Politics
US-Pacific summit: ‘Cooks deserve a seat at the table’
Wednesday 28 September 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in National, Politics
A New Zealand international relationships expert says that the Cook Islands should always have been part of the inaugural United States-Pacific Islands summit, after news that the US overturned its previous omission.
Atiu petitions struck out, United Party ‘looking to appeal’ decision
Tuesday 27 September 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, National, Politics
Petitions alleging that two political candidates in Atiu were guilty of treating during the 2022 general election campaign have been struck out by Chief Justice Sir Hugh Williams.
U-turn: U.S. invites Cook Islands to Pacific Leaders summit
Monday 26 September 2022 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in National, Politics
The United States has reconsidered Cook Islands for the inaugural U.S.-Pacific Island Country Summit after earlier snubbing the country from the two-day meeting to be held this week in Washington DC.
Dates set for Titikaveka seat recount and hearing
Wednesday 21 September 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in National, Politics
A recount of the Titikaveka seat will take place on September 28.
CJ reserves decision on bid to strike out petitions
Wednesday 21 September 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in National, Politics
A lawyer representing the respondents to the Cook Islands United Party’s electoral petitions is asking for them to be struck out.
Party hires NZ barrister for petition cases
Saturday 17 September 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, National, Politics
The Cook Islands United Party has bolstered their legal team in their challenge over the election results in the Pa Enua.
Cook Islanders enter New Zealand’s local elections
Thursday 15 September 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Politics
A number of Cook Islanders have entered New Zealand’s local body elections to be held from September 16 to October 8, as candidates.
Cook Islands’ exclusion from US meet ‘curious’
Monday 12 September 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in National, Politics
The Cook Islands might not have been invited to the Pacific leaders’ summit later this month in Washington so more progress could be made on a deal, says one geopolitical analyst.
Petition struck out
Monday 12 September 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in National, Politics
The Cook Islands High Court has struck out the petition filed by the Democratic Party, challenging the result of the Amuri-Ureia seat.
‘QR’ effectively becomes ‘KR’
Saturday 10 September 2022 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in National, Politics
Queen’s Representative Sir Tom Marsters will now be referred to as the King’s Representative following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Titikaveka seat to be recounted
Saturday 10 September 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in National, Politics
Hearings on three electoral petitions accusing the recently re-elected MPs of bribery and treating will take place in the Pa Enua, while a recount and a petition challenge will take place for the Titikaveka seat.
‘Let’s get to work’
Wednesday 7 September 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in National, Politics
The incoming Cook Islands Party led coalition government held its first Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
A quarter of MPs are women, ‘half should be aim’
Tuesday 30 August 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in National, Politics
Six of our elected legislators are women – a quarter of the 24 seat Parliament – but the aim should be to have women make up half of the MPs, the National Council of Women (CINCW) says.
Lawyer calls for restorative justice
Monday 29 August 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in National, Politics
A local defence lawyer is calling for Cook Islands laws to be more forgiving on less serious crime and to focus on counseling rather than punishment.
Electoral petitions likely to head to the Pa Enua
Saturday 27 August 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in National, Politics
Hearings on three electoral petitions could end up taking place in the Pa Enua.
CIP move good for Mauke, says new-elected MP Matapo
Friday 26 August 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in National, Politics
The incoming coalition government’s newest member Stephen Matapo says teaming up with the Cook Islands Party was the right move for Mauke, adding discussions had begun regarding a potential ministerial position.
Matapo joins CIP
Thursday 25 August 2022 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in National, Politics
The Cook Islands Party now has a commanding 15 seats to nine advantage in Parliament following the announcement from the newly-elected Independent MP from Mauke.
Drop in voter turnout
Tuesday 23 August 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in National, Politics
Electoral turnout percentage in the Pa Enua (outer islands) was significantly higher than in Rarotonga during the 2022 general elections.
Electoral petitions likely to be adjourned
Saturday 20 August 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in National, Politics
The High Court hearings of five electoral petitions and one application for a recount will likely be adjourned for a week.
Five electoral petitions filed in High Court
Friday 19 August 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in National, Politics
Electoral petitions have been filed in the High Court accusing the Cook Islands Party of bribery and treating during the general election campaign.
