Democratic Party launches its manifesto

The Democratic Party manifesto was officially launched at midday on Tuesday 19 October at the Parekura Conference Centre before an audience of about 70 people.
It was an impressive presentation, businesslike, to the point and there was no fluffing around.
The organization and execution was a credit to the organizers, the executive and party faithful.
Eleven candidates were present, sitting members PM Jim Marurai, Party Leader Robert Wigmore, Deputy Leader of the Party Wilkie Rasmussen, William Heather Jnr, Apii Piho and Cassey Eggelton, Ngaingatara Tupa new candidates Sam Crocombe, James Beer, Mann Short and Nooroa Tupa. (Mama Tupa did not sit up the front with the other candidates and did not take part in the group photo).
The speakers in order were CICC Avarua Reverend Mautaiki Ngametua who opened proceedings with a prayer, Sean Willis Party President, Wilkie Rasmussen, Jim Marurai and Robert Wigmore. Aneru Tautu provided translation of the speeches.
Printed copies of the manifesto were available for $20 and a copy is on the Party’s website.
Sean Willis told the gathering the party had a new team, a new executive and had upgraded itself since the conference. He spoke of a new enthusiasm. He said the manifesto was a platform to go into the future, to do today those things to ensure we had a future.
He said at the last election in 2006 the party’s motto was “Embrace the future.” In 2010 the motto is “Our future NOW.” He said the new symbol was one of unity of the past, present and future. We were united as a people, party and nation.
In his speech Wilkie Rasmussen highlighted some of the party’s achievements. He deliberately avoided facts and specifics preferring to speak generally. He congratulated the Committee on producing an excellent manifesto.
Speaking about projects he mentioned Avatiu harbour and said the outer islands harbours had all been upgraded by demo party governments and that this was continuing. He said the standard of health was three times better with new solutions introduced. The standard and quality of education he said had improved and he referred to Tereora’s high position on the NZ list of colleges. He referred to the contract for building the new education ministry building being awarded to Mike Rennie Contractors. In the welfare area he said benefits had been raised for old people and children and more increases were proposed. In sport he spoke of the improvement in facilities mentioning the TSA for which government came in for some flak. In public services he said police services had improved following the review, our Audit Office was the envy of the Pacific and the challenges in immigration were being met. Also our EMCI was one of the best as evidenced following the Aitutaki cyclone. In the finance area despite some bad decisions he said the economy was buoyant and there were plans to enhance agriculture and the pearl industry.
He said other areas getting attention were energy, telecommunications and waste management.
He praised the new line up of candidates.
Prime Minister Jim Marurai delivered a short speech. Independent candidate for Tupapa Tim Arnold watched on from outside the window. Marurai welcomed the new candidates. He said the manifesto had two features. Firstly, it represented the party’s capabilities and past and future actions. Secondly, it reflected the difference between the Demos and others. It showed how the Demos had developed a sound platform of ideas based on careful analysis. He said the Demo party was definitely in a position to lead and he wished Robert Wigmore a successful term as Leader.
Robert Wigmore gave a stirring speech but not before welcoming those present including Ariki, Aronga mana and MPs. He referred to the manifesto as a new basket of food from which he would extract some of the cream.
He said a priority was development of the health sector. He said he was proud of the welfare system and spoke of the increase in benefits. Policing he said was a priority.
He stressed the importance of making business fair and of reducing the cost of doing business. A focus was helping people by putting more money back into their pockets. The tax free threshold would be raised from $10,000 and tax would be removed from secondary income.
Wigmore said right NOW the party wanted good health, strong families, safe homes, advanced education, quality public services, a vigorous economy, and a population of Cook Islanders to share in the greater success that we are enjoying.
We deserve these things said Wigmore. He said the Democratic Party NOW firmly commits to the provision of the greater quality of life that this embodies. The party would achieve these positive outcomes through its policies, policies which meet our growing national needs and aspirations. Our policy objectives said Wigmore are centered on full participation: in community life, business life, and family life, regardless of gender, age or ability.
Wigmore urged the party to keep the campaigning clean. “By showing respect for our opponents,” said Wigmore, “we are setting an example of the way that we will deliver Government to our people.”
Judging by the reaction of the audience the launch was well received.
The launch ended with a lunch.

By Charles Pitt

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