Economy
PM calls for defence and security arrangement with Australia and NZ
Friday 2 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Australia, Economy, Local, National, New Zealand, Regional
Prime Minister Mark Brown has proposed a trilateral defence and security co-operation arrangement between the Cook Islands, New Zealand, and Australia.
Tourism rebound strong, despite challenges
Thursday 1 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
The Cook Islands Tourism Corporation had highlighted some of its key challenges and mitigation strategies in its annual report for the year ending June 30, 2023, submitted to Parliament last December.
Construction of new multi-million dollar five star resort is underway
Thursday 1 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Construction of a $20 million resort is underway in what is understood to be Rarotonga’s first five- star operation. Al Williams reports.
Chamber of Commerce and Tourism welcome immigration policy changes
Thursday 1 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
The Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce welcomes the recent immigration policy changes, though some of their proposed revisions were not adopted.
Cruise season kicks off with 500+ visitors on Europa 2, Star Breeze
Wednesday 31 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
More than 500 cruise ship passengers arrived in Rarotonga, with the Europa 2 inaugurating the year’s cruise season on Saturday, followed by the Star Breeze on Monday.
Cabinet approves eight Immigration policy changes
Wednesday 31 January 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
Eight Immigration Policy changes, initially proposed by the National Labour Advisory Board (NLAB) in September, have been approved by the Cook Islands Cabinet, addressing concerns raised by businesses after the new Immigration Regulations were implemented last year.
Brown prepares for busy 2024
Monday 29 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
With parliament’s first sitting set to start on February 19, government is planning to work full on once February commences with the supplementary budget.
Chamber of Commerce steps in with immigration concerns
Monday 29 January 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, Local, National
Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce says it is working behind the scenes to get immigration concerns addressed.
Feeling the pinch at the checkout
Monday 29 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Food and non-alcoholic beverages have weighed heavily in pushing up annual inflation.
Airport seeks funding for phase two
Thursday 25 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
The Cook Islands Airport Authority is moving into the second phase of the multi-million dollar project to replace the old concrete slabs.
Kairua appointed Secretary of Cultural Development
Thursday 25 January 2024 | Written by webmaster | Published in Culture, Economy, National
A new Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Development has been appointed following Anthony Turua’s resignation late last year.
Public lands on runway for Airport Authority’s 50th Anniversary Celebration
Thursday 25 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
Close to 4000 delighted people laughed and beamed as they walked, ran, cycled, and skated along Rarotonga’s International Airport runway on Tuesday in commemoration of its 50th anniversary, to be celebrated on Monday next week.
Visitor arrivals jump 26 per cent in 2023
Thursday 25 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National, Travel
Visitor arrivals for 2023 have jumped 26.3 per cent of the number recorded in the year 2022, exceeding the expectations of the Cook Islands tourism industry.
Airport tour offers rare glimpse into Rarotonga’s travel hub
Tuesday 23 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Local, National
In the lead up to next week’s 50th anniversary celebration of the Rarotonga International Airport, passengers on “Flight Bus Number 50” public tour broke into heartfelt island songs, cherishing the milestone moment of riding along the airport runway.
Immigration policy changes on hold awaiting PM approval, says MFAI
Tuesday 23 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
The proposed immigration policy changes considered by the National Labour Advisory Board (NLAB) in September last year are sitting with Prime Minister Mark Brown for his approval, says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI).
Pause on Sydney flights estimated to cost national economy $2.21m
Monday 22 January 2024 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Economy, Local, National, Travel
The Cook Islands economy is bracing for a more than $2 million loss in revenue when direct flights from Australia are suspended for the final month of summer.
$1.7 million govt electric cars not compatible with charging station
Monday 22 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Local, National
A $1.7 million fleet of electric cars bought by the government were not compatible with the intended charging station at Te Aponga Uira (TAU), forcing authorities to install two at the Office of the Prime Minister. Al Williams reports.
Chamber to restructure, chief executive role on hold
Saturday 20 January 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce will not appoint a new chief executive officer following the conclusion of Rebecca Tavioni’s two-year term this month.
Retailer sets the record straight on alleged narcotics find
Friday 19 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Business, Crime, Economy, National
Prime Foods managing director Daniel Forsyth wants to set the record straight about an ongoing narcotics investigation involving his business. Al Williams reports.
Cook Islands registers 348 small motorised vessels
Thursday 18 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
A total of 348 small motorised vessels (SMVs) were registered and entered into the Ministry of Transport database last year.
