New MPs learn what’s expected of them

The 2011 Induction Seminar for the eight new Cook Islands Parliamentarians, which was conducted at Parliament House from 28 February to 4 March 2011, ended with among other things, a pledge to practice principles of good leadership and accountability
The Seminar, which was led by Clerk of Parliament Mr Nga Valoa, and supported by Parliamentary Staff and Staff of the Pacific Legislatures for Population and Governance was attended by Parliamentarians including Ministers Hon. Teina Bishop, Hon.Teariki Heather, and Hon. Nandi Glassie Leader of the Opposition Hon. Robert Wigmore, Deputy Speaker John Henry, Leader of the House, Mona Ioane, George Maggie Angene, Tai Tura, Toa Isamaela, Kiriau Turepu, Atatoa Herman, Ngamau Munokoa, Taunga Toka, and Pukeiti Pukeiti.
Two senior officials from the Parliament of Western Australia, Clerk of Parliament Peter McHugh and Chair of the Western Australia Public Accounts Committee Hon. John Kobelke delivered interactive presentations on a wide range of topics including the Role and Responsibilities of Parliamentarians, the Constitution and Standing Orders, Powers, Privileges and Immunities, Business in the Chamber, Lawmaking, the role of Parliamentary Committees, Report Writing, Parliamentary Questions, the electorate, and developing the skills of Parliamentarians.
The Seminar also drew on the expertise of the more experienced Parliamentarians who shared their vast experiences and knowledge in parliamentary procedures with the newly elected members.
The Coordinator of the Rarotonga-based Regional Secretariat of the Pacific Legislatures for Population and Governance (PLPG) Mr Tangata Vainerere conducted sessions on the Background, Mandates and Programmes of the PLPG and Partners in relation to Population and Development and Governance issues including the frameworks on HIV/AIDS advocacy, youth development, climate change, gender, and governance as well as facilitating discussions on the role and activities of the Parliamentary Group on Population and Development, the Parliamentary Champions Programme, the Forum Principles of Good Leadership and Accountability, and Benchmarking of Pacific Legislatures.
The Coordinator of the Pacific ICT Outreach Programme in the Suva-based Economic Development Division of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) Mr Siaosi Sovaleni made presentations on SPCs PICTO Programme and ICT in the Cook Islands and the Pacific, ICT and the Millennium Development Goals, ICT and Parliament and the Regional ICT Framework.
Representatives of the National HIV, STI and TB Committee (NHSTC) in the Cook Islands, Niki Rattle (Red Cross), and Polly Tongia (CINCW), supported by Hilary Gorman (PIAF) and Salome Vincent (PIAF) explained the role of the NHSTC and also made presentations on the basics of HIV/AIDS and facilitated discussions on Cook Islands international and regional commitments to HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention while the Legal Training Officer of the Pacific Islands AIDS Foundation Laitia Tamata presented on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights.
At the conclusion of the week long seminar the MPs noted and endorsed the following;
(1)the Parliamentary Group on Population and Development and the new MPs agreed to become members of the Group.
(2)the appointment of the PLPG Regional Parliamentary Champions Hon. Tom Marsters (Climate Change), Hon. Teina Bishop (Gender) and Hon. Nandi Glassie (Governance) and further endorsed them as National Champions for the Cook Islands in their respective areas of focus and further endorsed the appointment of newly elected members Mona Ioane as the National Champion for youth development, Tai Tura as the National Champion for HIV/AIDS as well as the representative of Parliament on the National HIV, STI and TB Committee (NHSTC) in the Cook Islands, and Taunga Toka as the National Champion for ICT.
(3)the appointment of the Speaker of the House Sir Geoffrey Henry KBE as the new Chair of the Executive Committee of the PLPG, wished him a successful term in Office and extended warm appreciation to former Speaker Mapu Taia for his leadership of the PLPG during his tenure as Chairperson of PLPG.
(4) the appointment of the Leader of the House Mona Ioane as the National Focal Point for PLPG, wished him a successful term in Office and extended warm appreciation to the former Leader of the House John Tangi for his contributions to this role during his term as the PLPG National Focal Point.
The new MPs reaffirmed the importance of their role as leaders in society and representatives of their constituencies and pledged to practice principles of good leadership and accountability at all times.
Through the Parliamentary Group on Population and Development they pledged to work collaboratively with Government and Civil Society to improve the living standards, security, governance and well-being of the people of the Cook Islands and endorsed the following actions for 2011 and beyond:
i. Conduct a Benchmarking Exercise for the Parliament of the Cook Islands
ii. Conduct a Population and Development Advocacy Seminar for Parliamentarians
iii. Work with Government and Stakeholders towards developing and adopting a National Population Policy
iv. Work with Government and Stakeholders towards developing and enacting HIV/AIDS anti-discrimination legislation
v. Engage in advocacy initiatives in HIV/AIDS prevention, promoting targeted youth development, addressing the threat of climate change, improving gender equity and promoting good governance
vi. Work with Government towards developing and adopting a Leadership Code of Conduct for civil servants
vii. Embrace ICT as a tool for social development, economic growth and good governance and work with Government towards developing and adopting appropriate ICT policies and cyber legislation.

By Charles Pitt

Herald Issue 463 10 June
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