3 Dec 2005

New Zealand mayor awarded for work among Cook Islands people

8:16 am on 3 December 2005

A delegation from the Cook Islands led by Prime Minister, Jim Marurai and the Queens Representative, Sir Frederick Goodwin have paid tribute to the Mayor of Manukau City, Sir Barry Curtis.

Sir Barry was awarded an Honorary Cook Islands Resident by Sir Frederick in recognition of his work among the community, at a function in Mangere last night.

Sir Barry, who became the 16th non-Cook Islander to receive the award, but says his relationship with the community began with his first friend in 1951 at Auckland's Cornwall Park Primary School.

"The young person of course was Hugh Henry, Hugh Henry's dad was Albert Henry, Albert Henry went on of course to become the prime minister of the Cook Islands. Albert Henry worked with my late father, both of whom were waterside workers on the Auckland waterfront."