25 Aug 2015

Cooks celebrations net more people for outer islands

10:39 am on 25 August 2015

For the first time in the Cook Islands' history more people are returning to the outer islands than the numbers that travelled to the capital for Te Maeva Nui.

Over a thousand people travelled from the Pa Enua, mostly the northern islands, for the events, but their numbers are being boosted by another 114, with the Government paying for the transport.

Penrhyn, in the northern Cook Islands.

Penrhyn, in the northern Cook Islands. Photo: Ewan Smith

The chief executive in the Office of the Prime Minister, Liz Wright-Koteka, says the office has had to put on extra services to make sure everyone can return to the outer islands.

She says they had not anticipated such a demand and the office will need additional funds but she says it is manageable.

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