Economy
MFAI head role advertised
Wednesday 8 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
The role of the head of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) is being advertised as the ministry plans ‘festivities’ to mark its 40 years of service in the Cook Islands.
Proposed law on tainted cryptocurrency ‘terrible’ for human rights, says expert
Monday 6 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National, Parliament, Technology
A Cook Islands cryptocurrency expert is critical of a proposed law targeting tainted cryptocurrency, arguing it undermines human rights and doesn’t address the real channels of money laundering.
Airline celebrates 30 years of supporting Rarotonga Triathlon
Thursday 2 May 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Economy, National, Sports, Travel, Triathlon
Air New Zealand’s longstanding sponsorship for the Rarotonga International Triathlon “is testament to the airline’s commitment to the tourism industry”.
Cook Islands poised for highest Pacific growth
Monday 29 April 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands is projected to have the highest economic growth and lowest inflation in the Pacific in 2024, but the government believes growth will be even higher than the Asian Development Bank (ADB) forecast.
Health and visas top dissatisfaction list in Cook Islands public services
Monday 29 April 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Health, Local, National, Travel
A Cook Islands public service satisfaction survey found that nearly half of respondents were dissatisfied, with the health clinic, visa applications and non-emergency police services being the least satisfying experiences.
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.
Cruise visitors down by 72 per cent due to weather
Monday 8 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Travel, Weather
Despite double the cruise ship arrivals this year, Cook Islands tourism industry suffers a 72 per cent drop in passengers due to bad weather impacting port calls.
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.
