A small group of women protesters, who supported last week’s rally against the government and its decision-making on key national issues, were out again with their placards, calling for new leadership.

This morning Clerk of Parliament Tangata Vainerere confirmed that the vote of no confidence will be held today.

Led by businesswomen Ellena Tavioni and Doreen Boggs, they arrived at Parliament in anticipated that the no-confidence motion filed against the Prime Minister and his Cabinet would be brought to the floor yesterday.

However, Parliament, which convened at 1pm, focused on the $68 million Appropriation Amendment Bill (supplementary budget) debate, which will resume this afternoon.

“We heard there was a vote of no confidence at 1pm (yesterday). Music to our ears.  We then decided to go down and show some support for the no confidence,” Tavioni said.

“The lack of transparency and communication with the New Zealand Government about his (Prime Minister’s) agreements with China as required by our constitution is very disappointing. If there is nothing to hide, why behave this way? Why all the disrespect and secrecy?

“Obviously, Mark Brown has forgotten that he is a public servant to the 15,000 Cook Islanders he is also ignoring.

“The passport fiasco was already the last straw and change is now overdue.”

A group of women supporting the no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister and his Cabinet with their banners outside Parliament yesterday. TALAIA MIKA/25022411/25022412/25022413

Cook Islands United Party (CIUP) leader and Member of Parliament, Teariki Heather, who organised last week’s protest, filed “a motion of no confidence” against Cabinet, including Prime Minister Mark Brown, on Monday, February 11.

Vainerere earlier told this newspaper that MPs must be given 14 days’ notice.

He said that the submitter of the notice could move the motion in Parliament after the 14-day period from February 11 has expired, on Monday, February 24.

However, he said that a motion of no confidence cannot be moved due to the Appropriation Amendment Bill.

Vainerere said according to the Standing Order 219, an Appropriation Bill will take precedence over all other business.

“An Appropriation Bill takes precedence over all other business and until disposed of, is set down each day as an Order of the Day at the commencement of the next sitting day,” he explained.

“The motion of no confidence has to wait until this supplementary budget, Appropriation Amendment Bill is disposed of.”