Politics
Minister Mokoroa defends Brisbane trip, emphasises youth commitment
Monday 7 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Politics
Minister Vaine “Mac” Mokoroa has defended his recent trip to Brisbane, Australia, to attend a church youth conference, emphasising the government’s commitment to Cook Islands youth.
New Zealand provides over $2 million in salary support to Cook Islands
Monday 16 September 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in BREAKING NEWS, National, Politics
New Zealand has provided over $2 million in salary support to the Cook Islands since 2020, funding various positions in government agencies and supporting initiatives in health, education, tourism, climate change and public sector strengthening.
Select committee to table interim report on Constitutional Amendment Bills
Monday 16 September 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament, Politics
The Constitutional Review Special Select Committee will table its Interim Report on its consultation work on the three Constitutional Amendment Bills already completed in Rarotonga (Te-Au-O-Tonga, Puaikura and Takitumu), Aitutaki, Mangaia and Nga-Pu-Toru.
Aitutaki’s ‘winds of change’ blow for gender equality: Browne
Saturday 14 September 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Education, Local, National, Outer Islands, Parliament, Politics
Opposition leader Tina Browne has hailed Aitutaki’s Island Council election a success, noting a significant increase in the number of women elected as council members.
Ngatangiia MP aims to revitalise Muri with police and public toilet
Thursday 12 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Politics
Plans are in place for Ngatangiia and Muri to revive their police post and build public toilets, but both projects depend on funding, according to their Member of Parliament, Tukaka Ama.
PM addresses water issues in Constitution Day speech
Tuesday 6 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Local, National, Politics
Cook Islands celebrated its 59th Constitution Day on Sunday, marked by remarkable milestones highlighting the country’s successful self-governance journey, while the Prime Minister addressed the current water tariff issue amidst global and regional turmoil.
Public Accounts Committee to elect chair and deputy ‘following Standing Orders’
Monday 24 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament, Politics
Public Accounts Committee’s newly appointed chair Teokatai Herman confirmed that the committee will be convening soon to elect both the chair and deputy chair, following the proper process outlined in the Standing Orders.
Demos have ‘no desire’ to rejoin Government-dominated Public Accounts Committee, says Browne
Wednesday 19 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament, Politics
Opposition leader Tina Browne says the Democratic Party MPs have no desire to re-join the ‘Cook Islands Party/Coalition Public Accounts Committee’ after resigning last month over difference of opinion.
Opposition discusses returning to PAC, but concerns remain
Saturday 15 June 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in National, Parliament, Politics
The Democratic Party MPs will be meeting today to discuss the possibility of rejoining the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) after resigning last month over the appointment of the new chair.
Opposition MPs walk out of PAC over chair appointment
Friday 31 May 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Features, National, Parliament, Politics
The three Opposition Members of Parliament have quit the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) over the appointment of the new chair, leaving four Government MPs reviewing the Appropriation Bill 2024-25.
Bill to safeguard Manatua Cable passed with fines up to $250,000
Monday 20 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament, Politics
A monetary fine will be imposed on anyone who breaches the Manatua Cable Protection Bill 2024.
Parliament clerk Vainerere explains bill process
Monday 20 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament, Politics
Clerk of Parliament Tangata Vainerere says there is a process for each bill that goes through Parliament before it becomes law.
‘I vow to be a fierce advocate for our needs’: MP Tapaitau
Thursday 16 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Parliament, Politics
Independent candidate Sarakura Tapaitau was sworn in as the new MP for Penrhyn/Tongareva and has pledged to represent the people’s interests.
Chamber calls out ‘favouritism’ in Cryptocurrency Recovery Bill
Thursday 18 April 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in National, Parliament, Politics
Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce is concerned the Tainted Cryptocurrency Recovery Bill gives preferential treatment to a USA company Drumcliffe to do business in the Cook Islands.
Minister Elikana meets NZ Deputy Prime Minister
Friday 22 March 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in National, Parliament, Politics
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Tingika Elikana paid a courtesy call on New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters in Wellington yesterday.
Wichman decides against petition
Wednesday 20 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Politics
The Cook Islands Party candidate has decided against filing a petition for the Penrhyn seat after earlier saying her team was reviewing the election process and roll following the by-election on Tuesday last week.
Public Accounts Committee members in Wellington for study visit
Tuesday 19 March 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in National, Parliament, Politics
Cook Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand Kairangi Samuela welcomed the Cook Islands Public Accounts Committee delegation upon their arrival to Te Whanganui a Tara, Wellington over the weekend.
Sarakura declared new Penrhyn MP
Saturday 16 March 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in National, Outer Islands, Politics
The wife of the former deputy prime minister, recently convicted of corruption charges and awaiting sentencing, is the new Member of Parliament for Penrhyn.
Tapaitau tops preliminary count
Wednesday 13 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Outer Islands, Politics
The preliminary results of the Penrhyn by-election held yesterday shows a close race between Sarakura Tapaitau, wife of the former MP, and Cook Islands Party candidate Vaine Wichman.
Penrhyn ‘ready to vote’
Tuesday 12 March 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Politics
Voters in the Cook Islands’ northern group island of Penrhyn head to the polls today for a by-election.
