Kia orana tatou katoatoa ite aroa rahi e te humaria o to tatou Atu. Koia i akatae mai ia tatou ki teia openga mataiti.

To our English speaking friends, Kia orana in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

As we gather to celebrate the festive season, I want to extend my warmest Christmas greetings to all the people of the Cook Islands. This time of year offers a moment for reflection, gratitude, and the opportunity to come together as a community. It’s a time to cherish the love and unity that binds us, and to look ahead with hope and determination.

2024 has been a year of many challenges, the most difficult and embarrassing  being the recent announcement in New Zealand of our government’s attempt to get a Cook Islands passport. However in the true spirit of Xmas I want to park that and focus instead on coming together as a community.

We’ve faced hurdles, but our spirit and collective strength have always seen us through. It is clear that the heart of our nation lies in the resilience of our people, in the strength of our families, and in the bonds we share across our islands.

Looking forward, the year ahead presents us with new opportunities and possibilities. While we may differ in our views, we all share the common goal of a prosperous and vibrant future for our children, our elders, and the generations to come. In the spirit of Christmas, let us renew our commitment to working together for the betterment of all Cook Islanders – our communities, our economy, and our environment.

As we celebrate this festive season, let us keep in mind the values that make our nation strong: compassion, unity, and respect for one another. These values must guide us as we navigate the challenges of the future and continue to build a stronger, more sustainable Cook Islands.

I look forward to the coming year with optimism, knowing that together, we can achieve great things.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!

Kia orana e kia manuia ite mataiti fou.

• Leader of the Opposition Tina Browne