Economy
Pearl Authority shut down linked to excessive costs
Wednesday 30 October 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy
Government says the disestablishment of the Cook Islands Pearl Authority is good for the future of the industry.
Local builders to fix shonky Chinese work
Sunday 27 October 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
Land Holdings seeks drainlayers, welders and digger operators for big project, reports Rashneel Kumar.
Cleaner shipping fuel comes at a price for Cook Islanders
Friday 25 October 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy
A six to eight per cent hike in shipping costs is set to flow through into the supermarkets and other services. Cargo ships supplying the country with everything from food to infrastructure construction materials will switch to low-sulphur fuel next month.
Chinese cruise liners floated
Thursday 24 October 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
The Cooks and other islands have agreed to open their doors to more Chinese tourists.
Chinese banks can enter Cooks' crowded market
Thursday 24 October 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
Chinese lending welcomed, but business owners should beware of any strings attached.
Government has decided pearl industry is 'failing' – farmer
Friday 18 October 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy
Government decided the pearl industry was failing on the basis of a flawed official report, a well-known pearl farmer says.
Limestone painting is one of traditional practices celebrated in tourism awards
Thursday 17 October 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
Reviving the traditional practice will be the key theme in round four of the Cook Islands Tourism run community-based competition on Mauke.
Build more hotels, or 'struggle'
Thursday 17 October 2019 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Economy
Business and tourism leaders say the country can’t yet handle as many tourists as bank economists recommend.
Super Fund fronts up to downturn questions
Tuesday 15 October 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
Members are to question the National Superannuation Fund’s negative return at the general meeting this afternoon.
Govt fixes roads for Atiu voters
Tuesday 15 October 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
Demos say ministers diverted $705,000 to help with a pet project for Te-Hani Brown, as she fought to win a by-election.
Tourists name Aitutaki resort as one of the best
Tuesday 15 October 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy
Pacific Resort Aitutaki has been named one of the Top 20 in Australia and the South Pacific, in the annual Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.
Buy local, the Super Fund told
Saturday 12 October 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
The Cook Islands Superannuation Fund should invest in local companies, according to a report from the Asian Development Bank.
Warning: Save money for rainy day
Thursday 10 October 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
The Chamber of Commerce is warning businesses to start planning and preparing for a recession, that economists say could bite next year.
Tax cuts would 'boost jobs and investment'
Thursday 10 October 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
Business leaders say next year’s income tax review must be independent.
Cooks become Pacific's first developed island nation
Saturday 5 October 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
Cook Islands has graduated to “developed” nation status – but despite dire warnings, is expected to lose barely a cent of overseas aid.
Water boss leaves amid uncertainty
Friday 4 October 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
Anti-chlorine groups says replacing To Tatou Vai head is a chance to take a fresh look at water treatment plans.
Tourism plans to counter future crisis
Thursday 3 October 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
Cook Islands Tourism Corporation is taking a proactive approach in getting the industry ready to face future crisis in the country.
New school security and fire hydrants to reduce arson risk
Wednesday 2 October 2019 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Economy
The Government is in talk with insurance companies and is open to ideas for a “tailored” solution for the high-risk Cook Islands market.
$8m Cooks insurance bill rising
Tuesday 1 October 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy
A government scheme would allow insurers to work together in a natural disaster to help Cooks rebuild. Losirene Lacanivalu and Jonathan Milne report.
Floods and fires fuel pain
Monday 30 September 2019 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Economy
Tourist operators ask government to step up, as big resorts’ flood and fire insurance premiums soar $1m-plus a year.
