Parliamentary speaker lifts ban on reporter
(PINA/IFEX) – On 25 April 2001, the “Cook Islands News” confirmed that the speaker of the Cook Islands Parliament, Ngereteina Puna, had lifted his ban on “Cook Islands News” reporter Jason Brown covering parliament. This decision follows an apology printed on the front page, from the newspaper to Health Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Norman […]
Newspaper licensing threatened, senior journalist banned from parliament
(PINA/IFEX) – PINA is investigating threats to impose newspaper licensing in the Cook Islands and the banning of a senior journalist from covering the country’s parliament. On 18 April 2001, the “Cook Islands News” reported that Deputy Prime Minister Norman George told the Cook Islands parliament: “The time has arrived when legislation should be brought […]
Teacher suspended following appearance on TV programme
(PINA/IFEX) – On 18 August 2000, the main news web site of Niue, one of the world’s smallest island states, reported that a teacher has been suspended for appearing on the island’s TV station. The “Niue Economic Review” web site said the teacher, Epsy Puheke, had gone on Niue Television as a spokesperson for teachers […]
Cook Islands chief justice declares election law unconstitutional
PINA/IFEX – A wide-ranging amendment to Cook Islands electoral laws which would also have restricted the news media has been declared unconstitutional by the country’s chief justice. The new Electoral Amendment Act forbade political campaigning except for five weeks prior to a national election. Radio Australia reported that on 26 April 1999, Chief Justice Peter […]