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Tackling the impacts of climate change is a key focus for New Zealand, with a total of $16.5 million to go to the Cook Islands to help fight the crisis.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters made the announcement in the Cook Islands this morning, where he and Pacific People’s Minister Dr Shane Reti are on the second day of a Pacific mission.
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and Pacific People’s Minister, Dr Shane Reti at a ground-breaking ceremony for the new Puananga Nui farmers market. Photo / Grace Fiavaai
The funds will go to projects including cycle shelter upgrades, battery replacements, water security, and renewable energy systems in the island nation.
Some of the climate change impacts already being seen in the Cooks include coastal erosion to sea level rise - another very serious issue for a number of other Pacific nations including Tuvalu and Tokelau.
“We are committed to continuing to respond together to the complex and varied challenges facing the region, as well as finding areas and opportunities for bilateral co-operation,” Peters said after meeting Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and Minister of Health, Dr Shane Reti. Photo / Grace Fiavaai
Today’s announcement comes as the mission’s delegation settles into day two of the trip - which officially started in Tonga and will end in Samoa.
The group touched down in Rarotonga last night; effectively going back in time - with the Cook Islands being behind one day.
Earlier this morning, Peters and Reti took part in a ground-breaking ceremony for the new Punanga Nui farmers market in Avarua.
The market - which New Zealand helped with the development of costing about $8m - is a popular hub with locals and tourists alike and will be a welcome boost to the local economy.
Acknowledging the somewhat stormy reception Peters got at Waitangi this week, a Cook Islands official told him they were welcome here.
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters. Photo / Grace Fiavaai
He said that throughout the week, up to 50 vendors set up shop at the market. On Saturdays, that number is around 100.
Those vendors will now move from being in a carpark, to an actual sheltered building, he said.
The market was described as an opportunity not only for locals to earn a living, but also providing a grassroots approach to boosting the local economy.
As in Tonga, Peters and Reti received a warm reception complete with a traditional Rarotongan welcome.
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and minister Dr Shane Reti received a warm welcome. Photo / Grace Fiavaai
Addressing the official’s comments about Waitangi, Peters said: “I wasn’t worried - at all. I don’t want people thinking they can come along ... they woke up yesterday and know more than we do.”
He said he liked the idea of being called the “action man” and wanted to see the Cook Islands’ economy continuing to grow.
Dr Shane Reti visits Rarotonga Hospital. Photo / Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai
As he neared the end of his speech, a huge gust of wind ripped through the guests’ marquee - lifting it slightly.
Peters quipped: “I’m sorry we couldn’t bring a calmer day for us.”
Later, it is Reti’s time to shine. He visits Rarotonga Hospital without Peters and is looking calm and collected in his realm of expertise.
He is also sporting an island shirt - blue, of course - which is the first time he or Peters has worn anything Pasifika since the Mission started.
In his speech to medical staff and hospital officials, he talks about his general concerns surrounding diseases and serious illnesses, including Covid-19 and measles.
He reassures hospital workers, telling them to share what their needs are and New Zealand will see how we can help them.
Vaimoana Mase is the Pasifika editor for the Herald’s Talanoa section, sharing stories from the Pacific community. She won junior reporter of the year at the then Qantas Media Awards in 2010 and picked up the best opinion writing award at the 2023 Voyager Media Awards.
