The Pa Enua delegation who arrived to Rarotonga earlier this month for the Pa Enua Governance Forum, have been unable to return to their islands due to the shutdown of domestic borders in line with the country’s Alert Level 2 travel restrictions.

However, the delegates were kept busy with further presentations and discussions that continued last week.

The Forum is held every two years to discuss with government officials from the outer islands across the border challenges, plans for their livelihoods and update them on government policies and processes, says the Island Governance director of Pa Enua services Mia Teaurima.

Matters of concern such as water security is an ongoing problem for the Pa Enua, said Teaurima, “and with climate change, it is a real challenge for us, we need to step up, be smarter and more proactive in adapting to these changes.”

“The Forum is a good opportunity for them to be updated, some of the administrators are new so its good for them to learn how government operates,” he added.

A big concern and ongoing challenge for the Pa Enua is the infrequency of shipping transportation, especially for those in the North. Telecommunications were worked on that saw radio transmission operations for most of the islands up and running before the Parliament sittings that started in May, Teaurima said.

Last week a special session focused on “bridging the digital divide for the Pa Enua” that saw presentations delivered by Vodafone, Manatua Avaroa Cable Ltd, Cook Islands Competition and Regulatory Authority and potential internet service providers on how to improve these services in the Pa Enua.

A range of policies from the Financial Management sector, Office of the Public Service Commission (PSC), other government agencies and ministries were also presented.

The Pa Enua Governance Forum is held every two years with the participation of mayors, deputy mayors, executive officers (EO) and finance officers (FO) from the islands.

The Northern Group’s 13 representatives are: Pukapuka Mayor Levi Walewaoa, FO Mama Tiere; Manihiki Mayor Ngamata Napara, EO Nimeti, FO Angela Tobias; Rakahanga Mayor Neti Tarau, EO Toka Hagai, FO Anau Tunupopo; Penrhyn Mayor Rangitava Taia, EO Puna Vano, FO Tamu Tapaitau; Palmerston Deputy Mayor Bill T Marsters, Councillor Kimiora Marsters.

The Southern Group 16 representatives are: Mangaia Mayor Makitua Tutai, EO Anthony Whyte, FO Marion Harry;  Mauke Deputy Mayor Lucky Vainetutai, EO Royston Jones, FO Tekura Tura; Mitiaro Deputy Mayor Tokai Ngaiorae, EO Anna Roi, FO Vivian Taia; Atiu Mayor Nooroa Paratainga, Deputy Mayor Teremoana Windy, EO Maara Tairi, FO Rangi Tatuava; Aitutaki Mayor Tekura Bishop, EO Tuaine George, FO Vainetutai Tangua.