Economy
PM Brown calls for debt relief for climate-impacted small island states
Monday 30 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Environment, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown has expressed disappointment over the lack of progress in climate change negotiations, particularly the failure of major emitting countries to meet their carbon emissions targets and financial commitments.
Government focuses on growth and cost of living in 2025
Friday 27 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National, Politics
Prime Minister Mark Brown has outlined the Cook Islands Government’s key priorities for the upcoming year, focusing on continued economic growth, infrastructure development and addressing the cost of living.
Families navigate inflation, businesses stock up for festive season
Tuesday 24 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, Economy, Local, National
As Christmas approaches, local families and businesses in Rarotonga are feeling the seasonal buzz. While the island’s shops are busy preparing for the influx of shoppers, families are making sure they have everything needed for the festive season.
Cook Islands debt surpasses quarter billion mark with new ADB loan
Saturday 21 December 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands has signed a US$30 million (NZ$49.7m) loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) “to manage its debt and cash portfolios over the coming years”.
Bank urges caution against scams during festive season
Friday 20 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Business, Economy, National
With the festive season underway, ANZ Cook Islands is reminding customers in the Pacific to be vigilant against scammers who take advantage of this busy time of year.
Cook Islands aims to future-proof tourism with legislative overhaul
Saturday 14 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
Cook Islands Tourism Corporation is undertaking a legislative review to modernise the tourism framework, aligning it with sustainable tourism practices and addressing challenges like workforce development and destination management.
Tribunal revokes price order, raises fuel costs after ‘error’
Thursday 12 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, Economy, National
The Price Tribunal has issued a new price order for petrol and diesel almost a month after issuing the previous one, increasing wholesale and retail prices across the board.
Cooks delegation returns from roundtable talks
Saturday 7 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
Australia recently hosted a Cook Islands delegation, under a tailored programme themed around connectivity, with delegates traveling to Sydney, Uluru, Canberra, Brisbane, and Lady Elliot Island to share perspectives and strengthen ties.
Controversy over water bills- Tourism Industry Council calls for ‘dry run’
Friday 29 November 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Tourism
The Tourism Industry Council has suggested that the first water bill issued this month be treated as a ‘dry run’ due to concerns about the fairness and transparency of the new water billing system.
Feeling the heat: Consumers shocked by massive gas price hike
Thursday 28 November 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National
The price of LPG cooking gas has significantly increased due to various factors including delayed freight supply and ongoing inflation, impacting businesses and consumers.
RMD ‘system error’ annoys taxpayer
Saturday 23 November 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
A businessman in Rarotonga is annoyed with the Cook Islands tax department for a taxation blunder they’re calling a ‘system error’.
Trade policy framework revised after nearly a decade
Tuesday 19 November 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National
The Cook Islands Trade Policy Framework (TPF), last reviewed in 2015, is undergoing a revision to reflect the country’s evolving economic priorities.
Airline on-time reliability and worst cancellations revealed
Monday 18 November 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
The reliability of Air New Zealand and Jetstar flights has seen improvement as spring approaches, though around 20 per cent of flights remain delayed, with a notable number of cancellations.
Govt consultations in NZ for Cook Islanders
Friday 15 November 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, Environment, National, New Zealand, Regional
The Cook Islands Government, led by Prime Minister Mark Brown, is preparing to engage with Cook Islands communities across Aotearoa New Zealand from November 18 to 22 in a week-long diaspora consultation.
Cooks and Australia superannuation MOU
Friday 15 November 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands government has signed a superannuation agreement with Australia allowing returning Cook Islanders to retire and transfer their superannuation savings easily to the Cook Islands National Superannuation Fund.
Shared Cook Islands and France legacy honoured
Thursday 14 November 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) Secretary, Tepaeru Herrmann, met with Her Excellency Laurence Beau, Ambassador of the French Republic to the Cook Islands, at MFAI offices yesterday.
BCI signs with the Green Climate Fund
Monday 11 November 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, Local, National
Bank of the Cook Islands (BCI) is now accredited as a National Direct Access Entity accredited for Project management and on-lending and/or blending (for loans) following a signing ceremony at the Green Climate Fund (GCF) headquarters in South Korea.
Cook Islands host visits from Chile and Cuba
Monday 11 November 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
Chile and Cuba share longstanding ties with the Pacific region, and an accreditation ceremony for both countries was held last week reflecting the Cook Islands’ commitment to enhancing its diplomatic and cooperative relations with both nations.
First Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO) Council Meeting in Cook Islands
Saturday 9 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National, Pacific Islands, Regional, Technology, Tourism
Council members of the Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO) from 16 Pacific States gathered in the Cook Islands for the first time for the fourth PASO Council Meeting on November 4-6.
Investment forum oversees assets of $100b
Saturday 9 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
The two-day Pacific Islands Investment Forum (PIIF) opened on Tuesday serving as a platform for stakeholders across the Pacific Islands to gather, share insights, and work together on investment opportunities that can drive sustainable growth in the region. Together, the PIIF industry group of 20 Superannuation, Provident, Trust, and Sovereign Funds in 12 countries across […]
