The Cook Islands Party is promising to put more emphasis on the welfare of people in the outer islands or Pa Enua if it is re-elected on June 14th.
The party has been in power for the past eight years and its police director, Vaine Wichman, says the critical issues for the Pa Enua are isolation, not just in terms of transport but also in the provision of services.
Cook Islands Party leaders including current prime minister Henry Puna second from right. Photo: Cook Islands Party Facebook Page
She said through arrangements with private companies, the government feels it will be able to solve the transport problems that have dogged the islands, particularly the northern group, for many years.
But Ms Wichman said that was not all they were planning.
"We have also got to be more innovative in the way we work with our Pa Enua in terms of the current technologies in marketing and e-commerce, in terms of trading some of the authentic women's crafts, raw materials and so forth in the Pa Enua and making sure they are integrated and engaged in our major income earner sector, which is tourism," said Vaine Wichman.