With a population of around 200 people, the residents of Penrhyn always look forward to welcoming yachters who contribute a little to their economy. However, Penrhyn executive officer Puna Vano says the island needs an upgraded airport to contribute more significantly to its tourism economy.

Vano says so far this year there have been 13 yachts that called into Penrhyn and spent a couple of days before making their way to other islands in the Pacific. And they are expecting to see more before the year ends.

He said there were 17 yachts in 2023, a massive increase from 2022 when only two yachts visited the northern group island.

Vano said: “They love to be part of the island programmes, market day or birthdays. Some make it a cultural event and watch the children participate.”

“We get a bit of income here and there. They are not big spenders but do contribute to our small economy.”

Vano said earlier this month there were two yachts that called at their port. One was crewed by Canadians living in New Zealand who were traveling through the west coast of America and the Marquesas before arriving at Penrhyn. The other was travelling from Samoa on its way to Tahiti.

He said the yachties carry proper border passes which are inspected by the border agents on the island.

Last year, Ngereteina George, Penrhyn’s agriculture manager, received his warrant as biosecurity officer, enabling him to perform his duty as a biosecurity officer at the port of entry.

His job includes performing border operations for international yachts and monitoring the movement of plants or cargo to and from Rarotonga to the Pa Enua by ships or planes.

Vano says that while the island still receives its items from the barge, despite the need for harbour development, they would like to see a completely sealed airport runway and good flight connections.

“If only the airport is completely sealed and has a good flight connection, I believe we can improve accommodation and get more from the tourism market. The priority is the airport,” he added.

In the 2024/25 Budget which was passed last month, the Parliament approved $13.4 million (gross appropriation) for the Pa Enua (outer islands).

According to the Budget Estimates Book, 8.6 per cent is allocated for Penrhyn. It says the allocation of investment among the islands is based on their respective population sizes.

“However, other cost factors, which are independent of the population size, affect the funding required for the Northern Group due to the remoteness of these islands. These factors include expenses related to air and sea transportation to the islands, as well as inter-island boat services for travel between motus.”

In Parliament last month during the debate on the principles and merits of the Appropriation Bill 2024/25, Member of Parliament for Penrhyn (Tongareva), Sarakura Tapaitau said the increase in their budget was only minimal.

Tapaitau requested some assistance from the Government with their plans for the opening of the Mission House, scheduled for next year.

“Upon reviewing the allocation for Penrhyn, I noticed that the increase was only minimal. Nevertheless, we acknowledge and accept its allocation. I have noticed a significant zero under the Capital Project, and I must say, ‘Eiaue Tongareva e...’ (Oh Tongareva!),” she said in Parliament.

“Can the Government please consider this particular area and review it for future budget plans?”

Tapaitau asked the Government to look into their airport and agreed with the Opposition leader Tina Browne to prioritise the Tongareva airport over the Pukapuka airport.

In May when Tapaitau was sworn in as the island’s MP, she highlighted the needs of her people. They included the urgent need for a boat to transport people for the opening ceremony of the Mission House in 2025, the necessity to evaluate their airport for any required upgrades, the importance of renovating their wharf, the need to enhance and upgrade their electricity infrastructure, the acquisition of additional water tanks, and the renovation of current major tanks on land.