The leader of the Cook Islands United Party has voiced concerns over the Government’s recent focus on international matters, claiming it is spending more time abroad than in Parliament.

Speaking in an interview with Cook Islands News, Teariki Heather emphasised the need for a government that prioritises the country’s legislative processes and internal affairs, particularly as the Cook Islands prepares to mark a significant milestone this year.

“It’s a shame, really,” Heather began, reflecting on the past 15 to 16 years of governance. “Government is spending more time overseas than here in the country.”

According to Heather, this is a marked departure from previous years, where more time was dedicated to the nation’s Parliament. The Murienua MP was part of the Cook Islands Party government from 2012 to 2018 and served as the country’s deputy prime minister.

“It’s not like what we had in the previous years. Today, two days in Parliament is a joke,” he added, referring to the current practice of holding limited parliamentary sessions.

“There has been sort of the case, just the last one, and also, I think, October or November. So, yes, we need more time in Parliament.’
Heather also raised concerns about the country’s police force, highlighting the need for structural changes in the way the police operate.

The former police minister said the current issues, such as a rising number of police resignations due to low wages, were a direct result of the Government’s failure to address these challenges.

“We should be concerned about the security of our people, and the police need to change their structure. Now, police are to be accommodated by Government, where at the present time there’s a lot of police leaving because of their rates of pay, and that’s why most of them have resigned.”

Looking ahead to 2025, Heather expressed mixed feelings about the government’s direction, particularly in relation to the Cook Islands’ sovereignty and economic development.

He acknowledged promising signs in the business sector, especially with companies like CITC expanding operations in Titikaveka.

“I think the important issue is that we must retain our New Zealand passport, not to have our own passport, and that might be huge implications in the future of the pensioners.”

Heather also pointed to the growth of the building industry and the strong role tourism plays in the Cook Islands economy.

However, he stressed that the Cook Islands is relying too heavily on tourism to support the economy.

“Here in the Cook Islands, we have nothing, and it’s only tourism that’s assisting us,” he said.

“The building industry is actually booming, because we supply also the building products,” added Heather, who owns construction company T&M Heather.

However, despite these promising signs, Heather voiced concerns about the future, especially as the country nears the 60^th anniversary of its self-governance later this year.

“It’s a milestone for the people of the Cook Islands, for reaching 60, having our sovereign right to decide our future.

“My big doubts are where Government is leading us at the 60^th celebration. The reason is because now $254 million, a quarter billion dollars, has been borrowed (debt level).”

Heather said the country’s growing debt is outpacing the nation’s ability to save or generate sufficient income to cover it.

“We’ve gone above, well above borrowing ratios compared to what we’re receiving or what we’re actually saving up,” Heather pointed out.

Prime Minister Mark Brown, who is also the Minister for Finance, earlier stated that the current debt levels remain below the established thresholds and are at “very manageable levels”, particularly given the country’s gross domestic product growth.