In a display of appreciation, Te Marae Ora (TMO) Ministry of Health hosted a meet and great occasion for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) delegation from Aotearoa New Zealand.

The LDS group was led by Elder Dr Paul Smith, a dental specialist and their regional coordinator for humanitarian need in the Pacific region. He also attended the Cook Islands Annual Health Conference in Rarotonga last year.

“Thank you for working with us, we love being a partner and helping where we can,” Elder Smith said.

“TMO is a healing body made up of many different disciplines trying to work together – that’s Jesus Christ.”

Elder Smith said that their church has donated specifically to Te Marae Ora for the hospital and dental clinic, and also to the Cook Islands in general through projects such as providing water tanks.

The acting director for Health Services, Dr Deacon Teapa, welcomed the visitors.

Dr Teapa said in September 2023, TMO revisited their relationship with the church and discussions took place about the resources needed in the hospital.

He said the church paid nearly $800,000 for a state-of-the-art X-ray machine and portable X-ray units, which they expect to be operational within the next couple of months.

“The old systems are obsolete now and they don’t make parts for them anymore,” Dr Teapa said.

“We appreciate their generous donation and assistance.”

Minister Vaine “Mac” Mokoroa said that the LDS church contributed 30 water tanks, including spouting and pumps, and sponsored the Tepuka water station

A three-ton excavator will be arriving in a few weeks’ time to help out their community.

“Thank you for the assistance you are providing and we are very grateful to the Latter-say Saints church,” Minister Mokoroa said.