Economy
Downturn at least 6 to 9 months, says govt
Saturday 4 April 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Economy
Finance Minister Mark Brown has spoken candidly about the long months ahead.
China draws on bitter experience to aid Cooks
Friday 3 April 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
Covid-19 is our ‘common enemy’, says Ambassador.
Costs go up but no more pay
Friday 3 April 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Economy
Government asks landlords to cut rents for families who are hurting in the Covid-19 downturn.
Brown: Country hit by 'economic tsunami'
Thursday 2 April 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy
Businesses are relying on government to prop them up – but the finance minister says the money will last only six months.
'We don't know how long this will last' –Brown
Wednesday 1 April 2020 | Written by Legacy Author | Published in Economy
Finance Minister Mark Brown has announced wage subsidy payments will begin from the week of the April 6, as government mounts a fightback against the Covid-19 downturn.
Tough calls: Saving money to save lives
Tuesday 31 March 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
Government reveals the cost-cutting that is helping to pay for the coronavirus economic response package.
Financial lifeline to growers
Monday 30 March 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy
Vital financial support given to farmers and growers in unprecedented times of need due to Covid-19 pandemic.
Immigration Bill select committee receive extended time
Monday 30 March 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
The select committee looking into the Immigration Bill 2020 has been given extended time to report back to Parliament, due to the coronavirus crisis.
'Be kind' – PM's message as details of economic support announced
Friday 27 March 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Economy
Companies whose revenue has declined 30 per cent or more will be entitled to claim wage subsidies for their workers, from next Wednesday.
NZ tops up stimulus spending with $7m
Thursday 26 March 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Economy
Parliament signs off first half of stimulus package, with balance to come in June Budget.
Foreign banks' behaviour is 'unacceptable'
Thursday 26 March 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
Government threatens to legislate to force banks to give debt relief to those struggling to make repayments in economic downturn.
Cargo vessels 'remain on schedule'
Wednesday 25 March 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
Freight shipping schedules for the Cook Islands in the coming month will not be affected by the coronavirus crisis.
Amnesty for illegal workers in crisis
Tuesday 24 March 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy
Foreigners who have been residing in the Cook Islands and are not on any legal work permit will be part of the registration process to benefit from the unemployment funding.
'Close the borders'
Tuesday 24 March 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Economy
Opposition Leader offers her support to build cross-party support in Covid-19 response.
Stores tighten coronavirus controls
Tuesday 24 March 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
Leading food outlets on Rarotonga have started putting in measures to restrict the spread of the coronavirus.
Turama lays off up to 60
Monday 23 March 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Economy
Prime Minister Henry Puna imposes supervised quarantine and sends home Pa Enua school children, as one of Cook Island’s most respected international tourism companies announces it’s shutting down.
The last, momentous tourist weddings in Cook Islands
Monday 23 March 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Economy
They may be the last tourist weddings in the Cook Islands for some time. Jonathan Milne meets three couples for whom love conquers all – even coronavirus and travel bans.
Authority is to hold big banks to account
Saturday 21 March 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
The Financial Supervisory Commission says they will ensure banks honour the commitment they have made to deliver government’s economic response package.
Famed resorts to close
Saturday 21 March 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Economy
More than 200 jobs set to go as The Rarotongan, Sanctuary Rarotonga and Aitutaki Lagoon Private Resort shut down, the first big victims of the coronavirus.
Government solicits banks' agreement to loan holidays
Friday 20 March 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
ANZ holds out on government’s plea for three-month debt repayment holidays for struggling Cook Islanders.
