Rousing start to CIP conference
The show goes on-without Sir Geoffrey
Many have been asking, when will the Cook Islands Party (CIP) get cracking with their election campaign? Well on Thursday, the great CIP machine roared into life.
The eagerly awaited CIP conference which would see details of the CIP’s election policies released, began at the Mitiaro Hostel on time at 10am, Thursday 31 August 2006.
It began with a prayer by Reverend Tangimetua Tutai President of the Cook Islands Christian Church.
To the sound of rain on the Hostel roof CIP President Rau Nga welcomed the Deputy leader Hon Tom Marsters, members of the Executive, the delegates and candidates for the September 26th election. Sir Geoffrey Henry and Lady Henry, Nga told those present, was on his way back from Mangaia accompanied by members of the Mangaian delegation.
Smaller than previous conference venues, the Mitiaro Hostel was barely able to contain everyone. In fact a large crowd stood or sat outside.
When Nga extended a special welcome to Norman George and Nandi Glassie, two former Cook Islands First Party members and once bitter rivals, there was a thunderous standing ovation and loud cheers. Norman would have reveled in the warmth of the reception had he not been in Court conducting cases. Immediately following this, there was another rousing standing ovation for the Independent, MP for Rakahanga, Piho Rua.
Nga welcomed CIP’s members of parliament. All candidates for the election were seated immediately behind the top table where the Executive Board members were seated. This was opposite the main entrance.
At a table to the left of the main entrance stood the sign for the “Penrhyn” delegation and a CIP official hurriedly took it down. With the CIP not contesting the Penrhyn seat, there is no such delegation.
CIP General Secretary then read out a roll of CIP members who had passed away since the last conference. Notable among these were Mama Maui Short and long time CIP member Percy Henderson. The list was long and at the end, there was a moment’s silence.
The rest of the morning was then turned over to the delegates to introduce the candidates from the various electorates.
It was a spirited opening session, throughout there was a great sense of unity and togetherness. That it began without the presence of long time, charismatic leader Sir Geoffrey, but continued unaffected, on a roll, with great sense of common purpose, is a tribute to the resilience of the Party to bounce back and evident of the strength and passion underlying a party that is so much like “family.”

– Charles Pitt

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