Transcript
It was Bill English's first triop to the Cook Islands and he came bearing gifts.
BILL ENGLISH: My pleasure to be able to announce $NZ15 million dollars of funding today to support connectivity for the Cook Islands.
The money is to go to Manatua submarine cable between Samoa and French Polynesia which, when completed, will also mean faster, cheaper internet for Aitutaki and Rarotonga. Mr English also announced a grant of $NZ8.8 million for the design of a reticulated wastewater system, and an additional $NZ20 million over the next three years to improve waste water infrastructure.
BILL ENGLISH: So these announcements demonstrate our long term commitment to stability and the prosperity of the Cook Islands and its further development.
In expressing his gratitude for the support the Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna says the unique partnership with New Zealand has been good for the Cooks.
HENRY PUNA: We have a private sector led economy with one of the highest GDP per capita in the whole of the Pacific.
But a traditional leader William Framhein questions at what cost to sovereignty these gains have come.
WILLIAM FRAMHEIN: What is the issue or the issues New Zealand has in regards to the Cook Islands wanting to become a member of the United Nations.
Bill English, refusing to be drawn into the legalities of the joint centenary agreement of 2001, simply re-stated New Zealand's position.
BILL ENGLISH: I understand the issue of multi lateral representation is one where it seems to discussed case by case. It is part of that ongoing discussion. We just haven't been convinced yet.
Henry Puna was quick to follow up.
HENRY PUNA: Let's just accept that this relationship is very very special. It is continually evolving and it is depends very much on the goodwill and the respect between the two countries.
But it was not all serious business. Mr English visited traditional leaders at the House of Ariki and said he enjoyed meeting students and school children at an outdoor sports event .
BILL ENGLISH: I was talking to one young man. I introduced myself as the Prime Minister of New Zealand and he looked pretty bored with that. He said 'what are you doing here?' I told him was here to visit his prime minister and looked pretty bored about that.
By chance I had managed to get the other side of the story.
Young Cooks boy: It's not bad.
KH: What did you talk about?
YCB: Rugby and soccer and talked about some famous rugby he knows.
KH: Did you tell him you were any good?
YCB: Best, best of the best.
And it is probably that kind of spirit that Bill English is alluding to in his final address.
BILL ENGLISH: I want to acknowledge the Cook Islands contribution to New Zealand. 60,000 people who are valuable, hardworking, contributing citizens who make our country a different place and a better place.
The prime minister's next stop is Niue and then on to Tonga.
