Economy
Crypto Bill threatens anti-money laundering efforts: Ora Partners
Friday 26 April 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National, Parliament, Technology
While serious concerns over the integrity of the Tainted Cryptocurrency Recovery Bill 2023 remain, “witnessing the wheels of our democracy at play during the select committee hearing was an awe-inspiring experience”, says Puai Wichman.
Budget shortfall could expedite proposed water tariffs in Raro
Tuesday 23 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
Budget allocation will be a key factor in determining the final timeline for implementing the proposed water tariff, says To Tatou Vai.
Secrecy and legal doubts cloud Tainted Cryptocurrency Recovery Bill 2023
Saturday 20 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
The Tainted Cryptocurrency Recovery Bill 2023 has been the talk of the town since it was revealed a week ago that the proposed Cook Islands legislation, drafted by a US-based company, could validate hacking into any account or system in the world.
Strong first quarter fuels optimism for Cook Islands tourism industry
Saturday 20 April 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Travel
International economists and leading resorts say the Cook Islands is on track for a record year in arrivals, buoyed by strong first-quarter figures.
Government insists on value of crypto bill despite criticism
Wednesday 17 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Technology
The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) has hit back at the critics of the draft Tainted Cryptocurrency Recovery Bill 2023, saying the media did not highlight positive aspects of the Bill.
Arnold denies Crown Law exclusion in drafting controversial crypto bill
Wednesday 17 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Technology
A Rarotonga lawyer who co-authored the controversial Tainted Cryptocurrency Recovery Bill 2023 says he dealt with Prime Minister Mark Brown and his team while drafting the Bill and believes it will benefit the Cook Islands.
‘I was not consulted’: Minister blindsided by crypto bill drafted by private firm
Tuesday 16 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Parliament, Technology
The Cabinet Minister, who tabled the controversial Tainted Cryptocurrency Recovery Bill 2023 in Parliament last year, says he wasn’t consulted on the legislation drafted by a US-based private firm.
Spy film type thing: Alarm grows over Cook Islands cryptocurrency bill
Monday 15 April 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, Environment, National, Technology
Alarm is growing over proposed Cook Islands legislation, drafted by a US-based company, which could validate hacking into any account or system in the world, writes Barbara Dreaver, Pacific Correspondent 1News.
Cook Islands and Bangladesh establish diplomatic relations
Friday 12 April 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
The Cook Islands and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh formalised diplomatic relations via an Exchange of Note Verbales via respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs.
Rarotonga residents push back on water tariff plan
Friday 12 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Environment, Local, National
A public meeting about potential water tariffs received mixed reactions, with some attendees concerned about affordability and others in favour of charging businesses.
Cook Islands champion women in Pacific fisheries
Thursday 11 April 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, Local, National
Cook Islands is committed to empowering small-scale fish entrepreneurs in the region, particularly women, by removing barriers to market access, says Minister Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown.
To Tatou Vai seeks public input on new water tariff structure
Tuesday 9 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Environment, Health, Local, National
Cook Islands water authority To Tatou Vai is consulting with the community and other stakeholders to determine a water tariff structure for Rarotonga based on usage and operational costs.
Referendum needed to decide UN membership, says Elikana
Saturday 6 April 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs Tingika Elikana says a referendum would allow its people to decide whether to join the United Nations and separate from New Zealand.
Browne calls for $12 minimum wage
Saturday 6 April 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
Opposition leader Tina Browne is calling for a $12 minimum wage increase, criticising the government’s spending and suggesting to use the saved money for the wage increase.
Small businesses in Cook Islands face squeeze as NZ economy falters
Tuesday 26 March 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
Small and medium enterprises are likely to get hit hard by the New Zealand recession before consumers start feeling the pinch, says Cook Islands Government chief economist.
Water contamination in petrol affects vehicles on Rarotonga
Tuesday 26 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
Six vehicles are being inspected for damage believed to have been caused by water contamination in petrol provided by a local supplier.
CIIC announces new chairs for TAU and Ports Authority
Monday 25 March 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, Local, National
The chairs of two of important government agencies are stepping down and new chairs appointed in their place.
$10 minimum wage urged to address high cost of living
Friday 22 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
The panel reviewing the minimum wage has been asked to consider the living conditions of the most vulnerable, grassroots people when compiling their final recommendation for the new minimum wage rate.
Government agencies spend over $150,000 on directors’ course
Thursday 21 March 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Local, National
Government agencies have spent over $150,000 on a five-and-a-half-day directors’ course being held at The Rarotongan Beach Resort this week.
$12k reportedly spent on expat economist’s pet relocation
Tuesday 19 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) has reportedly spent $12,000 on a senior expat executive’s pet dog.
