Incumbent mayors of eight outer islands face a tough battle in the upcoming Island Government election, while the mayoral positions in Rakahanga and Pukapuka Nassau are unchallenged.

Pa Enua residents, with their own unique history, culture and challenges, will elect island council members and mayors to lead their respective communities for the next term.

Held every four years, the Island Government Election 2024 will take place next week on Thursday, August 15.

Ten mayoral positions and 55 council positions will be contested.

The elected leaders will be responsible for managing local affairs, allocating resources and advocating for the specific needs and priorities of their islands.

Taunga Tuteru, the mayor of Rakahanga, and Levi Walewaoa, the mayor of Pukapuka Nassau, are both uncontested and have been declared the mayor candidates for their respective islands for another term.

On Mitiaro, island mayor Makara Murare is being challenged by Toru Ngatoko and Tati Tutaka.

Ngatoko, a former nurse, is a part-time employee of Bank of the Cook Islands and has many years of managerial experience.

She entered the election with an aim to work with the people towards a sustainable and maintainable future development for Mitiaro.

“The Government of today is in support of our outer islands and we here should always work in support of, and encourage our healthy young entrepreneurs and young retirees to return to our islands,” Ngatoko told Cook Islands News.

“We have so much potential here, we have the natural resources of our land and sea. What we need are potential owners of economic processes of self-sustainability, and practices that enable self-sustainability.”

Ngatoko first contested in the mayoral election in 2004 and lost by four votes. She was later appointed as the government representative.

Voting on Mitiaro will be held at the CICC Sunday School Hall for all constituencies.

For the hotly contested Aitutaki mayoral race, there are three contestants vying for the position including incumbent Tekura “Poo” Bishop, who is eyeing a third term in office. The challengers are Nicholas Royale Henry and Charlie Taamo. Voting will be held at the Amuri Hall, Arutanga Hall and Vaipae Hall.

Mauke has six candidates contesting for the mayor’s role including current deputy mayor Vainetutai Lucky, Christopher Michael Leahy, Aberahama Makituke, Stephens Joanne Rongoape, Frances Taoro and Tauu Teahui. Voting will be held at the Damian Hall for all constituencies.

For Mangaia, Ngateina Rani is running for the mayor role against the current mayor Makitua Tutai. Voting will be held at the Karanga Hall for Ivirua and Karanga, the Tamarua Sunday School Hall, and the Island Council Chambers for all of Oneroa.

Atiu Enuamanu’s mayor Nooroa Paratainga is facing a four-way challenge from candidates Makitua Boaza, Timaau Mokoroa, Tereapii Porio and Tuainekore Samuel. All constituencies will be voting at the Catholic Hall.

On Manihiki, incumbent Ngamata Imelda Napara and challenger Joseph Hiro will be contesting for the mayor’s seat. Voting will be held at the Tauhunu Cyclone Centre and the Tukao Cyclone Centre.

For Penrhyn Island, mayor Rangitava Taia will be up against Noo Mataora Marsters and Puremana Rio Teika. Voting will be held at the Omoka Administration Building and Tetautua Administration Building.

Chief electoral officer Taggy Tangimetua also declared the following candidates duly elected in an uncontested election: Aitutaki - Amuri Councillor Matangaro Isamaela, Reureu Councillor Gero Ngatupuna James Toki, Vaipae Councillor Ruaautu Ngatokoa, Tautu Councillor Twin Ruarangi; Mangaia - Tavaenga Councillor Tutai Tutai Jnr, Veitatei Councillor Maire Kareroa, Keia Councillor Mini Dean, Tamarua Councillor Ngaupoko Lorraine Metuakore; Atiu - Teenui Councillor Tinga Arai, Tengatangi Councillor Tearikiemaema Teiotu; Mauke - Parai Councillor Vainetutai Oti, Areora Councillor Akamoeau Motoro Tutavake Marcellino; Mitiaro - Mangarei Councillor Maarametua Kimiora, Auta Councillor Brandon Kaukura; Rakahanga - Purapoto Councillor Taunga Temu Hagai, Niteiri Councillor Apolonari Piho, Teruakiore Councillor Tuatangi Aratangi, Matara Councillor Hagai Noa Teanini; Pukapuka-Nassau - Yato Councillor Tapaanga Mataora, Yato Councillor Tinokura Tutau.