HERALD WEEKLY ISSUE 595: 21 December2011

PM’s final address of 2011
The Prime Minister Hon. Henry Puna held his final press conference of 2011. Hon. Mark Brown was also in attendance. On the establishment of the Cook Islands Disaster Emergency Trust Fund, the prime minister said he was “confident” that this fund would ensure the prevention of a repeat situation of the slow response to aid the residents of Aitutaki following the devastation of Cyclone Pat. He also expected to see other small island states following suit to establish funds like this in their own countries in the future.
On the release of the provisional census figures released, the prime minister commented, “The population loss is one [trend] that stands out... That is a concern. We are trying to build up our economy so that people will find good reason to stay here.” See the insert in the centre of this week’s Herald for more information on the provisional figures released.
Other issues highlighted by the Prime Minister included the tabling of the supplementary budget, expected to be on February 15, 2012. He also commented on the establishment of the planned marine park and added that the current challenge is deciding how the marine park, fisheries operations and seabed resource exploration will be zoned. The Prime Minister will be taping his final address of 2011 to the nation on Thursday.- Ngariki Ngatae

Herald Issue 554 09 March
- Norm exposes Trio of Doom
- Briefs from PM’s media conference Tuesday
- Tourism Industry ponders $5 million draft strategy
- Norman George resigns from Cook Islands Party
- Letter of Resignation from CIP
- Norman selfish says Prime Minister

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