Mark Brown
Internet cable step closer for Cooks
The Cook Islands government is hoping a deal will be signed off next month to bring high-speed broadband to Samoa, the Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Niue. Audio
Cooks eyes submarine cable through French Polynesia
The Cook Islands is thinking about joining a new submarine telecommunication connection that would link it to Hawaii through French Polynesia. Audio
Cooks in the black after tourism surge
The Cook Islands Government's financial state is looking rosy after a huge surge in visitor numbers over the past six months. Audio
Negotiations conclude on free trade agreement for Pacific
Trade ministers from 16 Pacific Islands Forum countries have agreed to the legal text of the proposed PACER Plus regional free trade agreement. Audio
Political uncertainty remains in Cook Islands
The Cook Islands is embroiled in political turmoil after the opposition claimed to have replaced the government in a no confidence vote. Audio
Cooks Minister says working to overcome audit lack
The Cook Islands Finance Minister, Mark Brown, has confirmed the government's consolidated accounts have not been audited for 3 years. Audio
Social bonds unknown investment territory for NZ
A fund manager says it remains to be seen whether social bonds will be a fit for wholesale investors in New Zealand. Audio
Change in NZ aid delivery to Cooks will reduce red tape
The Cook Islands minister of finance, Mark Brown, says New Zealand's move towards paying the bulk of its aid directly into the country's national budget is a growing trend that will prevent… Audio
Purse seine fishing ban petition under fire
Cook Islanders living on the northern island of Manihiki have called for their signatures to be withdrawn from a petition to ban purse seine fishing. Audio
Cooks to take more direct approach to seabed mining
The Cook Islands government says it will consider a more direct approach to securing investors to mine its sea floor after a five month open tender process failed to register a single bid. Audio
No spying concerns from Pacific govts over planned cable
Pacific Island governments involved in talks with New Zealand over development of new submarine cable links appear mainly unconcerned about major powers having access to their communications. Audio
Polynesian submarine cable as early as 2018
A new submarine cable for internet communication for Polynesian countries could be laid by 2018. Audio
Scientists call for regional coordination of seabed mining
The scientific community is calling on Pacific Island countries to adopt a collaborative approach to developing sea bed mining in the region. Audio
Cooks seabed up for grabs
The Cook Islands has just opened up bidding for mining precious metals from the seabed of its vast 2 million square kilometre Exclusive Economic Zone. Audio
Government and pensioners at odds over taxes
Cook Islands Grey Power says members are willing to be sent to jail to shame the government for making them pay taxes on their pensions. Audio
New coins for Pacific countries
Tonga, the Cook Islands and Vanuatu are looking forward to the delivery of their brand new coins this year. Audio
Outspoken - School Decile Funding
John Gerritsen asks if the school decile system needs replacing. Audio
New Zealand companies need a plan to deal with cyber hackers
While Sony continues to count the cost of a full blown cyber-hacking scandal, other companies - large and small - are being urged to take action to avoid the same pitfall. Audio
Cooks Democrats to appeal petitions
The Cook Islands Democratic Party says it will appeal up to three of the petitions it filed against July's general election results which were thrown out by the High Court. Audio
Big borrowers take overseas loans to avoid high interst
Large New Zealand companies, banks and institutions have been borrowing funds overseas, to avoid paying high New Zealand interest rates. Audio
