6 Jan 2017

Cooks tax amnesty questioned

4:05 pm on 6 January 2017

Questions are being raised in the Cook Islands about a tax amnesty promised by the prime minister Henry Puna in his Christmas message.

The Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna

The Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna Photo: RNZ/Daniela Maoate-Cox

In his message Mr Puna said the government would wipe the slate clean and forgive all tax penalties on existing debt as at 31 December 2016.

RNZI's Cook Islands correspondent, Florence Syme-buchanan said the specifics of the tax amnesty are still being worked out, with legal and accounting sources saying it will most likely require a law change to be properly administered.

It is unclear if Mr Puna has the authority to declare an amnesty or who will be eligible for the amnesty and how far back it will apply.

  • Cooks in the black after tourism surge
  • Cooks Minister says working to overcome audit lack
  • Cooks rejects 'fraud Mecca’ label
  • Cook Islands govt notches big surplus
  • Cooks govt stresses pension issue resolved