Kia orana tatou katoatoa, on behalf of my family and our Cook Islands government, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and very best wishes for the holiday season.

It is usual for me at this time of year to cast a look back at the important and notable events of the past 12 months.

This year there have been many – opening our upgraded maritime surveillance centre; the passing of an updated and discrimination-free Crimes Act; launching our first National Security Policy; the reopening of crucial air routes; celebrating 200 years of Christianity for Rarotonga, Atiu, Mauke and Mitiaro; and of course, our very successful hosting of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting – to name just a handful.

Throughout 2023 we have also played host to a large and growing number of visiting diplomats, ambassadors, and other official representatives from around the world, as well as making our own presence felt more strongly on the global stage, stepping into the spotlight on a number of occasions.

Yes, there is no doubt that the world’s eye is turning more and more towards the Pacific, and as that interest in our region grows, so too has the Cook Islands also become a focus of international attention.

With this in mind we must ask the question – how does the world see us? And how are we presenting ourselves to the world?

So, while there is much more, I could say about all those notable events I mentioned earlier, at this special time of year – when we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ – I cannot help but consider the significance of our Christian roots and how they reflect on us as a nation.

This is something that was often picked up on during the Pacific Islands Forum meetings, with several visitors noting the strong everyday connection we have with our Christianity as a special and defining characteristic of the Cook Islands.

Even something as simple as the pure with which we start every meeting, meal or meaningful event demonstrates our connection to Christ and our Christian history, a pillar of our society from which we have long drawn strength and assurance.

It has now been more than 200 years since Christianity first arrived on our shores. Embraced early on by our Ui Ariki, Christianity ushered in a new way of life for the Cook Islands, helping to foster peace and harmony between our different island communities.

Long has our Christian faith sustained us, guided, and inspired us – it is the rock upon which we base much of how we go about our daily lives, an integral part of our identity as Cook Islanders.

So, this Christmas I encourage you to think about what being a Christian really means, as we celebrate this season of giving and give thanks for the many blessings bestowed on our nation.

Remember the teachings of Jesus – to love thy neighbour as you love yourself, to serve others with joy, and above all, to have faith.

Enjoy your holidays, make the most of this time with family and friends, to relax and unwind, to eat and drink and be merry – but also keep your eyes, minds and hearts open to others around you in our community who could perhaps do with a little extra help this Christmas.

As the Lord Jesus himself said, it is more blessed to give than to receive – and whether that be through sharing your food, your gifts or simply your time, the more we keep that Christian spirit of love and generosity in our hearts this Christmas, the more joyous an occasion it will be for everyone.

May God bless you, and may God bless our country – kia manuia and Merry Christmas.

• Prime Minister Mark Brown