McCullys schedule jam-packed

New Zealand foreign minister Murray McCully and his delegation of 75 journalists, rugby players, members of Parliament and businesspeople arrive this evening.

Their New Zealand Defence Force 757 touches down on the Rarotonga tarmac at 8.20pm.

The delegation has a busy day tomorrow.

Rugby hall of famer Jonah Lomu, Rugby World Cup chief executive Martin Snedden and former All Black Ofisa Junior Tonuu will be at Victoria Park from 8.45am to host a coaching clinic with young rugby enthusiasts.

ANZ Bank is hosting a meet-and-greet function with Jonah Lomu from 11.45am tomorrow.

He will be at the park opposite ANZ Bank to sign autographs and pose for photographs.

We are very excited to be hosting Jonah Lomu a NZ2011 government ambassador. ANZ is also proud to be a worldwide partner and official bank of Rugby World Cup 2011, ANZ Cook Islands chief executive David Dennis said.

We recognise how important Rugby World Cup 2011 is to the Pacific region and supporting the tournament demonstrates ANZs continued commitment and also aligns with our goal to be a super regional bank and grow our presence in the Pacific region.

At 9am McCully will visit the Te Aponga Uira administration building to discuss renewable energy. Following that site visit, the delegation will move to the Punanga Nui market to attend a Cook Islands Pearl Day function.

At 11.30am McCully and Prime Minister Henry Puna will host a media conference outside the office of the prime minister.

An hour later, the delegation will arrive at Tamarind for the NZ2011 Business Club Luncheon. McCully, Snedden and NZ businesswoman Bridget Abernathy will deliver speeches.

From there, some of the delegation will visit Cook Islands Port Authority to review the Avatiu harbour reconstruction project, and will carry on to the site of the proposed Arorangi jetty.

Concurrently, other members of the delegation will visit the Muri field to have a look at the secondary treatment system installed at the Ngatangiia clubhouse.

A wrap-up function will be held at Ngatipa from 6pm, and McCully and his delegation leave for Niue at 8am on Friday.