Wichman top choice for Finance Minister

Ruaau MP Hon
Vaine Wichman

Ruaau MP Vaine Wichman, who is the Cook Islands Party (CIP) spokesperson for Finance, has plenty of support for the position of Minister of Finance.
Some 137 persons responded to a Radio Cook Islands poll conducted by Captain “G” on Thursday 7 September when listeners were asked who they favoured as Minister of Finance.
Wichman, who is a Development Economist, came out well on top with 48 votes while Hon Dr Terepai Maoate the current Finance Minister polled 38 votes. Next was the CIP first time candidate for Takuvaine, businessman Mark Brown with a respectable 16 votes. He was followed by CIP’s Deputy Leader Hon Tupou Faireka and the Demo’s first time candidate for Ruaau, Smiley Heather with 6 votes each. Prime Minister Hon Jim Marurai was next with 4 votes.
The choice of Wichman by such a commanding margin shows that an alert public is aware that the position of Finance Minister is a specialist position requiring specialist skills. Wichman has had plenty of public exposure helping to reinforce this view. Her “plain talking” articles in the media have helped a wide cross section of people better understand how the economy and the annual Budget work. Also, during his term as Deputy Prime Minister in the Woonton administration following the 2004 election, Sir Geoffrey Henry wisely took Wichman under his wing and groomed her well for the job as Finance spokesperson.
The third placing of Mark Brown is indeed a surprise. It is suspected the novelty and public euphoria of his dramatic entry into politic’s “A” division is yet to wear off.
A significant omission among the top six, is proven big business operator Teariki Heather, the CIP’s current MP for Akaoa.

– Charles Pitt