Economy
Public kept in the dark over power cuts
Wednesday 9 June 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Electricity was cut to parts of Rarotonga on Monday, knocking out the Ministry of Justice server, causing further delays and postponements on Tuesday.
Businesses eye layoffs with end to government support
Wednesday 9 June 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
The Chamber of Commerce reacted to yesterday’s unveiling of the budget with a warning that businesses could be forced to lay off workers in the absence of government financial support for vulnerable companies.
Government attempts to emerge from pandemic with 'Budget of Revival'
Wednesday 9 June 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
Describing its revenue forecast for the coming 12 months as conservative, government is predicting a nearly 9 per cent increase in gross domestic product to drive spending in areas such as health, education, and infrastructure.
Aggressive marketing to entice tourists back
Saturday 5 June 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
There’s an aggressive marketing campaign to get tourists back to the Cook Islands. It will be measured but it’s a matter of time, authorities say.
Jetstar up in the air
Friday 4 June 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Cheaper flights are on offer between Rarotonga and Auckland from October as another airline looks set to re-enter the market.
PM announces Cabinet reshuffle
Thursday 3 June 2021 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
All Government MPs including the new Manihiki member have been given ministerial responsibilities in the new look Cabinet that saw Prime Minister Mark Brown offload nearly half of the 17 portfolios previously held.
Early figures show tourism on rebound
Wednesday 2 June 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Tourism authorities are projecting visitor numbers to the Cook Islands to be between 50 and 60 per cent of pre Covid-19 figures in the coming months.
‘Start-up weekend’ for budding entrepreneurs
Tuesday 1 June 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
Twenty-six young and budding entrepreneurs participated in the inaugural Taki Tahi – Cook Islands Young Entrepreneur Network’s ‘start-up weekend’ project that was held at Te Ara Museum of Cultural Enterprise in Muri from May 14 to 16.
Transition to low-carbon economy
Monday 31 May 2021 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
Citing the country's seabed minerals resources, Prime Minister Mark Brown says the Cook Islands can play a major role in supporting the global transition to a low-carbon economy.
‘Eye opener’ for sole traders
Monday 31 May 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce has been running a series of bookkeeping courses to prepare business owners for future sole traders grants.
Rental cars and taxis gearing up for business
Friday 28 May 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Economy, National
Transportation services around Rarotonga were forced to come to a grinding halt last year when border closures meant their main source of revenue, tourists, would no longer be around to hire out their rental cars and motorbikes.
Chamber seeks further cash support for private sector
Friday 28 May 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy
The government has signalled current Covid-19 financial support measures are set to wind down at the end of June, but the Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce believes a number of businesses will require some form of support beyond that date.
Government to lay out roadmap to economic recovery
Thursday 27 May 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
Although just a trickle compared to pre-Covid times, the opening of a travel bubble with New Zealand and the arrival of tourists is coinciding with government’s plans for economic recovery, which remain focused on stimulus and spending.
Celebrating ‘sisterhood’ in business
Wednesday 26 May 2021 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Economy, National
Confident models of different shapes, sizes and curves, beautifully sashayed down the runway showing off a collection of local fashion trends at the Sisters Go Local event held over the weekend.
Growing interest in pawpaw exports
Wednesday 26 May 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, National
The push to export pawpaw to New Zealand has gained momentum following a meeting of Rarotonga growers yesterday.
Chamber of Commerce initiatives upskill local businesses
Tuesday 25 May 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
Since the economic fallout from Covid-19 the Chamber of Commerce has assisted many businesses in accessing financial support from the Government’s economic assistance packages.
Target budget towards economic diversification, Demos say
Saturday 22 May 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
With the 2021-2022 Appropriation Bill expected to be tabled in Parliament next month, the Opposition hopes to set the tone for the debate by calling on Government to prioritise economic diversification in the budget for the coming fiscal year.
Air NZ wants to help Cook Islands boost exports
Friday 21 May 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, National
Air New Zealand wants to help the Cook Islands export more to New Zealand and asks local growers to start a dialogue.
Mixed feelings on bubble, says Dreaver
Thursday 20 May 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
1 NEWS Pacific correspondent Barbara Dreaver is in Rarotonga to cover the effects of the pandemic and the country’s travel bubble with New Zealand.
All aboard the first bubble jet
Wednesday 19 May 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, National
It was big news for people flying to Rarotonga from Auckland, and business as usual for people going to New Zealand.