Fresh Leadership fires up CIP launch

The new leader of the Cook Islands Party Manihiki MP Henry Puna, told the Times on Friday after the close of the Party’s two day conference that the Party’s focus will be on winning the election.
A fired up Puna said his selection as leader was a “beautiful” surprise after the number of challengers. It showed the great depth and experience within the CIP. The spirit is as it was in 1993 just before the CIP swept to a landslide victory in 1994.
He acknowledged the commitment of former Prime Minister Dr Robert Woonton to the CIP and said it would have positive repercussions for the party.
What was most heartening said Puna, was the solidarity, unity and mutual support for the team.
The new Deputy Leader, Tupapa MP and a former Cabinet member, Hon Tupou Faireka said he was pleased to be selected as Deputy. He replaces long time Deputy, Hon Tom Marsters. Before the voting, he said he and Puna had pledged they would support who ever was chosen as leader.
He said the CIP had put a new team in with new ideas and new opportunities. It would give a clear message to the public the CIP was in no doubt who their leaders would be after the election, unlike the Demos.
That he beat off other challenges for the position was a good sign he said it brought home to him the message he had to perform or others would step up to do the job.

- Charles Pitt

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