Articles by Emmanuel Samoglou

2018 and 2019 Audit report highlights recurring issues

Wednesday 17 March 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National

Recurring issues such as poor record keeping, scant evidence, and limiting access to auditors, continue to prevent the Cook Islands Audit Office from endorsing the government’s financial position.

Demos reject calls for decade-long ban on seabed mining in policy flip

Wednesday 17 March 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Environment, National

Following a recent public consultation in the northern group and an internal policy review, the Opposition Democratic Party has come out against a ten-year moratorium on seabed mining.

LETTERS: Religious Advisory Council responds, CIP questions CI News journalism ethics

Tuesday 16 March 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in

Dear Editor Ghost questioner on RAC’s (Religious Advisory Council) editorial on 13/03/21 totally lacks perception and discernment and keeps contradicting him/herself all throughout. The tone and mood of all the ramblings is like that of a spoiled and naughty kid been locked up in an attic for a long time. Can’t even tell if a […]

KATA: Te Maeva Nui in NZ

Tuesday 16 March 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Kata, Opinion

PM’s tour sparks bubble hopes

Tuesday 16 March 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National

As pressure builds from tourism industry stakeholders to establish a travel bubble with New Zealand, the Prime Minister has announced his first official visit to Aotearoa to meet with counterpart Jacinda Ardern.

Healthcare facility planned for Tongareva

Tuesday 16 March 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in National, Outer Islands

Government is aiming to improve the quality of healthcare on the northern group island of Penrhyn with the construction of a new medical centre.

Nineteen witnesses expected in high profile charter flight case involving PM

Monday 15 March 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Local, National

Two of the most powerful politicians in the country are expected to appear in court today where they face a number of allegations in the high-profile case.

Motorists to expect delays today

Saturday 13 March 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Local, National

Motorists can expect delays at two spots along the main road today as works continue in Rarotonga.

Runway work hit with delay

Saturday 13 March 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Local, National

Long-awaited runway repairs at Rarotonga International Airport are behind schedule as government continues to push for two-way, quarantine-free travel between the Cook Islands and New Zealand.

Pandemic not slowing down aid projects

Friday 12 March 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Local, National

Despite some impacts early on, project implementation and overseas development assistance to the Cook Islands hasn’t decreased during the Covid-19 pandemic. On the contrary, officials say the country has seen greater engagement with partners.

PM Brown dismisses Opposition demand to suspend Tapaitau

Friday 12 March 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in National, Politics

The Prime Minister has brushed off demands from the Opposition to suspend his deputy and Cabinet member Robert Tapaitau, who is currently involved in an investigation into the tendering process for a $5.3 million project underway in the Pa Enua.

KATA: Fears over Covid-19 vaccination

Thursday 11 March 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Kata, Opinion

LETTER: Covid-19 vaccination = protection

Thursday 11 March 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Letters to the Editor, Opinion

Dear Editor, Get back to the basics with regards to vaccination. When smallpox was rampant in 17/1800s, it was the doctors of the day who observed that milk maids who picked up cowpox from milking cows were more resistant to smallpox – a more virulent form of pox. From my recollection, the pus from the […]

Chamber waiting on govt approval for tracing app

Thursday 11 March 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Health, National

Along with Covid-19 testing, contact tracing has been identified as a key element for a travel bubble with NZ. Local efforts to develop a robust system are nearing the final stages.

Democratic Party calls for suspension of Deputy PM

Thursday 11 March 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in National, Politics

The Cook Islands Party-led Government is facing demands from the Opposition to remove an MP from Cabinet involved in an audit office investigation.

Decrease in Super rates

Monday 8 March 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National

Lower forecasted investment returns have prompted the Cook Islands National Superannuation Fund to decrease pay out rates for new pensioners.

Travel bubble uncertainty in an already uncertain business

Saturday 6 March 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, Features, National, Weekend

As government works towards two-way quarantine-free travel with New Zealand by the end of the month, local businesses are getting desperate and many say they can’t survive much longer without tourists. Yet even with a bubble, they face unprecedented challenges in an uncertain environment.

Border to reopen for incoming passengers

Saturday 6 March 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, Health, National

After a week of no returnees, Government will allow incoming passengers on next week’s flights.

Tsunami barely registers a ripple as affected residents take cover

Friday 5 March 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Local, National

Many heeded caution and moved inland to higher ground after a tsunami threat was issued by the Cook Islands Meteorological Service.

Kata: Poor Covid-19 vaccine advice?

Thursday 4 March 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Kata