Economy
Penrhyn seeks airport upgrade for tourism boost
Friday 26 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands
With a population of around 200 people, the residents of Penrhyn always look forward to welcoming yachters who contribute a little to their economy. However, Penrhyn executive officer Puna Vano says the island needs an upgraded airport to contribute more significantly to its tourism economy.
Cook Islands Tourism Corporation welcomes new board members
Friday 26 July 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands Tourism Corporation yesterday announced the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors.
Power cuts loom for a quarter of TAU customers with overdue bill
Thursday 25 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
A quarter of Rarotonga’s electricity customers face disconnection for overdue bills over 90 days.
Cook Islands shares progress on gender equality at regional meetings
Thursday 25 July 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
A Cook Islands delegation led by the Minister for Internal Affairs attended the Women’s Triennial Conference and Women Ministers Meetings in Marshall Islands this week.
Budget woes stall road markings
Thursday 25 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) will use the newly approved budget to complete painting road shoulders from Maii to Avana and around Tupapa Health Clinic.
KR attended taxpayer funded Samoa school reunion in ‘official capacity’
Wednesday 24 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National, Regional, Samoa
The King Representative’s attendance at a Samoa agricultural college anniversary was an official trip funded with public money, despite initial claims it was a personal reunion.
Expatriate workers urged to review contracts for repatriation coverage
Tuesday 23 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
The recent death of an expatriate worker has highlighted the importance of having clear provisions in employment contracts and insurance plans to cover repatriation of human remains in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Cook Islands to host Oceania Customs meeting
Monday 22 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National
The 26th Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) Annual Conference is set to take place in Rarotonga next week, attracting leaders and stakeholders from across the blue Pacific region.
Jetstar scrambles to rebook passengers after tech outage cancels flights
Saturday 20 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Travel
Air New Zealand flights to Rarotonga were unaffected by a global tech outage that disrupted flights and other services worldwide, while Jetstar cancelled some flights but was working to rebook passengers.
Water petition gains momentum, organising committee meets House of Ariki
Thursday 18 July 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Environment, Local, National
The petition opposing the planned water tariffs in Rarotonga is gaining momentum with over 1500 signatures so far including support from the Pa Enua and Cook Islanders residing overseas.
Chinese province donates equipment to Cook Islands, eyes broader cooperation
Thursday 18 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands
Cook Islands and China’s Guangdong province strengthened ties through equipment donations and discussions on future collaboration in areas like agriculture, fisheries and cultural exchange.
Japan pledges inter island vessel, farm equipment
Thursday 18 July 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands
Cook Islands and Japan discussed strengthening cooperation on climate change, shipping, renewable energy, technology and regional issues like nuclear wastewater discharge and Pacific banking.
Cook Islands and ADB discuss continued partnership for development goals
Wednesday 17 July 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
Public Service Commissioner Carl Hunter and Asian Development Bank (ADB) representative James Webb met last month in Rarotonga to discuss forward co-operation between the Cook Islands and the ADB in the public sector.
Fukofuka-Murare takes up deputy high comm role
Monday 15 July 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, Local, National
The Cook Islands High Commission in New Zealand has welcomed Deputy High Commissioner Amelia Fukofuka-Murare.
Govt to acquire cargo ships, plans to take control of domestic shipping
Monday 15 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands
Cook Islands government is awaiting confirmation from Japan that a cargo-passenger ship meeting their specific requirements will arrive before the end of the year, while also negotiating with China for a second ship.
Prime Minister Brown to co-chair PALM10 in Japan
Saturday 13 July 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
Pacific Islands Forum Leaders will meet with the Government of Japan in Tokyo for the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting – PALM10 – from July 16 to 18.
Rarotonga growers fear financial strain from incoming water charges
Saturday 13 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Environment, Local, National
Rarotonga growers have expressed deep concerns over the upcoming water tariffs, fearing significant financial strain and potential business closures.
Record-breaking tourism boom but businesses face challenges
Friday 12 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands tourism industry is booming with record visitor arrivals expected this year, but some businesses are facing strain due to staffing shortages, rising costs and supply chain issues.
Govt seeks Australian help to cover Te Kukupa II fuel costs
Monday 8 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
Cook Islands is working with Australia to see if they can help cover the fuel cost for the police patrol vessel Te Kukupa II due to budget constraints.
Record year for Aussie visitors to the Cook Islands
Wednesday 3 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National, Travel
It’s anticipated that this financial year will see more Australian visitors to the Cook Islands than ever before, with 32,000 holidaying here.
