William Kauvai stands up to a big man in his vaka
Written by Feona Mo’ardi Good

200 percent behind him . William
Kauvai, wife Mii and their family.

WILLIAM KAUVAI says he has great personal respect for Dr Terepai Maoate. But he is standing against him in Tuesday’s general elections because he feels issues in their home of Ngatangiia are being neglected.
Kauvai is on Tuesday taking on one of the most prominent men in the current Government in what some say is a mission impossible.
But Kauvai says while Dr Maoate is addressing national issues as Democratic Party leader and Deputy Prime Minister there are many issues in their village which are being ignored.
“It’s time for a change,” says the Cook Islands Party candidate.
Well known to all in Ngatangiia as Willie, Kauvai was born and raised in Muri, Ngatangiia, and went to school at Tereora College. He left school to pursue a career in government, working his way up to a senior position in Cook Islands Customs.
FAMILY VALUES
A gentle man with strong family values, Kauvai has encouraged his own children and family over the years to pursue their dreams and follow through until the end.
Now he is following through himself.
He said he has watched the Ngatangiia foreshore erode and wear away over the years. The Avana passage recently damaged by the cyclones is still in a state of decay and debris.
He said: “There have been no suggestions that Government are trying to improve our roads or build new footpaths to make it safer for our children and tourists.
“For years I have asked Government to look into building a new back road that starts from Avana and leads right to the end of Ngatangiia that can be used in emergency such as a cyclone.
ACCESS ROAD
“It would also serve as an easy access road for local planters or landowners who want to build their house. There is need for a health facility on the other side of the island.
“Our village has a chemist but no doctor. Our elderly sometimes cannot make it to the other side of the island just to get medical attention. So they suffer in silence.
“These are just some of the reasons why I have decided to stand for my people in Ngatangiia to seek a new direction.”
Kauvai says he has an open door policy that will make him your friend as well as your MP if he is voted into government.
“I am here to listen to your concerns, and you are welcome to visit my home anytime,” is his message.
“That’s the type of relationship I want to promote to my people of Ngatangiia.”
Kauvai’s wife Mii supports her husband “200 percent”.
“He’s a good man with a good heart and I know he wants the best for the people of Ngatangiia.

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