Owner and fashion designer of prolific Cook Island brand TAV Pacific Ellena Tavioni is leading the peaceful protest. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Eleisha Foon
A pro-Palestine protest is taking place outside the main auditorium where the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting is taking place in Rarotonga.
Owner and fashion designer of prolific Cook Island brand TAV Pacific Ellena Tavioni is leading the peaceful protest.
The protesters say they want Pacific leaders to "condemn the killing of Palestinians and children in Gaza".
Tavioni told RNZ Pacific "Pacific leaders must condemn the genocide" following the majority of Pacific Island states voting against a UN resolution for a humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Pacific states voting against Gaza ceasefire labelled 'hypocritical'
Meanwhile, Forum leaders will travel to Aitutaki today, departing at 1pm local time.
They are expected to get there about 3.45pm local time where there will be a traditional welcome ceremony before they begin their discussions aboard the waka o'te moana.
Ellena Tavioni Photo: RNZ Pacific / Eleisha Foon