmussen, reads a statement released yesterday by the party.
CIP unhappy with Puna as leader?
Friday 15 August 2014 | Published in Politics
Discord within the Cook Islands Party is growing as members are unhappy with the leadership of caretaker Prime Minister Henry Puna, says a newly-elected Democratic Party Member of Parliament.
Budget preparations just 'groundwork'
Thursday 14 August 2014 | Published in Politics
The Secretary of Finance has issued comments clarifying the current budget process, amidst criticism that the caretaker government is overstepping its authority.
Election: Bills and petitions stack up
Tuesday 12 August 2014 | Published in Politics
More than a quarter of a million dollars is likely to have been spent on determining the next government of the Cook Islands.
Election: Two petitions pulled
Monday 11 August 2014 | Published in Politics
The Democratic Party has fronted up with security costs for three of eight possible petitions it has indicated it intends to pursue in the High Court.
Govt preparing 'holding' budget
Saturday 9 August 2014 | Published in Politics
The Cook Islands Party government hopes it will be able to table a budget in an upcoming session of Parliament scheduled for early October.
Election: Baker withdraws petition
Saturday 9 August 2014 | Published in Politics
Akaoa candidate for the Democratic Party Nooroa Baker has withdrawn his electoral petition, claiming legal proceedings would have had a negative effect on families in the constituency.
Election: Mangaia appeal could change result
Tuesday 5 August 2014 | Published in Politics
A court appeal on the eligibility of two electors in Tamarua will be decided by the end of the month, potentially flipping the final result.
Demo campaigning 'refreshing'
Friday 1 August 2014 | Published in Politics
The Democratic Party has hit back at comments made by Prime Minister Henry Puna.
Election: Lawyers face potential costs
Thursday 31 July 2014 | Published in Politics
Lawyers representing election candidates who have lodged petitions are being told by the High Court they could be on the hook financially for fraud allegations made “without proper basis”.
Wait for court hearings, says Minister
Wednesday 30 July 2014 | Published in Politics
Health Minister Nandi Glassie is urging people to refrain from making public comments about the electoral petitions until justice has taken its course.
