Cook Islands Times Weekly | Issue 171 09 October 2006
Marurai thankful, encourages Te Kukupa
Prime Minister Jim Marurai has expressed deep gratitude to the Government of Australia for its assistance toward the $4.2 million re-fitting of Te Kukupa.
The Cook Islands patrol boat is expected to be handed over next week, in Townsville. Police Superintendent Taivero Isamaela is in Australia for the handover.
“Australia has been an important partner in our marine resource management and deserves high praise for the support it has provided to Te Kukupa over the years,” Marurai said on Friday.
“We’ve been fortunate in that the Pacific Patrol Boat Programme has had a tremendous impact on protecting our valuable resource.”
The Prime Minister admitted that the value of the patrol boat had been subject to varying degrees of priority over the years. But his Government was adamant for Te Kukupa to represent a total commitment to responsible management of our natural resources.
The Prime Minister says the re-establishment of Te Kukupa under a new life span was a crucial moment in how the country can proceed. Government will take a number of steps in the future regarding the overall management of the Police and the Maritime Division, he said, referring to the major Review conducted earlier this year.
The boat is expected back home around 25 October.

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