Foreign Minister, Nanaia Mahuta, departs for the Cook Islands tomorrow, where she will visit development projects and discuss NZ’s continuing commitment to the Pacific nation’s COVID-19 response.
“Aotearoa New Zealand is a country in and of the Pacific. Our ties to the Cook Islands and its people run deep; through whakapapa, language, culture and shared interests,” Ms Mahuta said.
“This visit is an opportunity to engage with Pacific whānaunga and commit to future cooperation. I look forward to reinforcing the importance of our relationship during meetings with Prime Minister Mark Brown, other members of the Cook Islands Government and community.”
Minister Mahuta said it was a challenging time for the Pacific with ongoing pandemic recovery and the intensifying impacts of climate change.
“The need to build and support long-term resilience is vital and Aotearoa New Zealand is committed to doing our part,” she said.
The Foreign Minister will also travel to Manihiki Island in the Pa Enua, the outer islands of the Cook Islands. She will visit areas impacted by climate change and discuss how New Zealand can continue to support the Cook Islands’ climate priorities, including through renewable energy.
The Minister returns to New Zealand on Sunday 16 October.
