Winning for the right reasons

Kia Orana to all our people in the Cook Islands. Firstly, let me thank CI Herald for allowing the Cook Islands Party this opportunity to update you on upcoming events as the nation prepares itself to go to the polls in November.
These are indeed exciting and challenging times for political parties and aspiring politicians as people are given the opportunity to once again, determine who shall manage the affairs of the nation for the next 4 years.
To deviate slightly, we look at what has happened in Australia recently and how the tide is turning for a government administration that has lost sight of what people want. People are calling for change because they have lost confidence in their political masters and like Australia, I envisage that we in the Cook Islands will undertake a similar fate where the will of the people has been neglected for so long, people have lost confidence in government and just want change.
As leader of the Cook Islands Party, I admit there will be many challenges ahead but that is healthy. After all, that is what democracy is all about. In saying that, it is equally important to ensure that people make their choices on election day for the right reasons rather than knee jerk reactions to satisfy a few.
The Cook Islands Party stands on principle because that is the foundation of our existence and we are amenable to positive change and collective leadership. No doubt, there will be some hardliners touting for that extra vote and good luck however I do emphasize, it must be done in the spirit of free choice without intimidation or fear.
I wish all of our candidates proposing to stand at this election, your committees and supporters all the very best because victory in your constituency is dependent on how well you communicate and manage your campaign strategies and how effective the CIP’s commitment will be for strong leadership, teamwork and for the good of our people.
On this note, I also wish our other political adversaries all the very best because after all, the only thing that differs between us is our political desires and aspirations. Beneath it all, we are still one family as Cook Islands people and I am proud to say that the spirit of the Cook Islands Party “Te Kopu Tangata O Te Aroa – The family of love” is very much alive and will play a significant part in our build up to the elections.
Over the next few weeks, the CIP will be focussing on some key policy issues as we anchor our policy platforms outlined in our manifesto. Our message will be simple without the grandiose promises and our emphasis will be on nurturing and developing partnerships with you, the people therefore, I am encouraged by the wave of support given to the CIP and our candidates over recent weeks and I am confident, that level of support will continue and provide positive results on election day.
For now, let’s concentrate on winning for the right reasons as our primary focus. After all, that is what people want. Change!! Together We Can.

Henry Puna
Leader of the Cook Islands Party

Herald Issue 463 10 June
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