Economy
Government spends $12.9m on debt repayment holiday
Thursday 5 August 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, National
The interest repayment holiday cost the country $12.9 million, over $1 million less than the initial $14.2 million estimated cost of the initiative under Government’s Economic Response Package.
Jetstar delays Rarotonga service to March 2022
Tuesday 3 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Budget airline Jetstar has cancelled Rarotonga flights through to the end of March, 2022, but has provided customers a range of options including a credit voucher or a full refund.
Climate change affecting Cooks’ tuna population
Saturday 31 July 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Economy, National, Weather
Recent studies say climate change is driving tuna further to the east, threatening the economic security of several small island states including the Cook Islands.
Cook Islands economy ‘looking good’
Saturday 31 July 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands is in a strong economic position on the back of New Zealand’s continuing Covid-19 recovery, but there is still risk, a visiting senior economist says.
Kiwis eyed to fill labour gaps
Friday 30 July 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands businesses are looking to New Zealand to fill labour gaps but it’s not without challenges, reports Caleb Fotheringham.
Government sounds the alarm on employee poaching
Wednesday 28 July 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
A warning bell has sounded for Cook Islands businesses and employees amid changing immigration policies and labour shortages.
Seabed mining workshop focus on environmental management
Friday 23 July 2021 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Economy, Environment, National
An announcement on expected timeframes on the decision-making process on four exploration licence applications by companies that have expressed interest in the nation’s deep sea mineral resources will be made within the coming weeks.
Trans-tasman bubble suspension a blessing in disguise for the Cooks
Friday 23 July 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, National
New Zealand's decision to suspend quarantine-free travel with Australia will not only provide Cook Islands protection from the highly contagious Covid-19 variant but could also result in an influx of Kiwi tourists travelling into the country.
Public assets worth $403 million
Tuesday 20 July 2021 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Economy, National
Government’s building portfolio and state-owned enterprises are expected to grow in value to $650 million over the next four years from the current worth of $403 million.
Fish shortage ‘worst it’s ever been’
Tuesday 20 July 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, National
Fishing boats are coming back mostly empty, some of the people affected say it’s normal while others say it’s the worst it’s ever been.
Quarantine and Covid-19 free attract Kiwi tourists
Monday 19 July 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Kiwi tourists are embracing quarantine and Covid-19 free travel with the Cook Islands, early indicators show.
Visitor numbers exceed initial predictions
Friday 16 July 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Tourism figures have received another boost as the industry regains momentum with the arrival of Kiwi holidaymakers in growing numbers. Al Williams reports.
$13m boost from June arrivals
Friday 16 July 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
Tourism recovery gained momentum last month with a further uptick in arrival numbers as Kiwi holidaymakers land in Rarotonga to escape the New Zealand winter.
$50m airport master plan in the works
Thursday 15 July 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
A long-awaited master plan for Rarotonga International Airport is gradually being rolled out as tourists return to the island.
Immigration approves revised policies to ease labour shortage
Tuesday 13 July 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration rolled out changes to its immigration policies on Monday and backdated them to July 1, in a bid to ease labour skills shortages in the Cook Islands.
Increased demand for Rarotonga sees more flights added
Friday 9 July 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Air New Zealand has added additional capacity to its Rarotonga flights which has been welcomed by the tourism sector.
Calls to loosen barriers on expat workers
Friday 9 July 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
The country has lost about 2000 workers as a result of the pandemic and chief government economist estimates it would take two to three years to regrow the workforce to pre Covid-19 levels.
Businesses face mounting challenges
Wednesday 7 July 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Local businesses continue to face a cash crunch and an increase in national superannuation contribution rates this month is expected to add further cash-flow pressure.
Tourism operators record ‘excellent’ bookings at expo
Tuesday 6 July 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
More than 3500 people have attended a trade expo in Auckland aimed at promoting Cook Islands tourism.
Cooks tourism authorities still confident with arrival estimates
Thursday 1 July 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Visitor number estimates to the Cook Islands remain in line with projections made a month ago, tourism authorities say.
