Economy
‘Time is money’: Push for calendar change to align with NZ, Australia
Tuesday 16 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
There’s a call for the Cook Islands to jump a day ahead and align its clocks closer to New Zealand and Aussie.
Rarotonga on sale: ‘Spike’ in flight bookings amidst slow tourism season
Tuesday 16 January 2024 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Economy, National, Travel
Airfares between Auckland and Rarotonga have dipped to under $300 as New Zealand’s flag carrier airline launches a flash sale in the midst of the Cook Islands’ slow tourism season.
‘No mass exodus’: Cook Islands population predicted to stay steady
Saturday 13 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Economy, Features, National, Weekend
New research into Pacific populations predicts that the local population will remain steady over the next few generations. Candice Luke reports.
CI Tourism industry presses for answers on immigration policy
Saturday 13 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands tourism leaders are set to meet Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) bosses to keep the pressure on for policy changes.
Rental cars targeted in theft spree
Saturday 13 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Crime, Economy, National
A rental company is calling on the Cook Islands community to help stop a recent trend of car thefts targeting rental vehicles. Losirene Lacanivalu reports.
Fee-ling unwelcome: Canadian visitor calls out immigration fees
Friday 12 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Local, National, Travel
Canadian Terry Snutch fell in love with the Cook Islands 34 years-ago - staying for extended periods across the decades and happily paying for the privilege – that has now changed.
Government to manage new inter-island vessel, says PM
Monday 8 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands
The Cook Islands government will manage the operations of an inter-island vessel that it hopes to receive this year.
Supplementary budget targets infrastructure
Saturday 6 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
Rarotonga’s long-awaited road improvement projects are set to receive a financial injection with the upcoming supplementary budget to be tabled in Parliament next month. Losirene Lacanivalu reports.
Report missing luggage promptly, says Air NZ
Thursday 4 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Travel
Air New Zealand passengers arriving in Rarotonga with missing checked bags are advised to inform the airline’s team as soon as possible.
Rarotonga pumps running dry but replenishment on horizon
Thursday 4 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Economy, Local, National
Despite recent panic and some rationing due to low stocks, Rarotonga petrol stations expect smooth sailing by January 10 when the next fuel shipment arrives. Candice Luke reports.
‘Together we’re stronger’: Rarotonga businesses reflect on 2023
Wednesday 3 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Economy, National
The sting of the Covid-19 pandemic is still being felt by businesses around Rarotonga, but hopes are high for 2024 as the market surges through the holiday season.
Cook Islands Tourism rakes in 75% of GDP
Wednesday 3 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
Tourism’s contribution to the Cook Islands’ gross domestic product (GDP) for the last quarter of 2023 (October-December) was estimated at 75.4 per cent, according to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management.
Resorts gear up for New Year’s celebration
Saturday 30 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
Falling on a Sunday this year, New Year’s Eve presents a unique challenge for resorts. However, restaurants and bars remain hopeful for a lively influx of guests eager to ring in the new year with family and friends over festive meals.
PM Brown hails ‘exceptional’ 2023
Saturday 30 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in 52nd Pacific Islands Forum 2023, Economy, National
Reflecting on 2023, Prime Minister Mark Brown said it was an exceptional year for the Cook Islands and its ministers.
Tourism seeks ‘smaller’ cruise liners to beat weather and infrastructure hurdle
Thursday 28 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Environment, National, Travel, Weather
The overreliance on favourable weather conditions significantly hinders Cook Islands Tourism’s ability to further develop the cruise market, says the corporation’s director of destination development Brad Kirner.
Keep calm and carry on: Air NZ and Cook Islands Tourism urge festive respect
Sunday 24 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands Tourism has echoed Air New Zealand’s message for travellers to ‘keep calm and carry on’ this coming holiday season.
Immigration explains status situation
Friday 22 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Local, National
Cook Islands Foreign Affairs and Immigration has issued a statement in light of returning Cook Islanders voicing frustration with immigration processes as they arrive home to share Christmas with loved ones.
Jetstar flights to Rarotonga sell out for festive season
Friday 22 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Travel
Most Jetstar flights to and from Rarotonga, through the Sydney and Auckland routes, have been sold out this festive season.
Rarotonga Airport gears up for 50th anniversary with water fountain blessing
Friday 22 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Local, National
In preparation for the Rarotonga International Airport’s 50th anniversary celebration on January 29, 2024, a small ceremony was held yesterday to bless the new and refreshing water fountain garden feature.
PM welcomes discussions on subsidised public transport
Friday 22 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Business, Economy, Local, National
Government assistance could be on the way for a struggling Cook Islands public service.
