Economy
Cooks Old Post Office closed down: 50 government staff moved on
Monday 16 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Structural building integrity and asbestos issues at the Old Post Office have resulted in more than 50 staff members being relocated and the building being closed down.
Two months of professional services expenses come with a $190,000 bill
Monday 16 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Professional services expenses have cost the Cook Islands government nearly $200,000 in just two months.
New Zealand Election Day: Still time for eligible Cook Islands residents to vote
Friday 13 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Anyone on Rarotonga, eligible, wanting to cast a vote in person for the 2023 New Zealand general election, has until 4pm today.
TAU digital billing starts
Friday 13 October 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
As of October 4, Rarotonga electricity company Te Aponga Uira (TAU) moved to full digital billing with a combination of actual and estimated metre readings.
$33 million boost : Jetstar to add fourth weekly flight from Sydney to Rarotonga
Friday 13 October 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
The Cook Islands is set to earn an additional $33 million annually from the fourth weekly direct flight from Sydney to Rarotonga, which will commence from March next year.
Govt in talks with Australia to evacuate Cook Islanders, if situation deteriorates
Thursday 12 October 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Travel
The Cook Islands government is in talks with Australia to evacuate 28 Cook Islanders and residents sheltering in Jericho if the Israeli-Hamas conflict escalates further. Rashneel Kumar and Losirene Lacanivalu report.
‘No issues’: Government on Sheraton road closure
Thursday 12 October 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Local, National
Government says it has no issue with the closure of the coastal main road in Vaimaanga to make way for the Sheraton redevelopment. Rashneel Kumar and Al Williams report.
Medicinal cannabis legislation to go before Parliament in December
Thursday 12 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Health, National
Legislation supporting availability of medicinal cannabis in the Cooks Islands will be tabled in Parliament.
Tourism welcomes Hawaii ticket specials but calls for more flights
Wednesday 11 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National, Travel
‘What will make the biggest difference is when frequency will be able to be increased’ Cooks tourism operators have welcomed sale airfares between Rarotonga and Honolulu but are still calling for an increase in flights.
Aussies boost Cook Islands tourism as visitor numbers soar
Wednesday 11 October 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
The return of Sydney flights is providing the Cook Islands tourism industry a timely boost to maintain high visitor arrival numbers heading into the lower season.
Eligible Cook Islanders invited to vote in Aussie referendum to recognise First Peoples of Australia
Tuesday 10 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Australia, Economy, National, Regional
Cook Islanders holding Australian passport are being called on to vote today in a controversial referendum which seeks to recognise the First Peoples of Australia.
Vendors invited to showcase Cook Islands products at Pacific Islands Forum event
Monday 9 October 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in 52nd Pacific Islands Forum 2023, Business, Economy, National
Cook Islands vendors have been invited to participate in a trade day event that will be hosted during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in November in Rarotonga.
‘Everyone doesn’t have to struggle alone’: Budgeting, investing focus of workshop
Monday 9 October 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Economy, National
Teaching young people and families how to thrive, not just survive on the Cook Islands’ minimum wage rate of $9 per hour, is the goal of those behind a workshop about budgeting and using money wisely.
‘Exhausted’ Prime Minister home this weekend after busy month of travel
Saturday 7 October 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Local, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown has been away from the country for over a month, attending a series of meetings around the world.
Sheraton redevelopment steps up, road closure on the horizon
Thursday 5 October 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Environment, Local, National
The future of Rarotonga’s circuit road looks uncertain as plans for an inland diversion are pressing ahead to make way for the redevelopment of the abandoned Sheraton hotel in Vaimaanga.
Government secures inter-island vessel with Japan’s support, local operator wary
Wednesday 4 October 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands
The Cook Islands government has secured an inter-island domestic shipping vessel through an agreement signed with the government of Japan, but a local shipping company is concerned that the incoming vessel will affect its business.
New multi storey building proposed for PM and emergency operations staffers
Tuesday 3 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
A multi-storied building, with a floor area of more than 1000 square metres to house an emergency operations centre and a number of core functions at the Office of the Prime Minister, has been proposed.
Tourism council welcomes sale airfares
Monday 2 October 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council has welcomed sale airfares to the nation during the shoulder season.
Nicholas back at work ‘in a week or so’ following medical event
Monday 2 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Acting Prime Minister Albert Nicholas, who was flown to New Zealand following a medical event early last month, says he will be back at work in “a week or so”.
Fuel prices up again
Saturday 30 September 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
Petrol and diesel prices are up again in latest Price Order, amidst international reports of further increases heading into festive season.
