Kelvin Passfield of Te Ipukarea Society. Photo: RNZ/ Sally Round
In the Cook Islands High Court, lawyers are expected to make their closing summaries today in an historic court hearing challenging a controversial government purse seining partnership with the European Union.
The traditional leaders of a Rarotonga district and Te Ipukarea Society have made submissions to the High Court judge for a judicial review of the agreement.
The submissions have been rejected by Crown Law representing the Attorney General and Minister of Marine Resources as first and second respondents, and the Ministry of Marine Resources as third respondent.
Our correspondent says over half the Cook Islands voting population opposed the country entering into a purse seining agreement with the EU in a national referendum.
Te Ipukarea Society director Kelvin Passfield says they're not expecting a decision on the case as it could take up to two months.
