DOCSLIB.ORG

Thesis Chapter 1

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Thesis Chapter 1 POLITICAL ECOLOGY, STRUCTURAL ADJUSTMENT AND CORAL REEF CHANGE IN THE COOK ISLANDS, A MICRO-STATE A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE GRADUATE DIVISION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS IN GEOGRAPHY MAY 2006 By Jacqueline Tepaeru Evans Thesis Committee: Brian Murton, Chairperson Mary McDonald James Maragos We certify that we have read this thesis and that, in our opinion, it is satisfactory in scope and quality as a thesis for the degree of Master of Arts in Geography. THESIS COMMITTEE __________________________________ Chairperson ___________________________________ ____________________________________ ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The author would like to thank all those who participated in the questionnaire survey and interviews and also those who provided information to help this thesis come together. Much gratitude also goes to Phil and Wendy Evans (no relation) who provided generous access to the Cook Islands News database. Also meitaki ma’ata to Ron Crocombe for providing comments on the draft manuscript. iii ABSTRACT This thesis applies an approach of political ecology to analyze environmental change in the Cook Islands in the context of the fiscal crisis of the state in the 1990’s. Questions and methods from both human and physical geography are brought to the empirical case. Corruption and financial management surrounding a hotel development on Rarotonga, Cook Islands presents a case of ‘criminal ecology’ This research finds that the Pacific Island state is characterised by thin layers of bureaucracy making it extremely vulnerable to international crime, national debt and environmental change. Structural adjustment placed further pressure on the Cook Islands environment. The significance of this research lies in its illumination of the widening environmental consequences of misguided development and debt. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgements…………………………………………………………………….. iii Abstract………………………………………………………………………………… iv List of Tables…………………………………………………………………………... ix List of Plates and Figures…..………………………………………………………….. x Preface………………………………………………………………………………….. xii Chapter 1: Introduction………………………………………………………………… 1 1.1 The Cook Islands: A Micro-State ……………………................................ 1 1.1.1 Government……………………………………………………… 3 1.1.2 Population……………………………………………………….. 4 1.1.3 Land……………………………………………………………… 5 1.1.4 Development…………………………………………………….. 5 1.1.5 Tourism………………………………………………………….. 7 1.1.6 Agriculture………………………………………………………. 9 1.2 Conceptual Framework…………………………………………………….. 11 1.2.1 The Environmental Problem……………………………………... 11 1.2.2 The Environmental Problem and Structural Adjustment………… 16 1.2.3 The Political Ecology Approach…………………………………. 19 1.3 Methodology……………………………………………………………….. 25 1.3.1 Secondary Sources……………………………………………….. 25 1.3.2 Questionnaire…………………………………………………….. 26 1.3.3 Interviews………………………………………………………... 27 v 1.3.4 Coral Lagoon Survey.…………………………………………... 27 1.3.5 Flaws in Methodology…………………………………………… 28 Chapter 2: The Case of the Italian-Cook Islands Hotel Development………………… 29 2.1 Introduction………………………………………………………………… 29 2.2 The Story of the Italian-Cook Islands Hotel Development………………... 29 2.2.1 A Poorly Planned Initiative……………………………………… 29 2.2.2 A New Government……………………………………………… 33 2.2.3 Building Contractor Sicel SpA Goes into Receivership…………. 36 2.2.4 A Second Building Contract: Stephany SpA……………………. 37 2.2.5 The Curse………………………………………………………… 39 2.3 The Effect of the Hotel Construction on the Coastal Environment………... 40 2.4 Coral Lagoon Survey Data………………………………………………… 43 2.5 Political Factors Affecting the Italian-Cook Islands Hotel Development…………………………………………………………………… 47 2.6 The Vulnerability of a Micro-State………………………………………… 49 Chapter 3: The Case of Tourist Accommodation Development in Muri: Structural Adjustment and Evidence of Environmental Change………………………………….. 51 3.1 Introduction………………………………………………………………… 51 3.2 Tourist Accommodation Development and Structural Adjustment……….. 52 3.3 Environmental Regulation under Structural Adjustment………………….. 60 vi 3.4 Empirical Evidence of Environmental Change in Muri Lagoon…………... 62 3.4.1 Siltation and erosion……………………………………………... 62 3.4.2 Toxic dinoflagellates………………………………………..…… 67 3.4.3 Nutrient levels…………………………………………………… 69 3.4.4 Reclamation of wetlands………………………………………… 70 3.5 Perceptions of Environmental Change in Muri……………………………. 71 3.5.1 Perceptions of pollution…………………………………………. 71 3.5.2 Perceptions of Siltation and Coastal Erosion……………………. 77 3.5.3 Perceptions of over-development……………………………….. 78 3.5.4 Ciguatera………………………………………………………… 80 3.6 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………. 81 Chapter 4: The Politics of Tourist Accommodation Development in Muri…………… 84 4.1 Sewage in the Lagoon: Secrecy and Silence ………………………………. 84 4.2 The Politics of Proliferation……………………………………………....... 88 4.2.1 Balancing Landowners Rights…………………………………… 89 4.2.2 The Power of the Minister for Environment…………………… 90 4.2.3 Aggressive Developers………………………………………… 92 4.2.4 Non-Enforcement: Cultural Considerations……………………... 94 4.3 Limited Expertise in Environmental Matters……………………………… 97 4.4 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………. 100 vii Chapter 5: Discussion and Conclusion………………………………………………… 103 5.1 Environmental Change Related To Structural Adjustment: Muri Lagoon.... 103 5.2 Politics and Environmental Change….…………………………………….. 105 5.3 The Vulnerable Micro-State……..………………………………………… 107 5.4 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………. 108 Appendix: Questionnaire Survey………………………………………………………. 110 References……………………………………………………………………………… 114 viii LIST OF TABLES Table Page 1. Substrate type in the inner lagoon at site 1 near the unfinished Italian- Cook Islands hotel development………….…............................................... 45 2. Percent live coral cover on each transect in the inner lagoon at site 1 during three consecutive coral reef surveys, near the unfinished Italian- Cook Islands hotel development…………………………………………… 46 3. Percent live coral cover on each transect in the inner lagoon at site 2 during three consecutive coral reef surveys, near the unfinished Italian- Cook Islands hotel development………………………………………….... 46 4. Capacity of tourist accommodation on the beach side at Muri before and after the economic reform program in 1996-97……………………………. 56 5. Degree of change in environmental quality of Muri lagoon perceived by people in the Muri community over the last 15 years……………………… 76 ix LIST OF PLATES AND FIGURES Plate Page I. Aerial view of Rarotonga………………………………………………... 6 II. Pig tied by the hoof to a tree…………………………………………….. 9 III. A commercial pig pen…………………………………………………… 10 IV. An example of waste being washed from a pig pen into a stream……… 10 V. The unopened four-star Italian-Cook Islands hotel development……….. 38 VI. An example of a locally-owned and operated tourist accommodation in 58 Muri…………………………………………………………………....... VII. Coastal erosion at Muri beach…………………………………………... 66 VIII. Bloom of Ulva flexuosa in Titikaveka lagoon…………………………... 68 IX. An example of a reclaimed wetland area………………………………... 72 X. An example of water drainage around a reclaimed wetland area……….. 72 XI. A green algae film on the lagoon floor in Muri………………………...... 73 XII. Grey sand on the Muri lagoon floor…………………………………….. 74 XIII. Muri beach ‘on a bad day’ showing the discolouration of the sand…….. 74 XIV. Foam on the edge of the shore at Muri Beach…………………………... 75 XV. Rock revetments installed at Muri beach………………………………... 78 XVI. Tourists at Muri beach…………………………………………………... 79 Figure 1. Location of the Cook Islands……………………………………………. 1 2. Population change in the Cook Islands 1951-2001……………………… 4 3. Growth in visitor arrivals in the Cook Islands, 1980-2001…………….... 8 x 4. Map of Rarotonga showing the two study areas………………………… 11 5. Map of the Muri study area……………………………………………... 24 6. Timeline for events relating to the Italian-Cook Islands hotel development……………………………………………………………… 32 7. Map of the coral reef survey site showing the position of line transects... 43 8. Number of tourist accommodation establishments or extensions to existing establishments by year on the beach side at Muri……………… 57 9. Change in capacity of tourist accommodation by year on Muri beach….. 58 10. Timeline for tourist accommodation development in Muri lagoon, environmental legislative changes and macro-economic interventions…. 59 11. Total number of flights per year to the Cook Islands 1997-2003……….. 60 12. Cross sections of Ngatangiia harbour in 1979 and 1948………………... 63 13. Current directions in Muri lagoon………………………………………. 64 14. Change in the position of the Avana delta between 1955 and 1979…….. 65 15. Total nitrogen and phosphorus compared with critical levels for coral reefs at inner Muri lagoon on four different sampling dates……………. 69 16. Total nitrogen and phosphorus compared with critical levels for coral reefs at outer Muri lagoon on four different sampling dates……………. 69 17. Location of water sampling stations for nutrient analysis……………… 70 xi PREFACE My best friend and I used to spend a lot of time at Muri beach on Rarotonga when we were teenagers. It was the best place to swim and relax. I would pick her up on a little Yamaha 50 scooter after school. She would finish her household chores and we would take off for the beach. We would swim across to the islet and lie on the sand. I remember squinting over the bright, white sand at the turquoise lagoon and telling myself that this was the best place in the world. That was 18 years ago and much has changed at Muri
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Electoral Database 2009
    PARLIAMENTARY GENERAL ELECTION SUPPLEMENTARY ROLL 2018 Titikaveka Supplementary Roll of Persons entitled to vote for one (1) MEMBER OF THE COOK ISLANDS PARLIAMENT This roll is closed pursuant to Sec 15(b) of the Electoral Act 2004 and published 10 May 2018 SUPPLEMENTARY ROLL FOR TITIKAVEKA CONSTITUENCY Form 2 Sec. 16(1) Page A D D I T I O N S 35 Line Name in Full, Residence, Occupation 1 ARIKI Kimiora, Tikioki, Self employed 2 BEN Criss Adrian, Tikioki, Self employed 3 CARR Maeva Judith, Titikaveka, Student 4 DAVID Donyai Paulo, Titikaveka, Titikaveka 5 FOSTER Joseph William, Vaimaanga, Unemployed 6 GARRITY Tangimaterua, Titikaveka, Retired 7 HIGGINS Keelyn Jane, Tikioki, Café Assistant 8 HIGGINS Kristina Elizabeth, Tikioki, Manager 9 HIGGINS Neil Barry, Tikioki, Manager 10 HIGGINS Teale Patricia Wendy, Tikioki, Security Officer 11 HOSEA Talyja Benjamin, Titikaveka, Human Resource Administrator 12 HOSEA Tauraki Edward Tearoamana, Titikaveka, Builder 13 HOSEA Teaukura Samuel, Titikaveka, BIO Security Officer 14 JAMIESON William Peter, Titikaveka, Painter 15 JOHN Ngapare, Titikaveka, Planter 16 KAPI Sara Upokoina Tereapii, Vaimaanga, Bank Officer 17 KATA Apike Marsters, Titikaveka, Police Officer 18 LEEMING Catherine Elizabeth, Titikaveka, Self employed 19 LEEMING David Alexander, Titikaveka, Pilot/Auditor 20 MANUEL-KARIKA Pari, Akapuao, Dental Administrator 21 MARETA RIA Temehani Liana Mari, Titikaveka, Sales Rep 22 MATAPO Elizabeth Margaret, Titikaveka, Housemaid 23 MATAPO Greymouth Snr, Titikaveka, Labourer 24 MCDONALD Thomas Bevan,
    [Show full text]
  • 04 Nikao-Panama Supp2018
    PARLIAMENTARY GENERAL ELECTION SUPPLEMENTARY ROLL 2018 Nikao-Panama Supplementary Roll of Persons entitled to vote for one (1) MEMBER OF THE COOK ISLANDS PARLIAMENT This roll is closed pursuant to Sec 15(b) of the Electoral Act 2004 and published 10 May 2018 SUPPLEMENTARY ROLL FOR NIKAO-PANAMA CONSTITUENCY Form 2 Sec. 16(1) Page A D D I T I O N S 43 Line Name in Full, Residence, Occupation 1 AKAVA Nelson John, Panama, Watchman - Triad 2 ARAKUA Vainetutai Moeroa, Nikao, Self employed 3 ATURAI Anjima Ah Yan Akereu, Nikao, Receptionist 4 AUMARO Temana, Nikao, Waitress-Aroa Beachside Inn 5 AVE Matangaro, Nikao, Not Stated 6 BREEN Alexander Tepou-O-Te-Rangi Pakitoa, Nikao, Teacher 7 BROWN Aida Moekore, Rangiura, Retired 8 BROWN Uddipan James, Nikao, Massage Therapist 9 CHARLIE Mairi Katoa, Rangiura, Not Stated 10 CHARLIE Teivitau, Rangiura, CITC Building Center 11 DANCE Vaiana Margaret, Nikao, Waitress 12 DEAN Christopher Immanual, Rangiura, Truck Driver 13 ENOKA MCBIRNEY Simone Eitiare, Nikao, Receptionist 14 FRAMHEIN Samuel Tuatau, Nikao, Chef 15 FREDERICK Daniel Tamarangi, Tereora, Air Rarotonga 16 FREDERICK Sarah Akerangi Tokoitu, Turamatuitui, Intern - MFEM 17 GOODWIN Christian Temaru, Nikao, Graphic Designer 18 HALSTON Geoffrey Matamaki-Nati, Nikao, Project Manager 19 HEATHER Olivia Moana, Nikao, Accountant 20 HENDRICKS Rosita, Nikao, Domestic Duties 21 HENRY Steven Tamarua Ngamata, Pokoinu, Trainee Surveyor 22 HOSKING Phillip Paul, Tereora, Part time Stores Person 23 HOSKING-TINIRAU Tahia Pearl, Nikao, Not Stated 24 INGRAM Joyce Nooroa, Nikao, Self employed 25 INGRAM Nipura Pamela, Nikao, Not stated SUPPLEMENTARY ROLL FOR NIKAO-PANAMA CONSTITUENCY Form 2 Sec.
    [Show full text]
  • Cook Islands of the Basicbasic Informationinformation Onon Thethe Marinemarine Resourcesresources Ofof Thethe Cookcook Islandsislands
    Basic Information on the Marine Resources of the Cook Islands Basic Information on the Marine Resources of the Cook Islands Produced by the Ministry of Marine Resources Government of the Cook Islands and the Information Section Marine Resources Division Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) with financial assistance from France . Acknowledgements The Ministry of Marine Resources wishes to acknowledge the following people and organisations for their contribution to the production of this Basic Information on the Marine Resources of the Cook Islands handbook: Ms Maria Clippingdale, Australian Volunteer Abroad, for compiling the information; the Cook Islands Natural Heritage Project for allowing some of its data to be used; Dr Mike King for allowing some of his drawings and illustration to be used in this handbook; Aymeric Desurmont, Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) Fisheries Information Specialist, for formatting and layout and for the overall co-ordination of efforts; Kim des Rochers, SPC English Editor for editing; Jipé Le-Bars, SPC Graphic Artist, for his drawings of fish and fishing methods; Ministry of Marine Resources staff Ian Bertram, Nooroa Roi, Ben Ponia, Kori Raumea, and Joshua Mitchell for reviewing sections of this document; and, most importantly, the Government of France for its financial support. iii iv Table of Contents Introduction .................................................... 1 Tavere or taverevere ku on canoes ................................. 19 Geography ............................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • FORTY-NINTH SESSION Hansard Report
    FORTY-NINTH SESSION Hansard Report 49th Session Fourth Meeting Volume 4 WEDNESDAY 5 JUNE 2019 MR DEPUTY SPEAKER took the Chair at 9.00 a.m. OPENING PRAYER MR DEPUTY SPEAKER (T. TURA): Please be seated. Greetings to everyone this morning in the Name of the Lord. We say thank you to our Chaplain for the words of wisdom from God and let that be our guidance throughout the whole day. Kia Orana to everyone in this Honourable House this morning, Honourable Members of Parliament, the Clerk of Parliament and your staff, and our friend from WA, Australia – Peter McHugh. Those in the Public Gallery – greetings to you all and May the Lord continue to bless each and everyone here today. MR DEPUTY SPEAKER’S ANNOUNCEMENTS Honourable Members, I have good news for you all and for those interested in the Budget Book 1 and Budget Book 2. These are now available on the MFEM website under Treasury. These will also be available on the Parliament website today. Honourable Members, I have a very special Kia Orana and acknowledgment to four very special Cook Islanders today who received the Queen’s Birthday Honours. On behalf of the Speaker of this Honourable House, the Honourable Niki Rattle may I extend to them our warmest congratulations for their utmost achievements that we should all be proud of them today. Firstly, the businessman, Ewan Smith of Air Rarotonga. He received one of the highest New Zealand Honours. Congratulations Ewan. Secondly, to Mrs Rima David. She received the British Empire Medal. Congratulations Rima. Thirdly, to Iro Pae Puna.
    [Show full text]
  • Cook Islands Emergency Response Plan to Covid-19
    COOK ISLANDS EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN TO COVID-19 MARCH 2020 WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019? WHAT IS OUR PLAN? Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new respiratory illness The Cook Islands emergency response plan to COVID-19 (Plan) affecting the lungs, spreading all over the world. is a nationwide effort to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared a COVID-19 the health, social and economic status of the Cook Islands Pandemic on 11 March 2020 population. The incubation period (time between infection and onset of symptoms) is estimated to be 14 days. LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE The Prime Minister will lead the national effort with the support 80% of cases are reported as mild to moderate. 5% are critical, of the Minister of Health and Cabinet, and other stakeholders. requiring intensive care unit (ICU) services. There is no specific treatment (vaccine/antivirals). The National Disaster Risk Management Council (NDRMC), the Central Agency Committee (CAC), and the National Health Emergency Taskforce (NHET) will provide advice to Cabinet. HOW IS COVID-19 SPREAD? The NDRMC establishes the National Emergency Operations The virus that causes COVID-19 is transmitted through: Centre (NEOC) from which the National Response Executive 1. Large droplet spread (NRE) will direct and coordinate the response. 2. Transmission through aerosolised spread (coughs) Various stakeholders will implement the Plan. They include: 3. Contact – direct or indirect – with respiratory secretions Religious Advisory Council (RAC); traditional leaders; (saliva or contaminated surfaces) government agencies; non-government organisations (NGOs); Rarotonga and Pa Enua Puna; other community committees, WHO IS AT RISK OF SEVERE ILLNESS? international partners and the private sector.
    [Show full text]
  • Polynesia in Review: Issues and Events, 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004
    Polynesia in Review: Issues and Events, 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004 Reviews of American Sämoa, Niue, as well as expressions of unease from Tokelau, Tonga, and Tuvalu are not the two major political parties and included in this issue. trenchant media queries about the circumstances surrounding his resi- Cook Islands dency. In an effort to win public sym- This was a year of birthdays in the pathy, Lyon issued an open letter to Cook Islands. The nation’s first polit- the people of Rarotonga, declaring, ical party, the Cook Islands Party “I came here for the first time in 2002 (cip), celebrated its fortieth birthday and fell under your spell. I have since in March 2004. By October, the Girl moved my family here, in the hope of Guides, the oldest uniformed women’s sanctuary from the lifestyle I wish to organization, commemorated seventy- leave behind. Given my past, I do not five years of activity since its arrival in expect you to embrace me nor to the country. And the Baha’i faith, the invite me into your daily lives. I can earliest non-Christian denomination only hope that, given enough time, to come into the Cook Islands, cele- you may see that I have learned to brated its fiftieth birthday. Also in live by your example. Like you I want October, the Child Welfare Associa- my children to do better in life than tion commemorated seventy years of I have done, not to repeat my mis- service. The year also saw the contin- takes” (CIN, 17 Dec 2003, 3).
    [Show full text]
  • Northern Group Senior Students SRIC CC Proposal Writing Workshop 27
    Northern Group Senior Students SRIC CC Proposal Writing Workshop 27 - 31 July 2015 Teina Rongo, Celine Dyer, Mia Teaurima Office of the Prime Minister 1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We wish to thank the Adaptation Fund and UNDP Samoa office for providing funding for this project through the Strengthening the Resilience of Island Communities to Climate Change (SRIC CC) programme. Thank you to our implementing partners the Ministry of Education, Te Ipukarea Society (with UNESCO funding), and SPC EU GCCA PSIS for embracing this concept and coming on board with great enthusiasm. We thank Teava Iro from the Titikaveka Growers Association, Paul Maoate from Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI), Arona Ngari and the staff of the Meteorological Office and Rongohiva Watersports for accommodating the site visits. To all the experts; Mana Etches from EMCI, Dan Rasmussen from NES and Marino Wichman from Seabed Minerals thank you all for your presentations. Thank you to the Aronga Mana of Puaikura, Tinomana Ariki, Kaina Mataiapo and Kaumaiti Tou Ariki for welcoming the students and opening the workshop. We also thank the Mayors, EOs and the Pu Teres for releasing the students to attend the workshop. Thank you to the Prime Minister Henry Puna and Mrs Puna for attending the closing of the workshop and delivering the closing address to the students. Most importantly, we thank the students and their teachers for their commitment and sacrificing their time to participate in the workshop. Thank you all so much, Ata Wai Wolo Meitaki Poria Korereka! 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Contents
    [Show full text]
  • RAROTONGA, AITUTAKI, ATIU and SISTER ISLANDS London
    visit us at: COOK ISLANDS GUIDE COOKISLANDS.TRAVEL RAROTONGA, AITUTAKI, ATIU AND SISTER ISLANDS London Berlin Vancouver Rome Beijing Seoul To kyo Los Angeles Hong Kong Honolulu Tahiti Perth Capetown Sydney Auckland Kia Orana iscover our hidden gem of the South Pacific and you’ll see why there’s so much more to a little paradise. Unspoilt, simple and so easy to get around, you can explore and play as much or as little as you want in this oasis of absolute freedom. Let the untouched charm of these beautiful islands and friendly locals capture your spirit and envelope your heart. The 15 islands of the Cooks lie halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii, scattered like fragrant flower petals floating across 2.2 million square kilometres of a serene, opulent ocean. Boasting rare beauty, an idyllic climate, warm welcoming people with heart felt smiles and a pace of life unsurpassed. We invite you to endless adventure, romance and pure relaxation. Come explore and share the Cook Islands with us, and discover why everyone loves a little paradise. For more information regarding flight schedules to the Cook Islands please refer to: www.cookislands.travel/flightinformation cookislands.travel | 3 CONTENTS Welcome 2 How to get here 4 HOW TO Rarotonga – our capital 6 purchase duty-free goods. Be prepared to Aitutaki – heaven on earth 24 GET HERE receive a traditional ei, a garland of fragrant flowers as you leave the airport. The best part Atiu – the island of birds 36 is yet to come, a trip from the airport to your Mauke – the garden island 42 Although we’re a little paradise, we’re accommodation right on the beach is less serviced by big players: Air New Zealand than 30 minutes, anywhere on the island.
    [Show full text]
  • Cook Islands Government
    Cook Islands Government Quarterly Financial Report 31 DECEMBER 2018 Prepared by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management www.mfem.gov.ck Table of Contents Introduction 3 Key Points 3 - 4 Summary of the Financial Performance of the General Government 5 Summary of the Financial Position of the General Government 6 General Government Cash Reserves 7 Loan Repayment Fund 8 Changes to Expenditure Authority 9 General Government Revenue Analysis 10 -13 General Government Expenditure Analysis 14 - 25 Other General Government Operating Expenditure 26 Capital Expenditure 27 - 31 Crown Gross Debt 32 - 34 Official Development Assistance (ODA) 35 - 38 State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) 39 2 Introduction The statements contained in this report have been prepared on an accruals basis as far as practical and outline income and expenses incurred which may not have been necessarily received or paid . All figures are rounded to the nearest thousand. References to 2018/19 Additional Funding Approval used in this report relates to either an approved carry forward from previous financial year(s) or funding approved through an Executive Council order. Government operated without an Appropriation Bill for most part of the first quarter under the authority provided by Article 70 of the Constitution. The calling of the 2018 general election in June delayed the passing of the 2018/19 Appropriation Bill, a process that is usually passed before the new financial year, was passed on 21 September 2018. The financial statements have been consolidated to General Government level including Cook Islands Investment Corporation parent administrative operations. State Owned Enterprises (SOE’s) group consolidation are reported separately in later sections of this report.
    [Show full text]
  • Cook Islands Elections 2014 in Brief
    Cook Islands Elections 2014 In Brief Contents Message from the Chief Electoral Officer ........................................................................ 3 Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 4 Electoral Process and Administration............................................................................... 4 Candidates and Political Parties ....................................................................................... 5 Registration and the Electoral Roll ................................................................................... 6 Election Methods .............................................................................................................. 8 Postal Voting ................................................................................................................ 8 Advance Voting ............................................................................................................ 8 Special Voting (Declaration) ........................................................................................ 8 Special Care .................................................................................................................. 8 Ordinary Voting ............................................................................................................ 8 Election Result .................................................................................................................. 9 Technological
    [Show full text]
  • The Constitution of the Cook Islands
    Constitution 1 COOK ISLANDS CONSTITUTION [WITH AMENDMENTS INCORPORATED] REPRINTED AS ON 21st December, 2004 INDEX PAGE The Constitution Cook Islands Constitution Act 1964 (N.Z.) Cook Islands Constitution Amendment Act 1965 (N.Z.) Cook Islands Constitution Act Commencement Order 1965 (S.R. 1965/128) Constitution Amendment Act 1968-69 (Repealed by s.23(1)(a), Constitution Amendment (No.9) Act 1980-81 (C.I.)) Constitution Amendment (No.2) Act 1968-69 Constitution Amendment (No.3) Act 1969 (Repealed by s.23(1)(c), Constitution Amendment (No.9) Act 1980-81 (C.I.)) Constitution Amendment (No.4) Act 1970 (Repealed by s.23(1)(d), Constitution Amendment (No.9) Act 1980-81 (C.I.)) Constitution Amendment (No.5) Act 1970 Constitution Amendment (No.6) Act 1973 Constitution Amendment (No.7) Act 1975 Constitution Amendment (No.8) Act 1978-79 (Repealed by s.23(1)(f), Constitution Amendment (No.9) Act 1980-81 (C.I.)) Constitution Amendment (No.9) Act 1980-81 Constitution Amendment (No.10) Act 1981-82 Constitution Amendment (No.11) Act 1982 Constitution Amendment (No.12) Act 1986 Constitution Amendment (No.13) Act 1991 Constitution Amendment (No.14) Act 1991 Constitution Amendment (No.15) Act 1993 Constitution Amendment (No.16) Act 1993-94 Constitution Amendment (No. 17) Act 1994-95 Constitution Amendment (No. 18) Act 1995-96 Constitution Amendment (No.19) Act 1995-96 Constitution Amendment (No.20) Act 1997 Constitution Amendment (No.21) Act 1997 Constitution Amendment (No.22) Act 1997 Constitution Amendment (No.23) Act 1999 Constitution Amendment (No. 24) Act 2001 Constitution Amendment (No. 25) Act 2002 Constitution Amendment (No.
    [Show full text]
  • Cook Islands European Commission Joint Annual
    COOK ISLANDS EUROPEAN COMMISSION JOINT ANNUAL REPORT !, ' ' 2007 - j 1. Executive Summary The Cook Islands comprises 15 small islands scattered over some 1.8 million square kilometres of the South Pacific Ocean. The country has some of the best MDG indicators in the region and is well on its way to achieving the MDG's by 2015. The Cook Islands economy is based on tourism, offshore financial services, pearl farming, fishing, and agriculture. The Cook Islands became signatory to the Cotonou Agreement on 23 June 2000. The 9'" EDF had Outer Island Development as the single focal sector. Under the 9'" EDF, €2 million were allocated under the A-envelope and €0.6 million under the B-envelope. Non State Actors (NSA), benefitted from 15% of the A envelope. The Outer Islands Development Programme (OIDP) objective was to raise the standard of social services delivery in the outer islands by providing improved infrastructure, equipment and supplies. The programme ran according to schedule and all activities were completed by August 2007. As a result of the mid-term review (2004) of the CSP/NIP, an additional amount of €500,000 became available in support of the development of the outer islands. As a result of the End of Term Review of the 9'" EDF, a further €400,000 has been made available to the Cook Islands that will be used together with the €600,000 of the B­ envelop to build a cyclone shelter in Pukapuka. The 10'" EDF Country Strategy Paper and National Indicative Programme envisages an initial allocation of 3.0 million under the A-envelope and 0.3 million for the B-envelope.
    [Show full text]