PM’s northern tour concludes with consultation on Rakahanga

Prime Minister Mark Brown’s delegation was on Rakahanga yesterday for the final round of consultation in the northern group islands.

The delegation also includes the island’s Member of Parliament and Leader of the Opposition Tina Pupuke Browne, Deputy Prime Minister Robert Tapaitau, Alex Herman, the Commissioner for Seabed Minerals Authority, and director of Marae Moana Maria Tuoro.

Prime Minister Mark Brown shares a light moment with two elderly Manihikians after the consultation on the island this week. OPM/21031009

They held consultations on the Covid-19 updates and progress as well as updates on the licensing process from Seabed Minerals Authority and Marae Moana.

Before departing Manihiki for Rakahanga yesterday morning, PM Brown said: “We are looking forward to meeting our people from Rakahanga and spend time with them to provide them with the updates that we have given all our other islands. It is great that we will have the Leader of the Opposition and Member of Parliament Hon Tina Browne along as we need to show a united front on these important issues.”

The delegation held consultations on Manihiki earlier this week. Tukao was the first village to receive updates on key government developments.

Brown spoke about the quarantine-free travel process allowing Cook Islanders quarantine free entry into New Zealand. “Our people can travel for education and health reasons now without the burden of having to be subjected to 14 days in quarantine.”

Deputy Prime Minister Tapaitau told the people of Tukao that committees are formed to plan every aspect of government’s Covid-19 response to protect the people and country.

“We need to not only protect and safeguard our people, but also ensure we have an economic plan to sustain us.”

On Monday, the delegation and people of Manihiki marked International Women’s Day, celebrating “Women in Leadership”.

In honour of all women, PM Brown made a statement and then passed the floor over to women leaders part of his delegation.

Alex Herman spoke about not letting anything stand in the way of your dreams, and challenged all girls and women to take on leadership roles where they can.

Tuoro, who also holds the traditional title of Taarua Rangatira, paid homage to all women “who came before us, ancestors who sacrificed much so that we may achieve our dreams”.

The event was hosted by the combined women committee who celebrated 10 years of commemorating International Day for Women on Manihiki. A big cake was lit and cut by the Leader of the Opposition Tina Browne and wife of Member of Parliament and former PM Henry Puna.

The Tauhunu Cyclone shelter hosted the event which was then followed by Covid-19 briefing and updates as well as the Seabed Minerals Authority presentation on progress to date.

The delegation returns to Rarotonga today.

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