CIP candidates in good spirits and gearing up for campaign 2010!

Judging by the attendance of candidates, chairpersons and campaign managers at the inaugural CIP meeting of “meet and greet the candidates” the CIP are well on the way to putting their plans and directions into action for the upcoming elections , the date which is yet to be announced by government.
Apart from the initial “running in and familiarization of CIP protocols and procedures” the CIP is optimistic it is almost ready and the response and mood from all the Punas in Rarotonga who were represented at the meeting including 3 sister island constituencies Are Nikau, Vaipae/Tautu and Rakahanga, was very positive with unanimous agreement that this type of forum was important and should be encouraged to continue to share information, discuss various policy issues and keep the teamwork spirit alive.
The principle of “Te Kopu Tangata O Te Aroa – the family of love” was a key principle promoted by the MP for Are Nikau Teina Bishop who reminded present and potential candidates that we must never forget who we are, where we come from and where we’re going. It is so important that we listen to the voice of our people especially at the grassroots if we are to gain their confidence and win their support. This is what separates CIP from other political parties and we need to remind ourselves of this principle.
Adopting a Sister Island, improving communication flow, circulation of a questionnaire identifying 3 questions for candidates to think about and electoral roll analysis were some of the issues which featured at the meeting.
With regards to the controversial RAPPA matter, it was hardly mentioned although CIP President Rau Nga advised those present that positive developments were taking place and an announcement would be forthcoming from the RAPPA chairperson soon. Keeping our people informed so that the correct information is passed on is all they want to know to avoid speculation and rumour, said Nga.
In terms of announcing its policy platforms publicly, it was important that all the candidates were familiar with the issues at both the national and local level first for consistency. An induction workshop is being planned to enable all candidates to understand and familiarize themselves with their roles and responsibilities of becoming a member of Parliament including standing order procedures, legislations, civil list and public service requirements. It is so important that they have an appreciation of what to expect and our role as executives is to guide them in this process.
All in all, the positive spirit that emanated from the meeting and the mix of new faces amongst the candidates, chairpersons and campaign managers, was a sure sign that the CIP have been working behind the scenes in preparing itself in its challenge to become the next government. As for its campaign headquarters, CIP Vice President Mark Brown announced that the Leader of the Opposition Hon Tom Marsters has gladly thrown in his support by offering a part of the office to be used for the campaign. The CIP office number is 27762 and will be fully operational by next Monday.
Note: Pukieti Pukieti has been selected as the CIP candidate for the Mangaian seat of Tamarua. He is the current MP for Tamarua.

Herald Issue 463 10 June
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