There are concerns for older persons who do not have family members to care for them and the lack of support for caregivers who are looking after family members in their homes.

Te Tango Akarangatira Ora’anga (Ministry of Internal Affairs) in partnership with the United Nations Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD) have been conducting public consultations engaging with the community to review the National Disability Action Plan and Positive Ageing Policy.

Cook Islands National Disability Council chairperson Ngatokotoru Tara congratulated INTAFF for taking the Disability Action Plan and Positive Aging Policy to the people saying, “after all it is about them and for them”.

Tara said “inclusion and accessibility” was evident at the consultation with provisions of an accessible venue, captions, sign interpreter and transportation.

“We would like to suggest that INTAFF consult with some influential and diverse group of young at heart elderly to form a positive aging governing body,” Tara said. “And encourage the people of Puaikura to attend the next consultation for the two policies and have a say.”

Consultations were held in Vaka Takitumu and Vaka Te Au O Tonga last week. Vaka Puaikura’s consultation was deferred to tomorrow (Tuesday) at the Calvary Hall from 6pm – 8pm.

Tara added the Disability Council would like to thank Mereina Herman for her hard work in putting together the Positive Aging Policy.

Internal Affairs welcomes the views of the community to ensure the National Disability Action Plan and Positive Ageing Policy documents “reflect the real experiences and priorities of our people with disabilities, ageing population and everyone involved”.

Cook Islands endorsed its first national policy on disability in June 2003. In June 2018, a review of the current Cook Islands Disability Inclusive Development Policy 2014 – 2019 was done with support from the Australian Government. This iteration of the Cook Islands Disability Inclusive Development Policy 2020 - 2025 is the result of the consultations that have been held throughout the years.