Vaka Puaikura – First off the block

Puaikura CIP launch on Wednesday evening

The Cook Islands Party launched its Muri Enua rally to a rousing reception by a packed audience at Raemaru Park recently. Responding to a beautiful rendition of “ there will be peace in the valley “ sung by Melissa Gosselin, the President Rau Nga captured this theme stating that it was the right time to bring peace to this country.
Responding to a live radio broadcast to the outer islands, the popular Tom Marsters thanked his fellow caucus colleagues, candidates and supporters for placing their confidence in him and by showing their excellent support. “ This is a tribute to Puaikura and the growing trend of our supporters returning home,” said an enthusiastic Marsters.
“ I am ready, physically and mentally to represent Muri Enua and with my 2 colleagues from Puaikura, they add strength and compassion to our team. I’m here and I’m ready to go. I intend to finish our roads from Rutaki to Akaoa once we are in Government.” Both Vaine Wichman and Teariki Heather supported Marsters statement while at the same time, re-enforcing the positive comments from throughout Puaikura towards the CIP.
The final Speaker and new leader Henry Puna, emphasized that we have reached an era where there is a new beginning. “ It’s time to consolidate our efforts and our energy so that this country can have a new and fresh beginning. Tom Marsters is a man of vast experience and he is joined by a new team of action people who are ready to make the important decisions for this country. We have to show compassion in looking after our own people. Unlike the DEMOS and their approach in caring for our elderly. It is disgraceful particularly with their decision to close down the ward at the hospital and to send those elderly home. Who is going to look after them, provide for their needs and medication. That’s not compassion. It’s time to bring dignity and integrity back to our people.”
“ This present government stole the right for Puaikura to be a part of the new government when the 3 people responsible, made the decision to dissolve Parliament. If there was any one question I would ask Dr Maoate, Jim Marurai and Sir Fred Goodwin, it would be this. “ why did you take this country back to a snap election.” There is only one reason, greed!
In concluding, Puna stated that, “ this was the first time that an election has been announced during our Constitution Celebrations. It left a sour taste in everyone’s mouth and people need to know that this was created by these three. It was time to take it back to the people and with the support shown at tonight’s rally, I am proud to be part of this team.”

Mazel the Demo candidate
Political campaigns often sees underhand tactics being used to try and woo voters to choose a certain candidate. “It is an unfortunate but realistic feature of politics,” says Democratic Party leader Dr Terepai Maoate. “Sometimes a running candidate may not even be aware that his campaign team is employing such tactics and making silly promises on his behalf.” Dr Maoate says he hopes this is the case in the situation of Muri-Enua, where some confusion appears to have been deliberately started amongst voters being lobbied by a certain political group. The Democratic Party executive has been told by a number of Muri-Enua voters visited by the campaign group that its members are promoting their candidate as unofficially standing for the Democratic Party. “The Democratic Party totally rejects this claim, it is not true,” says Dr Maoate. “Poko Tuariki is the Muri-Enua Democratic Party candidate, no one else and I want to reassure all Muri-Enua voters of that.”

DP

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