The Cook Islands Parliament on Tuesday passed the 2025/26 Budget after just over a week of debate, with Parliament sitting only half-days during this period.

The total sum approved for spending in the upcoming financial year was $336,135,968.

In tabling the Budget last month before it was referred to the Public Accounts Committee for review and report, Prime Minister Mark Brown said the budget was a result of the strong fiscal stewardship over the last couple of years coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic, noting that “Cook Islands’ fiscal position has improved enough that government is now able to look forward and make important investments in the people”.

In the budget, Brown, who is also the Minister for Finance, announced expanded social support through increased welfare, extended parental leave, higher new-born and destitute allowances, a new minimum wage, growing child benefits and a first-home builder programme. However, some of these social benefits will take effect in July of next year. A number of ministries and agencies, including education, health and police, received much needed increments.

“There is also funding to address concerns with public sector pay scales and bringing them up to date with inflation, so we can recruit, retain and develop the government workforce, with a focus on attracting and retaining Cook Islanders wherever possible.”

Government has also allocated funding for significant capital works to upgrade sea, air and road links, to improve connectivity and economic opportunities.

The debate on the national budget started on Monday last week.