A new cultural partnership has been formalised between The King Movement and the Cook Islands today, through the signing of a covenant at Tūrangawaewae Marae in Ngāruawāhia.
King Movement spokesperson Tukoroirangi Morgan says, “Today’s signing is hinged around a cultural framework, which is tied as a result of genealogical links.”
Morgan says these links were nurtured by the late Princess Te Puea Herangi, and today that link remains strong.
Cook Island Prime Minister Henry Puna says, “I feel absolutely ecstatic, it’s a day when we in many ways are re-establishing our re-connections with the Māori people.”
The covenant provides the chance to further discuss ways they can work and support each other in the areas such as culture, environment and business.
Prime Minister Puna says he understands that the first area of discussions will be around business opportunities.
The new agreement will enable Waikato Tainui's commercial arm, Tainui Group Holdings to do business with the Cook Islands and open the door to talk directly with the leaders of the Polynesian Pacific business forum.