Economy
Survey shows ‘larger employers’ pay above minimum wage, says Chamber
Tuesday 12 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
A Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce survey has shown that the majority of employers, particularly larger employers, pay their employees more than the national minimum wage.
Cook Islands establishes diplomatic ties with Panama
Monday 11 March 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
The Cook Islands and Republic of Panama formalised diplomatic relations last week through an exchange of diplomatic notes between the Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) and the Panamanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MER).
‘Landmark decision’: Cook Islands High Court invalidates preferential residency for Kiwis
Monday 11 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Economy, Local, National
The Cook Islands High Court has ruled that a residency regulation giving preferential treatment to New Zealand citizens is ‘invalid’.
Expats seek minimum wage increase to match rising costs
Friday 8 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
Foreign workers associations in the Cook Islands are calling for an increase in the minimum wage rate to match the rising cost of living.
Public submissions open for national minimum wage review
Thursday 7 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Economy, National
A panel has been established to determine the Cook Islands’ new minimum wage, which was proposed to increase by $0.30 to $9.30 per hour this year.
U-turn on electric vehicles: Government retains unsold vehicles due to lack of bids
Wednesday 6 March 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
Government will retain and distribute eight electric vehicles (EVs) it previously tried to sell due to lack of bids likely caused by affordability concerns.
Cook Islands balances tourism growth with sustainability
Saturday 2 March 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Business, Economy, National, Travel
Cook Islands emerged from the Covid-19 slump with a tourism boom in 2023.
Beyond the numbers: How tourism benefits everyday life in the Cook Islands
Saturday 2 March 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Business, Economy, Features, Go Local, National, Travel, Weekend
January saw a record breaking 10,368 visitors arrive on our shores. They’re staying longer, and spending more on average. But what do these facts and figures look like in the daily lives of Cook Islanders? Cook Islands News journalist Candice Luke spoke to locals about how the tourist dollar is affecting them, their families, and their businesses right now.
Cooks and India deepen cooperation on technology, renewable energy, and cultural exchange
Friday 1 March 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
The governments of Cook Islands and India will continue to focus forward co-operation on technology, community resilience including renewable energy, strengthening people to people links and collaboration in the multilateral fora including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Maritime Organisation.
January arrivals best on record
Thursday 29 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Economy, National, Travel
A record total of 10,368 international visitors were welcomed to the Cook Islands last month according to newly released statistics for January 2024.
Nobody is interested: Opposition leader says no one wants $1.7m electric vehicles
Thursday 29 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
No one is interested in purchasing the $1.7 million fleet of electric vehicles bought by the Government last year, the Opposition Leader told Parliament yesterday.
Absentee landowners major issue
Wednesday 28 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Environment, Local, National
Cook Islands is reforming its land laws and have started public meetings on Rarotonga to gather suggestions and feedback from Cook Islanders.
Cook Islands and Saudi Arabia prioritise economic resilience and renewable energy
Tuesday 27 February 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, Environment, National
The Cook Islands and Saudi Arabia have prioritised economic resilience, culture, technology and renewable energy as areas for possible future cooperation following a series of bilateral discussions in Rarotonga.
Rarotonga welcomes cruise passengers for sightseeing and shopping
Tuesday 27 February 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Economy, National, Travel
Majority of the passengers onboard Crystal Serenity came ashore during the cruise ship’s visit to Rarotonga on Saturday.
New builds springing back after pandemic slowdown
Saturday 24 February 2024 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Economy, National
The number of new builds in the Cook Islands are approaching pre-pandemic levels after dropping nearly 70 per cent in two years to hit a 10-year low in 2021.
Japan boosts Rarotonga agriculture with machinery donation
Friday 23 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
Over 1000 hours of tractor services, including slashing and ploughing of farmland in Rarotonga, were provided by the Ministry of Agriculture in the past year.
$400k asbestos removal operation gets underway at Old Post Office
Friday 23 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Business, Economy, Local, National
A $400,000 operation to rid the Old Post Office of asbestos in Avarua is about to get underway following the building’s closure in recent months.
Economy positive, strong signs of recovery: PM Brown
Thursday 22 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
Prime Minister Mark Brown says the country’s latest financial year report to June 2023 shows the country’s economy is very positive and showing signs of strong recovery.
Tyre issue forces Air NZ Cooks flight to divert
Thursday 22 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
A busy Air New Zealand service to the Cook Islands was forced to turn back for Auckland two hours into its journey.
Govt says $1.3m invested in Lady Samoa charter
Thursday 22 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands, Parliament
The Lady Samoa IV vessel chartered by the Cook Islands government prior to Christmas cost $1.3million.
