By Talaia Mika of

Photo: Cook Islands News / PM MARK BROWN

The pause in $30 million New Zealand funding has placed "immediate pressure" on Cook Islands Government finances, according to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in its Report on the review of the Supplementary Budget being debated in parliament.

The Cook Islands government is seeking an increase of $36,252,949 through this Supplementary Budget, bringing the total Budget for the 2025/26 financial year, which was approved five months ago, to $372,388,917. The Supplementary Budget is normally tabled in the new year.

According to the Committee, the Supplementary Budget was required due to the confirmed pause of New Zealand funding totalling $20 million over two years, along with an additional $10.5 million suspension for

πŸ“°

Continue Reading on RNZ

This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.

Read Full Article β†’