Jane Connolly, the Ambassador of Ireland to the Cook Islands, was honoured to be the first Irish diplomat to serve here.

The Wellington-based Conolly presented her letter of credence to the King’s Representative Sir Tom Marsters in Rarotonga last week.

Cook Islands formalised diplomatic relations with Ireland late last year.

“It’s a real honour to be the first Irish ambassador as you don’t usually get to be the first, it’s a real privilege.”

Now that she has her credentials, Connolly is hopeful she will be able to come back more often.

“Ireland is very keen to build their relationship with all of the Pacific Islands and we all face a lot of similar global challenges particularly around things like climate change,” Connolly said.

“It’s important that we build our relationships and make them deeper so that we can face these challenges together.”

Connolly was appointed as Ambassador of Ireland to New Zealand in November last year.

She said part of her time in New Zealand will be to do as much travel as she can to the Pacific and build up those relationships and partnerships.

During the week, Connolly and her husband made time to visit the Creative Centre in Tupapa to meet the staff and clients and establish a relationship.

The Connollys first visited the Cook Islands seven years ago.

“It’s lovely to be able to come back, it’s a real privilege. This is a stunning place.”