A new cultural partnership was formalised between the King Movement and the Cook Islands today through the signing of a covenant at Tūrangawaewae Marae in Ngāruawāhia.
Tukoroirangi Morgan says, “Today brings to fruition a desire by the King for the King Movement to work in partnership with the Cook Island people.”
According to Cook Island Prime Minister, Henry Puna, “I feel absolutely ecstatic! This is indeed a big day for us. It's a day when we in many ways are re-establishing our connections with the Māori people.”
Their genealogical connections were nurtured by Te Puea Herangi in her time. This was upheld by the late Dame Te Atairangikaahu and continues to this day.
Today's signing means there will be further discussions on how they can work together with a focus first on business opportunities.
“This is just the start. The King Movement has never done this before, forged a partnership with the Islands of Polynesia,” said Morgan.