The Parliament of Western Australia delegation visiting Rarotonga were delighted to take a tour on Te Kukupa II yesterday morning before leaving the island in the afternoon.

Before boarding the Police Patrol Boat maritime vessel, a traditional turou by Danniel Daniel Jnr and the crew dressed in whited welcomed the delegation to Avatiu Harbour.

The Australian High Commission, Cook Islands in a statement said the delegation was very pleased to visit Te Kukupa II this morning particularly because of its strong links to Western Australia.

“The patrol boat was built, and the crew undertook training at our world-class ship building facilities in Western Australia.

“The delegation was warmly welcomed by the Maritime Surveillance Advisor David Longhurst and Commanding Officer of Te Kukupa 2 Senior Sargeant Tuariki “Stu” Henry and was very impressed with their capability and dedication to the protection of the whole of the Cook Islands.

“The Pacific Maritime Security Program’s new Guardian-class Patrol Boat is another example of Australian and Cook Islands shared commitment to enhancing our security cooperation to address shared regional challenges in our Pacific region,” stated the Australian High Commission.

The delegation of seven arrived last Friday and has had a full schedule of appointments this early week.

On Monday, each member of the group unveiled a cover each to mark their two ‘Table of the House’ gifts to Cook Islands Parliament House as well as observe Parliament first sitting of the year.

On Tuesday morning the Parliament representatives held a Legislative Assembly Precedent Database presentation in Koutu Akarau Vānanga (Parliament Chamber) by Deputy Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Scott Nalder, accompanied by LC Clerk, Sam Hastings.

As well as a presentation in the afternoon on Separation of Powers for Members of Parliament and Staff.

The delegation also called on the Ombudsman Office meeting with Ombudsman Niki Rattle to discuss: Experiences in Parliament, working with government, and Reform work conducted by Ombudsman to improve the lives of those in the Cook Islands and across the region.

The Parliament of the Cook Islands hosted a Farewell function for the group, and the Minister responsible for Parliamentary Services, Hon. Tingika Elikana hosted the delegation to a farewell dinner.