Renewable energy tops list of discussions with NZ Government
Renewable energy topped the list of discussions between Cook Islands Prime Minister Hon Henry Puna and New Zealand Government ministers in Wellington recently.
His three-day visit included meetings with Prime Minister Hon John Key; Hon Murray McCully, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Hon Gerry Brownlee, Minister Responsible for Christchurch Recovery, Energy, Economic Development; and Hon Hekia Parata, Associate Minister for Energy and Resources.
Prime Minister Puna told Ministers that renewable energy was one of his Government’s highest priorities and he was interested in exploring ways in which New Zealand could assist.
He highlighted Government’s energy targets (50% energy generation through renewable sources by 2015 and 100% by 2020) which were a matter of economic necessity. Solar energy was the most promising source for the Cook Islands, with wind energy supplementing other sources in certain areas.
The speed with which Government could meet those targets would depend on its capacity to put projects together, starting with the Outer Islands.
Discussions touched on collaboration between the Cook Islands, New Zealand and other donor partners in implementing suitable projects, such as Japanese assistance being used in the Northern Group, with New Zealand agreeing to assist Mitiaro. Japanese funding being used in the North was the first symbolic partnership between the Cook Islands, New Zealand and another country in the energy field
Discussions between Prime Minister Puna and NZ Minister Parata focused on New Zealand’s evaluation of its solar energy programme and the possibility of using biomass for energy generation, the results of which New Zealand was willing to share its results with the Cook Islands.
New Zealand was looking to 90% of its energy needs being met through renewables by 2025. It had already made significant investments in the sector, especially for hydro and geothermal energy. New Zealand was also investing in clean technology and exporting it to the rest of the world.
In regard to solar energy, Minister Parata said New Zealand was just getting started, but was willing to share what information it had to date. Thus far it had found that for New Zealand residential energy the cost of installation was not recovered.
Mr Tekaotiki Matapo, who accompanied Prime Minster Puna to his meeting with Prime Minister John Key, presented his Letter of Introduction thereby formalising his appointment as the Cook Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand.
With respect to the earthquake in Christchurch in February, Mr Puna conveyed the Cook Islands condolences for the tragic loss of life and damage to property. He expressed pride in the people of Aitutaki who had contributed $25,000 to the relief effort which he said reflected the special relationship that existed between the two countries and appreciation for New Zealand’s assistance following the Aitutaki cyclone in 2009.
“That special relationship was reflected in the Cook Islands Government’s policies to liberalise access arrangements for New Zealanders to the Cook Islands,” he said.
Concluding his meetings, Mr Puna said the Ministers hoped the upcoming meeting of Forum Leaders to be held in Auckland would be productive and pledged the Cook Islands support for the meeting.
- PM Office Media Release

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