The Cook Islands government says revenue from its purse seine fishing deal with the European Union has allowed it to raise social welfare payments.
Cook Islanders march to decry the Prime Minister Henry Puna and his government's deal with the European Union on purse seine fishing. Photo: Flo Syme Buchanan
The Cook Islands News reports revenue from the deal has increased along with the number of skipjack tuna in Cook Islands waters.
Pension payments have reportedly gone up, with people under 70 now collecting $US315 a month, a 25 percent increase.
The child benefit has also gone up to $US63 a fortnight, a 50 percent increase.
Deputy Prime Minister Mark Brown said despite public opposition to the fishing deal when it was signed four years ago, it was likely to be extended for another four years.