PM Brown on another northern group tour

Prime Minister Mark Brown is touring northern group islands of Manihiki and Rakahanga, running a series of consultations there.

This follows from a successful trip to Palmerston, Suwarrow, Pukapuka and Nassau early last month.

Brown is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Robert Tapaitau, Leader of the Opposition and Rakahanga MP Tina Pupuke Browne, Commissioner for Seabed Minerals Authority Alex Herman, Director Marae Moana Maria Tuoro, President CICC Church Pastor Tuaine Ngametua and representative of the northern group Makirere Poila.

The delegation arrived on Manihiki on Saturday. They will carry out consultations providing Covid-19 updates as well as progress updates on seabed mining and other developments.

PM Brown was received by Manihiki MP and former prime minister Henry Puna and his wife Akaiti.

Brown was honoured by being carried on the pa’ata.

Marae Moana director Maria Tuoro said PM Brown was humbled as he addressed the people on island for giving him such an honourable welcome.

“The Prime Minister addressed the Manihiki villagers of Tukao and Tauhunu who came to meet with the delegation from Rarotonga at the Tukao Cyclone shelter,” Tuoro said.

In his speech Brown said: “The northern group has given me the opportunity and the honour, and I would like to reiterate that I am your faithful servant, we your Ministers and public officials are here to serve you and for all our people.”

He thanked the people of Manihiki for the gesture bestowed on him and his delegation.

Written by CI News Staff | Published in National, Outer Islands