Politics
Wilkie: Parliament 'almost uneventful'
Thursday 15 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Matariki FM co-host Wilkie Rasmussen has labelled last week’s parliament sitting as “almost uneventful”.
SPC's 'complex challenge'
Thursday 15 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) director-general Dr Jimmie Rodgers says making the most of ocean resources is a “complex challenge”.
Atiu mayor responds to allegations
Wednesday 14 November 2012 | Published in Politics
The only “dirt” on Taoro Brown these days is from having to clean up the lingering mess left behind by Teenui-Mapumai MP Norman George, says the Atiu mayor.
Sharing not in the pipeline
Wednesday 14 November 2012 | Published in Politics
The two rival fuel companies on Rarotonga are both working on their respective pipelines – but suggestions they might share to reduce environmental impact does not go down well.
Well-travelled lot
Tuesday 13 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Finance Minister Mark Brown wants to clarify the departure figures discussed in parliament on Thursday.
Shipping minister questioned on Uma choice
Monday 12 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Opposition Leader Wilkie Rasmussen is concerned that the new shipping licence granted to Uma Shipping will halt proposed plans for another ship to service the northern group.
Water project manager sought
Monday 12 November 2012 | Published in Politics
The Cook Islands’ largest infrastructure project will see new water works started at the beginning of next year.
Party-hopping discussed
Monday 12 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Opposition Leader Wilkie Rasmussen started debate in Parliament last week with greetings to members of the house and public – and ruffled Norman George’s feathers by referring to him as a Cook Islands Party member.
New employment law ready
Saturday 10 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Groundbreaking changes have been made by government to protect the rights of workers within the Cook Islands.
Energy head to sit on board
Saturday 10 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Power company Te Aponga Uira is the most ruthless business entity operating in this country, said Opposition Leader Wilkie Rasmussen in Parliament yesterday.
TAU charges 'exorbitant'
Saturday 10 November 2012 | Published in Politics
The opposition leader brought up the “exorbitant charges” that Te Aponga Uira charges to connect power to resident’s houses – quoting recent correspondence to the editor of Cook Islands News where a reader complained of having to pay $30,000 for a substation.
5 bills, 16 papers
Saturday 10 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Two bills were tabled in the second day of Parliament – both to do with justice.
New ombudsman sworn in
Saturday 10 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Newly-sworn in ombudsman Tearoa Tini is set to take on his role as chief problem solver.
Atiu mayor 'sneaked' back into power
Saturday 10 November 2012 | Published in Politics
During question time in Parliament yesterday, Teenui-Mapumai MP Norman George broached an issue which he also brought up last time Parliament sat in June – about a potential political rival who is the current Atiu mayor.
PM: not a prisoner of the law
Saturday 10 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Parliament convened on Thursday with a minute’s silence for members who had died this year, including Tamarua MP Pukeiti Pukeiti, who passed away earlier this month. A by-election has not yet been called.
Puna in Dubai, Glassie in Seoul, Bishop in Shanghai
Saturday 10 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Cabinet, along with other members of parliament, have been hard at work the last couple of days answering pertinent questions and debating bills during the first sitting of Parliament since June. Parliament has now adjourned for two weeks, allowing three cabinet ministers to jet off overseas.
New woman MP sworn in
Friday 9 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Parliament opened promptly at 1pm yesterday with the swearing in to the House of its newest female member.
TAU bill for good of 'our people'
Friday 9 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Three bills, three audit reports and 13 papers were tabled for discussion in Parliament yesterday.
PM: No public servant interference from top
Friday 9 November 2012 | Published in Politics
The opposition leader brought up an issue close to his heart during question-and-answer time in Parliament yesterday – allegations that public servants are threatened with losing their jobs for speaking out against the government.